Inspirational Woman December 2011: Colonel (Ret.) Jill Morgenthaler

Col. Jill Morgenthaler: A leader, a war hero, a contrarian, a mother and an inspiration. Many of us have a stereotypical idea of what a decorated war hero and Colonel is. What we don’t imagine is Colonel Jill Morgenthaler.

She is an inspiring woman who is a war hero, has raised a family, has been the top executive for homeland security in Illinois, ran for US Congress, and has spent her life saving lives. When you meet the Colonel, you will be struck by her strength, femininity, confidence, and compassion.

The Colonel genuinely seeks to help men and women, boys and girls, Muslims, Christians, and Jews, African-Americans, Arab-Americans, Irish-Americans, all hyphenated Americans, and all peoples of the world to succeed as leaders. As a contrarian for life, we are honored to honor her as the The Skinless Project Inspirational Profile for December.

Describe your childhood briefly.
My father was a career Marine, I spent my life moving every 2 to 3 years. We lived in Hawaii, California, Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Hampshire.  I had to learn to walk into a new place with strangers and quickly adjust to the situation and quickly make friends.

You live with an open heart towards other people. What major lessons did your parents instill in you to be the type of person you are today?
One lesson I learned was not to think, “Oh, I hope someone likes me.” Instead, I thought, “I like you.” That sent out positive vibes and I came across more confident.

Why did you choose the military ?
When I was a teenager, my father was assigned to work for Naval Intelligence at the Pentagon.  His focus was on the Caribbean and he would disappear for days at a time and couldn’t tell us why.  I found that so exciting.  When I spoke to the Army Reserve Officer Corps at Penn State, they encouraged me to apply for a scholarship and I was one of the first ten women to receive a four-year military scholarship.  My destiny was set!

What intimidated you the most about the military as a woman?
Many of the male officers were furious that women were being trained with men and as equals to men.  They were afraid we were going to alter the dynamics of the military.  I was not used to having people trying to break me down, make me cry and make me quit.  Fortunately, as the daughter of a Marine, having grown up playing “war” with the boys, I could take what was handed out and I accepted the fact that I would have to perform better to be considered as good as the men.

How did you overcome it?
I realized that I had to think of myself as a leader before I would be accepted as one.  I had to be at the top of the class to be an equal.  I had to pull my own weight.  And, I had to help others even if others didn’t support me, I had to support them as members of the team.  When I was being screamed at and ridiculed, I kept thinking to myself while standing tall, “This can make me or break me.  I choose to make me.”

How did you challenge or reconcile any moral dilemmas you had with operations of the military?
I love America because everyone has the right to choose their destiny, to get an education, and to be who they are meant to be.  There are nations and terrorists who would take that from us.  I am so blessed that I have protected the rights of others here and abroad.
The Iraqi War was a quandary for me because Iraq had not attacked the United States.  During my time there, I focused on bringing modern technology and education to children.  I took pride in the fact that young women were able to return to college.  I took pride in the fact that I was instrumental in helping young women become Iraqi police officers.

What stereotype would you like to challenge about the military? Leadership isn’t about yelling and barking orders.  Leadership is demonstrating respect for what each person brings to the table.  With respect comes powerful teamwork.  The Army first, people always.”

You completely chose a new path after the military –Politics. Why and what position did you run for? I ran for US Congress in 2008.  I saw the incumbent vote repeatedly against seniors, children, and veterans.  We have the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world.  We can take care of our seniors who gave us everything, our children who will provide us our future, and our veterans who gave their youth to keep us free.

What role do you see for women in politics? I believe that more women leaders and more women in politics will lead to a more peaceful world.

You are constantly reinventing yourself and marching forward. What advice would you give to women who are attempting to find their purpose? Try many different things.  When you find you love something, do it.  There will be sacrifices, but not only will you be fulfilled but you will make the world a better place.

Come and meet Col. Morgenthaler at the Dec.3rd Skinless Project Power Night Event featuring Col. Morgenthaler herself at the Meiley-Swallow Theater, North Central College, Naperville Illinois