Col. Yolanda Gore ended her historic tenure at Fort George G. Meade with a message that reached beyond the military base. After serving two years as the first Black woman to lead the installation in its 109-year history, Gore called for a future where women in leadership are no longer seen as unusual.
Speaking during her relinquishment of command ceremony, Gore said women should lead at every level of the Army without their gender becoming the focus.
“Women leading formations, leading garrisons, leading commands at every level of this Army and this world, it should be so ordinary that no one feels the need to mention it at any podium.”
Her remarks earned applause and highlighted a career that blended historic leadership with a commitment to expanding opportunities for others.
Col. Yolanda Gore Calls for More Women in Military Leadership
Gore’s speech came at a time when the role of women in the military remains under national discussion. Rather than focusing on her own accomplishments, she emphasized the importance of creating a future where women regularly hold command positions.
Her comments also followed an unexpected change in Fort Meade’s leadership transition. Gore had been scheduled to hand command to Col. Sunny Keuhl, which would have marked the first time a woman transferred command of the installation to another woman. However, the Army changed those plans on the morning of the ceremony without providing a public explanation.
Fort Meade’s First Black Woman Commander Leaves a Lasting Legacy
As garrison commander, Gore managed the daily operations of Fort Meade, a role often compared to serving as the mayor of the military installation. The Maryland base is the state’s largest employer, with more than 50,000 people working there. It is also home to the National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command, and several other major military organizations.
During her leadership, Gore worked to strengthen Fort Meade’s relationship with surrounding communities. She built partnerships with local businesses, elected officials, and Anne Arundel County Public Schools, including the seven schools located on the installation.
Yolanda Gore Guided Fort Meade Through Challenging Times
Gore’s two years in command were marked by significant challenges. She led the installation through federal policy changes, funding interruptions caused by a government shutdown, staff reductions, and an ongoing hiring freeze.
Despite those obstacles, she highlighted several accomplishments during her farewell remarks. Those included a first-of-its-kind workforce development partnership with the University of Maryland, expanded internship opportunities with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and improvements to child care services for military families.
Reflecting on her experience, Gore acknowledged both the rewards and difficulties of the position.
“Serving as the garrison commander of Fort George G. Meade has been a blessing and a curse.”
Community Leaders Praise Yolanda Gore’s Leadership
Gore’s impact extended well beyond the military installation. Community leaders praised her efforts to connect Fort Meade with surrounding neighborhoods and organizations.
Tim O’Ferrall, general manager of the Fort Meade Alliance, said he could not remember another garrison commander who had been more engaged with the broader community. He also praised her ability to remain authentic during ongoing national conversations about race and gender in the military.
Gina Stewart, executive director of the BWI Business Partnership and co-chair of the Fort Meade Community Covenant Council, also celebrated Gore’s leadership.
“It was inspiring to have a woman commander.”
A Nearly 30-Year Army Career Ends With a Call for Progress
Gore plans to retire on Dec. 1 after nearly three decades of military service. Her career will be remembered not only because she was the first Black woman to command Fort Meade, but also because of the example she set throughout her tenure.
Her final message centered on normalizing women’s leadership rather than celebrating individual milestones. That vision reflects a broader hope that future generations of women will lead military units without their appointments being viewed as extraordinary.
