U.S. Army Col. Laura Richardson is the first female commander at Fort Myer Military Community in Virginia. She was military aide to Vice President Al Gore from 1999 to 2001, and served as commander of the 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, which deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2003 to March 2004. She and her husband, Col. Jim Richardson, served as battalion commanders at the same time in Iraq. They have a daughter, Lauren.

How did you become interested in flying helicopters?

My father introduced me to flying. Him and my mom had actually gotten their private licenses when they were in their 20s. … I just loved it.

What made you decide to enter the military?

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I decided to enter the Army when I was a freshman in college. I actually started ROTC and I had started working on my private pilot’s license when I was 15.

You grew up in a very active, physically fit family. How has this influenced you?

In the service, it’s very important to be physically fit because when you are in a combat situation, that’s very draining on you physically and mentally. When you’re in good physical shape, your endurance is better.

Did your fitness give you more respect as a woman in the Army?

When women first enter into the service, I think it’s always looked at as a weakness. … I could beat some of the men at running and I could do more push-ups, so it was kind of neat.

Do you think you represent the beginning of a trend of women being given more leadership positions within the military?

I think the Army and the other services have already transitioned into putting women in leadership positions. It just didn’t happen here [at Fort Myer] before.

What was it like being the commander of a battalion overseas?

It was very exciting, very rewarding. [We did] a lot of great work in terms of civil military operations and rebuilding.