Catherine S. Lutz

Major General Catherine S. Lutz (August 11, 1955 – January 16, 2014) was a Mississippi National Guard officer. She began her career as a nurse before becoming a medical officer. She served in a series of postings before being promoted to the rank of brigadier general in 2009 while acting as assistant to the Chief Nurse of the Air Force, becoming the first female general officer in the history of the Mississippi National Guard. She was subsequently promoted to the rank of major general and commander of the Mississippi Air National Guard.

Early life and career Catherine S. Lutz was born on August 11, 1955. During her career Lutz also served as a compliance officer at the Veterans Administration Hospital and commander of an Air Expeditionary Medical Unit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She was a graduate of the Air Force Flight Nurse School, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College and was awarded the Legion of Merit.

Lutz was promoted to command the Mississippi Air National Guard in December 2011 and also served as the Assistant Adjutant General – Air for the Mississippi National Guard. She received promotion to the rank of major general on December 3, 2011.

Death Lutz was diagnosed with brain cancer but continued to carry out her duties and attend events. She died on January 16, 2014, at the age of 58. In her honor the Governor of Mississippi, Phil Bryant, ordered that the state flags be flown at half mast on January 20, the day of her funeral at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt. A military ceremony in her memory was held the same day at Canton City Cemetery.