Bassett: She helped break barriers at West Point. Now Shen grad Carol Barkalow is helping homeless veterans

Fifty years ago this July, 17-year-old Carol Barkalow’s family drove from Clifton Park to West Point to drop her off for Cadet Basic Training as a member of the first class of 119 women entering the United States Military Academy.

The Shenendehowa High School graduate was one of 62 women who completed the grueling four years and graduated in the Class of 1980. She spent 22 years in the military, retiring as lieutenant colonel, a senior commissioned officer. She served in Germany, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and as a Division Transportation Officer with the 24th Infantry Division during Operation Desert Storm. She also worked at the Pentagon for General Colin Powell, when he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, doing counterdrug operations.

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