Washington, D.C. – Congressman G. K. Butterfield applauded the promotion of a Roanoke Rapids N.C., native to “full bird Colonel” at a Pentagon ceremony this week.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Warline S. Richardson, a graduate of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), was promoted to the rank of Colonel during a ceremony with Army Lt. Gen. Robert P. Lennox.

“As the representative for Col. Richardson’s hometown, I know the people Roanoke Rapids are particularly proud of her accomplishments and the patriotic contributions she is making in defense of our great country,” Butterfield said during the ceremony.

Butterfield said that throughout her career, Richardson has been recognized many time for her ability to lead by example, encourage excellence in her peers and subordinates, effectively manage the Army’s resources and consistently produce outstanding results.

Richardson began her active Army career with the XVIII Airborne Corp as a High Altitude Weapons Kill (HAWK) platoon leader of the Second Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C. She spent the next three years serving as Assault Platoon leader while deployed o the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Upon completing the Air Defense Officers Advance course, Richardson served as the Battery Commander for the Fourth Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Unit, Fort Hood, Texas, which deployed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Following her deployment, she served as the Protocol Action Officer for the Headquarters, Department of the Army.

Upon completion of Command General and Staff College, she served as the Executive Officer in the Fifth Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery, Fort Bliss, Texas, which deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Richardson then served as a Special Assistant to the Army Chief of Staff before being assigned as Battalion Commander in Pohakuloa, Hawaii.

Her awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Silver Oak Leaf, Army Commendation Medal with Silver Oak Leaf, Army Achievement Medal with Silver Oak Leaf, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Parachutist Badge.

In addition to earning bachelor’s degree from ECSU, Richardson also earned a master’s degree from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.