Alumna General Carol Ann Fausone Honored For Her Service and Leadership
Recently retired General Fausone was integral in getting more women into military duty.
On March 24, the Observer & Eccentric published a piece about one of the University of Michigan School of Nursing’s nationally recognized and distinguished alumni, Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone. After 34 years of active military service, General Fausone retired earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy of exemplary leadership for military women. Read the full article below (reproduced from the March 24, 2011 edition of the Observer & Eccentric).
Retired General Paves Path for Military Women
By Joanne Maliszewski
Veterans' tales told by her father and grandfather helped set the stage for a 34-year military career capped as Michigan's first woman brigadier general.
Retired earlier this year, Carol Ann Fausone of Canton remains humble and introspective about the 2002 promotion that elevated her to a rank shared by only a handful of women.
But don't expect a hardened soldier. Fausone paved a successful path for women - and men as well - in the military and in her nursing career with a legacy of integrity, leadership and, above all, kindness and humanity.
“Carol Ann's nature is to care for individuals and their well-being, whether as a nurse or as a commanding officer,” said her husband Jim Fausone, an attorney who works with veterans at Northville-based Fausone Bohn, LLC. “I believe it is that fundamental trait that led her to rise to the rank of general and to be an officer who the troops were willing to follow. She always understood leadership is not about rank or position, but how you treat people.”
Despite a rich resume of accomplishments, Fausone's sense of her place in the world is humbling and inspiring. “It was such a great honor. When I see the flag flying, I am so proud to have served my country,” said Carol Fausone.
Fausone's success has its roots in motivation and dedication. Beginning with her father and grandfather's stories, the Ohio native knew the military was for her. Tradition, service and commitment to her family, her country and her profession have long been her guideposts.
Two years after Fausone graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in nursing, she received her commission in the U.S. Air Force as a medical officer.
DESIRE TO SERVE
“I just had this yearning. I wanted to serve my country and being a nurse was great,” Carol Fausone said.
She had considered the U.S. Navy, but decided the Air Force would give her a greater chance to serve on missions. And it did. Her career has taken her halfway around the world and back. Among her stops were Korea, Honduras, Italy, Germany and the Balkan states.
Her first active-duty assignment as a second-lieutenant was at Fairchild Air Force Base Hospital in Spokane, Wash. As a commissioned officer, she climbed the ranks beginning as a clinic nurse, nursing service coordinator and finally as a nursing education director. When her active duty service was complete in 1981, Fausone and her husband returned to Michigan where she joined the Michigan Air National Guard assigned to Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
In 1995, Fausone was selected as the Medical Commander in the 110th Medical Squadron Air National Guard in Battle Creek. Her career includes work at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia as liaison between the Air National Guard and the Air Combat Command for which she provided guidance for medical training, policies and programs. By 2001, she was the assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Force Health Protection & Readiness.
CIVILIAN LIFE
In her civilian life, Fausone's educational career also grew with two masters of sciences degrees, one in nursing, another in administration, both from Madonna University in Livonia. Her military education followed suit and she completed Air War College, Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officers School.
When appointed brigadier general in 2002, Fausone was the director of nursing for St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia. By 2003, she became the Assistant Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in Michigan following her passion representing veterans, and soldiers in all branches of the service, including the Coast Guard.
Policy matters and procedures were a part of her job. But her work was always about the people.
As the stars of a general were pinned on her shoulders in 2002, Fausone credited her family, colleagues and friends for her success. Anyone who speaks with Fausone even for a short time, must suspect she recalls the names and stories of each person she has ever encountered.
“I followed the values of my mom and dad. You have to be kind to people. You have to work hard. And you have to treat people in the way you want to be treated,” she said.
Fausone has maintained consistency in the values that drive her. Accountability and integrity are among her life standards, as is “service above self.” Her role in the military was always clear: “It was to take care of our American heroes, those on active duty, in the Guard and our veterans.”
Only one list is longer than her resume. It's the names of the people she helped, mentored or cared for throughout her career. When the news of her recent retirement as brigadier general spread, letters and phone calls poured in.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Michelle Ruehl, who is stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado, offered her thanks. “Just as you taught me, I try to inspire young men and women to be relentless in pursuit of their dreams. A young cadet in my classroom may become the future Air Force Chief of Staff - not because I encouraged her, but because you first encouraged me.”
Ruehl also captured Fausone's humility. When she moved out of her academy dorm room, a horrified, Ruehl watched as the brigadier general in full dress uniform grabbed the cadet's suitcase and headed for the elevator. Fausone's response: “There's work to be done. I'm perfectly capable of carrying this suitcase.”
Retirement won't stop Fausone. She continues to serve on the University of Michigan School of Nursing Advisory Board, the Madonna Foundation Board and Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America Advisory Board. “I stay organized. You have to have a management tool box. If I am going to do something, I am going to do it to the best of my ability.”
And her mission remains the same. Fausone will continue to help men and women who want a career in the military, and family and friends will always remain a priority. “I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for my family. Our families are so important to us.”
