Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright, a retired Major General and former commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard, submitted her letter of resignation to President Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Wright assumed the responsibilities as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on January 1, 2013, and after 40 years of government service, she has decided to step down from her position effective March 31, 2015, in order to spend time with her family and enjoy her retirement.

"I want to thank our Undersecretary for Personnel and Readiness, Jes Wright," said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. "Thank you Jes for your service to this country, and the many, many long and distinguished years that you have given to our nation."

Wright noted that serving as Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness these past two years has been one of the greatest privileges of her distinguished career -- serving with, leading, and most importantly taking care of Department of Defense civilians, service members and their families.