The Army Reserve Medical Command in Pinellas Park has its first female leader.

Major General Mary Link was promoted to a two-star general Saturday morning before taking command in a separate ceremony.

"It's really important that we are equal and seen equal,” Link said. “We do the same jobs for the most part, especially in the medical field."

Link is also the first Army nurse to take command. She’s spent more than three decades in the Army and said she’s ready to use her skills to lead the 8,000 medical reserve soldiers across the country.

“Just being able to make a difference, that’s what’s important to me,” Link said. “Just to make a difference in the soldiers’ lives."

Link took over from retiring Major General Bryan Kelly.

"She's very familiar with the command and the soldiers in the command and units and she's an outstanding selection to come in and back fill me,” Kelly said.

Link’s brother and two sons were at Saturday’s ceremony.

"Mom, when she got home it was always time to be a mother and spend time with the kids and time to be a family,” said Jake Dona, Link’s youngest son.

Link is the fifth commander of the unit since it was established 10 years ago.