Iris Alcinia Bulls
March 12, 1957 ~ May 29, 2021
The world lost a beautiful woman with a generous heart and a joyous spirit on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Following a courageous 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Iris Alcinia Bulls, age 64, died at her home in McLean, VA, surrounded by her beloved husband, Herman Eugene Bulls, and close family. Iris filled many roles in her life: mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, soldier, executive, board member, colleague and to most, a faithful friend.
Iris, the eldest of three siblings, was born to the late Thomas Edward Burton and Reval Alcinia Burton on March 12, 1957, in Elberton, GA. Her father was an Army veteran, and both Iris’ father and mother were career educators in Washington, DC. A graduate of Oxon Hill High School in Maryland, Iris continued her education at Virginia State University. While there, Iris began her commitment to community service by pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Iris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in special education, cum laude, in 1978. Upon graduation, she received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, which she felt would help fulfill her desire to travel and see the world.
During her Army career, Iris served in positions of increasing responsibility, starting as a training officer for a basic training company at Fort Dix, NJ. Her next assignment was as personnel officer in the Republic of Korea. While stationed in Korea, Iris began to pursue her goal of international travel and adventure by touring extensively in Asia, visiting China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand. Based on her outstanding performance as a junior officer, the Army sponsored her for graduate school at Tufts University, where she earned a master’s degree in education administration in 1984. Following graduate school, Iris was assigned as admissions officer at the United States Military Academy at West Point. During that tenure, she was responsible for over 1,000 cadets entering the Academy. Her last active-duty assignment was personnel officer for the Bush-Quayle Armed Forces Presidential Inaugural Committee in 1988-89. After active-duty service, Iris remained in the Army Reserves for over 16 years, completing manpower and personnel related assignments with the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Defense Logistics Agency. Iris retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2006.
After active-duty service ended in 1989, Iris continued to serve her country as civilian Chief of Military Personnel at the US Army Laboratory Command in Adelphi, MD. Her next job was at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of Family Policy. In 1999, Iris was appointed by President Bill Clinton to be Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, where she oversaw human resources policy and execution for one million soldiers and 270,000 civilians for the Army’s $40 billion personnel and training budget.
Iris’ commitment to language training and cultural awareness was inspired by her selection to be on the Defense Language Transformation Team in 2004. This team developed a plan to increase foreign language capabilities of strategic interest to the Department of Defense in support of building a language competent society for the United States. The outcome of this initiative was the establishment of the Defense Language and National Security Office, where Iris was the inaugural deputy director, and served until her retirement on June 30, 2020, after 42 years of federal service. Iris received numerous awards and decorations during her military and civilian careers. Upon retirement, she was presented the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Civilian Service Award, the highest-level award for a career of service.
After retiring, Iris continued to stay active by joining the national board of the Virginia State University Alumni Association and the Northern Virginia Delta Education and Communication Service (NVDECS) Foundation board. She was an active member of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association. Iris was an avid reader and participated in two book clubs.
Returning to the start of Iris’ assignment at Fort Dix, NJ, in January 1979, she left her bachelor officer quarters to answer a phone call, leaving her door open. When she returned, she was greeted by a male stranger and her initial inquiry to him was, “What are you doing in my room?”. He replied, “I am part of the neighborhood watch and wanted to make sure the premises were safe.” Little did Iris know that this “unknown soldier” and recent West Point graduate, Herman Eugene Bulls, would become the love of her life, her partner in marriage, father of their children, and beloved companion. Herman and Iris were married August 31, 1980, at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. Iris was a true partner to Herman in all things at home and work. They shared a zest for social involvement, entertainment, philanthropy, travel, and the gift of drawing friends into their lives.
While Iris’ professional achievements were remarkable, her most prized accomplishments were family related. Above all else, Iris was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, whose greatest joy came from loving and being loved by her family. She and Herman raised three sons, Herman Jr. (Jennifer), Nathaniel and Jonathan (Brittney), in a home where self-discipline, compassion, excellence and love for one another were fostered and thrived. She further instilled in them the importance of giving and making a difference in other people’s lives. Iris was the driving force behind the adoption of the family’s dog, a chocolate lab they named Bucc, who brought smiles and joy to the family for over 13 years.
Family life was always fun and interesting. Herman Jr. recalled how his mother skillfully balanced her professional life with family duties, and the joy on her face upon initially seeing her first grandchild. Nathaniel remembers developing his culinary skills with the patient guidance provided by his mother as well as her encouraging him to read often and be a good listener. Jonathan will never forget his mother for advising him about a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and exercise, her steadfast support of his sporting activities, and the love she demonstrated for his dog, Cubb. She also cared immensely for her daughters-in-law, Jennifer and Brittney, and genuinely welcomed them into the family.
Iris considered her grandchildren, Connor, Quinn, and Kennedy, her most precious gifts. She treasured the frequent family vacations and loved making every family celebration a special event. The grandchildren loved her immeasurably and looked forward to visiting “Grammieland” at every opportunity. Iris enjoyed planning and celebrating granddaughter Kennedy’s third birthday party in 2020, as she and Kennedy shared the same March 12 birthday. At the top of Iris’ bucket list, after learning of her cancer diagnosis, was her unwavering desire to take Kennedy to Disney World, a vacation experience she had previously enjoyed with Connor and Quinn. The trip was planned on short notice and executed during a hiatus after her first chemotherapy treatment, just prior to COVID-19 travel constraints. The sparkle in her eyes, upon seeing the grandchildren’s reactions to that magical experience, was a joy to see. Her desire to experience Disney World with Kennedy was fulfilled.
Iris insisted the family travel broadly to learn and seek new adventures. Family vacations over the years included several trips to Hawaii, Europe, Alaska and Caribbean cruises and, for 12 years, an annual vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC. These adventures satisfied her determination to create wonderful memories.
Iris was passionate about health and wellness and was an exercise enthusiast who enjoyed her daily workouts, and most recently, using the Peloton bike in the home gym. During her treatments, Iris did not slow down. Medical professionals were astonished by her stamina and the will to continue her exercise regimen. This is the same determination and discipline that were evident as she trained for and completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 2003.
Known for her beauty and empathy, Iris was also a giver in all circumstances—especially of herself. Friends and family could always count on receiving a holiday or birthday card. After her hospitalization in early 2020, she wrote hundreds of personal notes to everyone who sent her flowers or a note of encouragement. When she received a phone call, she would quickly transition the topic from her situation to checking on the health concerns or significant events going on in the other person’s life. All who met her were graced by her energy, intelligence, and humility. She was generous and caring, giving bountifully to a myriad of social and charitable causes. West Point was incredibly special to her and high on her charitable giving list because of great memories. At West Point, Iris took her marriage vows, gave birth to sons, Nathaniel and Jonathan, achieved professional success from her role as an admissions officer, and experienced Jonathan’s football games, Herman Jr.’s and Jonathan’s graduation ceremonies, and Herman’s Army Reserve retirement.
Iris approached her illness as she did life—with dignity, courage, and grace. She was committed to winning and never lost hope. She continued to embrace life with an infectious positive attitude. When it became difficult for Iris to verbally express herself during the last days of her life, she always clearly said the words, “Thank you”, “Good morning,”, “How are you?” and “I love you”, showing gratitude for every act of kindness and support extended to her by family members, friends, and caregivers.
Iris made a difference in the world through her deeds and the lessons she taught, which will live on in her family and close friends. She will never be replaced. Iris graced us with the means to mend our broken hearts. Her “joie de vivre”, radiant smile and sparkling eyes will never be forgotten. Her impact was infinite, even if her life could not be. Iris’ spirit will live on in our hearts. She would want us to continue to work toward leaving the world a better place than we found it.
Besides her husband, children, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, Iris leaves to mourn her mother, Reval Burton; her sister, Thomasa Burton; and her brother, Thomas Edward Burton, Jr., all of Washington, DC. Iris was predeceased by her father, Thomas Edward Burton. Iris was also the primary caretaker of our beloved family dog, Bucc, who passed in 2009. Iris is survived by numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt thanks for the care and compassion Iris received from many healthcare professionals at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Scharr Cancer Institute, Johns Hopkins University, The Mayo Clinic, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Fibrogen, National Institute of Health and Capital Caring Health.
Interment will be at the United States Military Academy at West Point Cemetery on July 20, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, Herman and his family request that donations be made to any of the following organizations:
Virginia State University Foundation: Herman and Iris Bulls Scholarship Endowment
Donate online at: https://supportvsu.afford.com/
Association of Graduates West Point: Herman & Iris Bulls Family Fund
Donate Online at: https://www.westpointaog.org/giveonline
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Donate Online at:
https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/DIY/DIYTeamraisers?px=3151843&pg=personal&fr_id=1081
Iris, the eldest of three siblings, was born to the late Thomas Edward Burton and Reval Alcinia Burton on March 12, 1957, in Elberton, GA. Her father was an Army veteran, and both Iris’ father and mother were career educators in Washington, DC. A graduate of Oxon Hill High School in Maryland, Iris continued her education at Virginia State University. While there, Iris began her commitment to community service by pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Iris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in special education, cum laude, in 1978. Upon graduation, she received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, which she felt would help fulfill her desire to travel and see the world.
During her Army career, Iris served in positions of increasing responsibility, starting as a training officer for a basic training company at Fort Dix, NJ. Her next assignment was as personnel officer in the Republic of Korea. While stationed in Korea, Iris began to pursue her goal of international travel and adventure by touring extensively in Asia, visiting China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand. Based on her outstanding performance as a junior officer, the Army sponsored her for graduate school at Tufts University, where she earned a master’s degree in education administration in 1984. Following graduate school, Iris was assigned as admissions officer at the United States Military Academy at West Point. During that tenure, she was responsible for over 1,000 cadets entering the Academy. Her last active-duty assignment was personnel officer for the Bush-Quayle Armed Forces Presidential Inaugural Committee in 1988-89. After active-duty service, Iris remained in the Army Reserves for over 16 years, completing manpower and personnel related assignments with the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Defense Logistics Agency. Iris retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2006.
After active-duty service ended in 1989, Iris continued to serve her country as civilian Chief of Military Personnel at the US Army Laboratory Command in Adelphi, MD. Her next job was at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of Family Policy. In 1999, Iris was appointed by President Bill Clinton to be Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, where she oversaw human resources policy and execution for one million soldiers and 270,000 civilians for the Army’s $40 billion personnel and training budget.
Iris’ commitment to language training and cultural awareness was inspired by her selection to be on the Defense Language Transformation Team in 2004. This team developed a plan to increase foreign language capabilities of strategic interest to the Department of Defense in support of building a language competent society for the United States. The outcome of this initiative was the establishment of the Defense Language and National Security Office, where Iris was the inaugural deputy director, and served until her retirement on June 30, 2020, after 42 years of federal service. Iris received numerous awards and decorations during her military and civilian careers. Upon retirement, she was presented the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Civilian Service Award, the highest-level award for a career of service.
After retiring, Iris continued to stay active by joining the national board of the Virginia State University Alumni Association and the Northern Virginia Delta Education and Communication Service (NVDECS) Foundation board. She was an active member of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association. Iris was an avid reader and participated in two book clubs.
Returning to the start of Iris’ assignment at Fort Dix, NJ, in January 1979, she left her bachelor officer quarters to answer a phone call, leaving her door open. When she returned, she was greeted by a male stranger and her initial inquiry to him was, “What are you doing in my room?”. He replied, “I am part of the neighborhood watch and wanted to make sure the premises were safe.” Little did Iris know that this “unknown soldier” and recent West Point graduate, Herman Eugene Bulls, would become the love of her life, her partner in marriage, father of their children, and beloved companion. Herman and Iris were married August 31, 1980, at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. Iris was a true partner to Herman in all things at home and work. They shared a zest for social involvement, entertainment, philanthropy, travel, and the gift of drawing friends into their lives.
While Iris’ professional achievements were remarkable, her most prized accomplishments were family related. Above all else, Iris was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, whose greatest joy came from loving and being loved by her family. She and Herman raised three sons, Herman Jr. (Jennifer), Nathaniel and Jonathan (Brittney), in a home where self-discipline, compassion, excellence and love for one another were fostered and thrived. She further instilled in them the importance of giving and making a difference in other people’s lives. Iris was the driving force behind the adoption of the family’s dog, a chocolate lab they named Bucc, who brought smiles and joy to the family for over 13 years.
Family life was always fun and interesting. Herman Jr. recalled how his mother skillfully balanced her professional life with family duties, and the joy on her face upon initially seeing her first grandchild. Nathaniel remembers developing his culinary skills with the patient guidance provided by his mother as well as her encouraging him to read often and be a good listener. Jonathan will never forget his mother for advising him about a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and exercise, her steadfast support of his sporting activities, and the love she demonstrated for his dog, Cubb. She also cared immensely for her daughters-in-law, Jennifer and Brittney, and genuinely welcomed them into the family.
Iris considered her grandchildren, Connor, Quinn, and Kennedy, her most precious gifts. She treasured the frequent family vacations and loved making every family celebration a special event. The grandchildren loved her immeasurably and looked forward to visiting “Grammieland” at every opportunity. Iris enjoyed planning and celebrating granddaughter Kennedy’s third birthday party in 2020, as she and Kennedy shared the same March 12 birthday. At the top of Iris’ bucket list, after learning of her cancer diagnosis, was her unwavering desire to take Kennedy to Disney World, a vacation experience she had previously enjoyed with Connor and Quinn. The trip was planned on short notice and executed during a hiatus after her first chemotherapy treatment, just prior to COVID-19 travel constraints. The sparkle in her eyes, upon seeing the grandchildren’s reactions to that magical experience, was a joy to see. Her desire to experience Disney World with Kennedy was fulfilled.
Iris insisted the family travel broadly to learn and seek new adventures. Family vacations over the years included several trips to Hawaii, Europe, Alaska and Caribbean cruises and, for 12 years, an annual vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC. These adventures satisfied her determination to create wonderful memories.
Iris was passionate about health and wellness and was an exercise enthusiast who enjoyed her daily workouts, and most recently, using the Peloton bike in the home gym. During her treatments, Iris did not slow down. Medical professionals were astonished by her stamina and the will to continue her exercise regimen. This is the same determination and discipline that were evident as she trained for and completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 2003.
Known for her beauty and empathy, Iris was also a giver in all circumstances—especially of herself. Friends and family could always count on receiving a holiday or birthday card. After her hospitalization in early 2020, she wrote hundreds of personal notes to everyone who sent her flowers or a note of encouragement. When she received a phone call, she would quickly transition the topic from her situation to checking on the health concerns or significant events going on in the other person’s life. All who met her were graced by her energy, intelligence, and humility. She was generous and caring, giving bountifully to a myriad of social and charitable causes. West Point was incredibly special to her and high on her charitable giving list because of great memories. At West Point, Iris took her marriage vows, gave birth to sons, Nathaniel and Jonathan, achieved professional success from her role as an admissions officer, and experienced Jonathan’s football games, Herman Jr.’s and Jonathan’s graduation ceremonies, and Herman’s Army Reserve retirement.
Iris approached her illness as she did life—with dignity, courage, and grace. She was committed to winning and never lost hope. She continued to embrace life with an infectious positive attitude. When it became difficult for Iris to verbally express herself during the last days of her life, she always clearly said the words, “Thank you”, “Good morning,”, “How are you?” and “I love you”, showing gratitude for every act of kindness and support extended to her by family members, friends, and caregivers.
Iris made a difference in the world through her deeds and the lessons she taught, which will live on in her family and close friends. She will never be replaced. Iris graced us with the means to mend our broken hearts. Her “joie de vivre”, radiant smile and sparkling eyes will never be forgotten. Her impact was infinite, even if her life could not be. Iris’ spirit will live on in our hearts. She would want us to continue to work toward leaving the world a better place than we found it.
Besides her husband, children, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, Iris leaves to mourn her mother, Reval Burton; her sister, Thomasa Burton; and her brother, Thomas Edward Burton, Jr., all of Washington, DC. Iris was predeceased by her father, Thomas Edward Burton. Iris was also the primary caretaker of our beloved family dog, Bucc, who passed in 2009. Iris is survived by numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt thanks for the care and compassion Iris received from many healthcare professionals at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Scharr Cancer Institute, Johns Hopkins University, The Mayo Clinic, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Fibrogen, National Institute of Health and Capital Caring Health.
Interment will be at the United States Military Academy at West Point Cemetery on July 20, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, Herman and his family request that donations be made to any of the following organizations:
Virginia State University Foundation: Herman and Iris Bulls Scholarship Endowment
Donate online at: https://supportvsu.afford.com/
Association of Graduates West Point: Herman & Iris Bulls Family Fund
Donate Online at: https://www.westpointaog.org/giveonline
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Donate Online at:
https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/DIY/DIYTeamraisers?px=3151843&pg=personal&fr_id=1081
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Herman, Thomasa, Thomas Edward, Mrs. Burton, and rest of the family, what a beautiful personal Iris was and what a beautiful life she shared with all of you. I pray that your memories will make you smile more than cry. My sincere condolences. I will continue to keep you all lifted in prayer. Love, Cheryl Green
What a life well lived! Iris accomplished more in one lifetime, than most people do in two lifetimes. Leah and I are holding the Bulls Family in our prayers and our thoughts. We will light a candle in Iris’ name. Nana Mensah
Iris was my dear friend. We lived in the same neighborhood, attended high school together and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding in May 1979. I have so many fond memories that I cherish. Rest well Iris❤️
Deepest Sympathy. Jon and Terry Kolp