Charlene Austin Is a National Advisor for the Military Child Education Coalition. She Is the Wife of Lloyd Austin. Her Husband Is an American Retired Army General Who Has Been the United States Secretary of Defense Since January 22, 2021. Prior to That Austin Worked as the 12Th Commander of United States Central Command (Centcom). He Was the First Black Commander of Centcom, He Is the First Black Secretary of Defense. Charlene Has Served as a Non-Profit Administrator Between 2009 and 2016 and Served on the Board of the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University.