Sergeant Major Kimberly J. Garrick was born 13 June 1958 in Jefferson Township, New Jersey and entered the U.S. Army in April of 1977. During her military service, she was the first female to achieve the rank of Sergeant Major in the Chemical Corps.

As Sergeant Major, Directorate of Training, U.S. Army Chemical School at Fort McClellan, she administered one of the most successful relocations of the U.S. Army Chemical School from Fort McClellan, AL to Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Two weeks into her position as 1SGT, Headquarters Headquarters Detachment, 180th Transportation Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas she deployed with her unit in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Sergeant Major Garrick devoted over 24 years of service to the U.S. Army and completed five overseas tours.

Sergeant Major Garrick’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (9th Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon (4th Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal (3rd Award) and the Kuwait Liberation medal from the government of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Order of the Dragon.

After her retirement, Sergeant Major Garrick volunteered with the Anniston, Alabama school system. She also volunteered with the Red Cross as a reading coach. She transformed her ability to mentor young people into a career in education, first by teaching second and fourth grade and currently as the Interim Principal of Constantine Elementary School, Anniston, AL.