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FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq— Patricia Sellers has wings now.
On Feb. 3, Lt. Col Patricia Sellers, the battalion commander of Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, was added to the honorable ranks of the U.S. Army's full-bird colonels.
"It is a glorious day," said Sellers, who has served for 22 years. "I've been truly blessed all my life. This is truly the icing on the cake."
Sellers states that it has been "a wonderful career with great Soldiers every minute of every day."
However one is not to assume that earning wings in the U.S. Army has been an easy task for this battalion commander, who always seems to sport a brilliant smile.
"There have been a lot of walls," she said. "But with a smile on your face, you can handle anything."
During her speech, Sellers recalls "There have been a few obstacles along this journey such as being passed over for major the same day that I graduated from an Army Master's program. But, just like I tell my Soldiers, when something bad happens, we have choices. I chose to continue working hard, keeping my head up and soldiering on."
"It's all about your decisions, what you choose to do with whatever is available and whatever comes your way," said the smiling Sellers. "So my message to all the youngsters in the room - know that you can achieve whatever you want in life both in and out of the Army. Maintain a positive attitude, be proactive and be responsive."
Sellers also took the time to thank Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, the Task Force Marne commanding general, for taking time out of his schedule to pin her wings on.
She also thanked her senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Dana S. Mason Jr. the 1-1 STB command sergeant major.
She thanked other officers, her company command teams, the 1-1 STB Soldiers, her fellow 1-1 battalion commanders and those who have befriended her over the years.
"To my friends here and all around the world who are my extended family, many who are still serving either in or out of uniform, thanks for being great friends and an awesome support network," she said.
Seller's mother and her sister Janice were able to view part of the winged promotion by computer.
"And of course, to my immediate family, mom and my sister Janice who are on the line here, thanks for being supportive of my career. Thanks for not giving me too much of a hard time when I'm not there for important life events, and thanks for visiting me in all the great places that I have been stationed. I love you all!"
Sellers said she earned her wings with the help given to her over the years and what she was able to "bring to the table."
"My contributions to getting me this far in the military were tenacity, strong character, and a dedicated work ethic."
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 02.24.2010 07:35 |
| Story ID: | 45785 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 157 |
| Downloads: | 144 |
This work, Female Officer has wings, by SSG Christina Turnipseed, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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