The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders are a rich part of Canadian history, based right here in Hamilton.

Today the infantry unit of the Canadian Army Reserve is creating new milestones by putting women in key positions.

Shendal Yalchin says she is honoured to be the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders first female honorary lieutenant colonel.

Although she is the first woman to hold this position, women have been a strong part of their legacy.

Queen Elizabeth II was the colonel in chief until she passed away last September.

READ MORE: Toronto police say off-duty officer stabbed while trying to stop theft at store

Shendal was nominated by former Honourary Colonel Ron Foxcroft and the Argyll Sentate and was approved by Canada’s minister of national defense.

“It’s wonderful to see the traditions, the respect, them training and just being out in our community. And it’s ‘how do we build that awareness in our community about our Argylls,’” Yalchin said.

“How do I, as the first woman, honorary lieutenant colonel, support our young women in our regiment.”

Yalchin also holds another role that is dominated by men.

She is the general manager and chief operating officer at the Hamilton Club, a private social club for members only, and decades ago, they used to only allow men.

READ MORE: Father and son hospitalized after ATV crash in Welland

It was a tragic incident in Canadian history that brought attention to Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

In 2014, one of their soldiers, Corporal Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed while standing guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Ottawa.

Members of this infantry unit of the Canadian Army Reserve forged ahead in their duties.

Meanwhile, Captain Shannon Tyrrell is the only female ranking officer in the Argylls.

“Currently I’m the second of the rifle company and my job is to help my officer commanders to train and administer our soldiers so that they can be ready for deployment,” Tyrrell said.

As a reservist, she’s been in the Canadian Armed Forces for 31 years, is a single mother who trained as a nurse and is now the director of the emergency program for Halton healthcare.

Currently the Argylls are composed of only 8 per cent women, and they are looking to recruit more.

“It’s really important for women joining the Argylls and women joining the forces to know that there is space for women at every level of leadership and that we need more of them and that they are welcome and appreciated,” Tyrrell said.