Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kelvin Ringold | Capt. Sheldon Marcelline, company commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company,...... read more read more
FORT HOOD, Texas– For the last year, the military has been reducing the number of service members throughout its many branches. With so many cuts on both the officer and enlisted sides, only the very best are being retained. The leaders and command teams in the 11th Signal Brigade make sure these soldiers are recognized every month.
Spc Arailla Heegel, a military intelligence soldier and security manager, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 11th Signal Brigade, was chosen as the 11th Signal Brigade June Spotlight Soldier. Spotlight Soldiers are those that go above and beyond just doing their day-to-day jobs, continually stand-out and strive to make a positive impact on the people around them.
“Spc. Heegel has been an invaluable member of the S2 section,” said Capt. Jacquie O’Connor, S2 officer in charge. “She joined us from 4th Sustainment [Brigade] and their loss was our gain.”
Heegel is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and was already highly motivated before joining the Army. After graduating from South View High School in Hope Mills, North Carolina, she went into the Esthetics Technology Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College. She was on the dean’s list while she attended, and earned a certificate in the field.
She originally majored in psychology, but decided to switch in order to follow in her mom’s footsteps.
“She’s a cosmetologist and she owned her own hair [salon] when I was younger,” explained Heegel.
After receiving her certification she made the decision to enlist in the Army.
“Honestly, I kind of joined spontaneously,” said Heegel. “My family and friends didn’t even think that I was being serious until the day I left.”
After already having success in the collegiate world, Heegel made the move to join the military as another way of improving herself.
“What interested me were the numerous opportunities that the Army could provide,” Heegel explained. “I wanted to try something new and challenge myself as well as further my education.”
Adjusting to the Army life was difficult, but Heegel adapted quickly.
“The most challenging thing that I had to face was just learning how to keep pushing myself even when I felt like giving up,” Heegel said with a smile. “The Army was a whole new world and there were times when I doubted that I would even make it.”
Realizing that coming into the Army wasn't just about her anymore, Heegel was able to push forward and complete her Initial Entry Training and go on to graduate her 17-week Advance Individual Training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
“I continue to push, not just for me, but for my friends, my family, and my country,” Heegel said. “Sometimes you can get so wrapped up in yourself that you forget how big of an impact you are truly making. It feels good knowing that I play a part in keeping my country safe.”
Her resilience, dedication and commitment to helping the people around her are some of the reasons she excels in her unit.
“Her diligence in preparing the brigade and battalions for the III Corps subsequent command inspection directly contributed to S2 having some of the best inspection results in the brigade,” said O’Connor.“
Her hard work and dedication earned her an Army Achievement Medal.
“Spc. Heegel was instrumental in the success of the brigade’s subsequent command inspection,” said Capt. Sheldon Marcelline, company commander, HHC, 11th Signal Brigade. “Even with the high operational tempo Spc. Heegel keeps a positive attitude and a smile on her face. We are proud to have her as part of our S2 section and brigade.”
After joining the Army to improve and grow as a person, she is using the opportunity to excel both physically and mentally.
“Currently, I am a few classes away from my associates in intelligence studies,” said Heegel. “I want to continue to pursue the program further and earn my bachelors.”
Being recognized as a top soldier is a great experience, and it probably will not be the last time she gets noticed.
“It is an honor to be recognized as the June Spotlight Soldier,” Heegel said excitedly. “I hope that I can be an example to guide my fellow soldiers into achieving the same thing.”
| Date Taken: | 06.18.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2015 09:43 |
| Story ID: | 167103 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Hometown: | FAYETTEVILLE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 371 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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