Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Johnson | U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Marlena A. DeCelle poses with her husband, U.S. Air Force Lt....... read more read more
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Okinawa armory floor was crowded with uniformed personnel and people. Excited conversations echoed between the walls as all waited in anticipation for the ceremony to begin.
A row of five flags dominated center stage. The U.S flag, the California state flag, U.S. Army flag, a two-star general flag, and one standard still encased. This flag would be unfurled after the promotion order of U.S. Army Col. Marlena A. DeCelle was officially published and the one-star rank of brigadier general adorned her uniform.
The large gathering took their seats, and a hush settled over them as DeCelle marched to the stage to begin the ceremony.
“I grew up in a close-knit family with a long tradition of military service,” said DeCelle. “I am the 5th generation to serve in the U.S. Army dating back to the Spanish American War.”
DeCelle has many family members that have served in every conflict in U.S. history up to this day. They have served in every enlisted and officer rank up to her rank as brigadier general. Her father is a U.S. Navy veteran, two brothers are officers in the U.S. Army, and several uncles, aunts, and cousins have served or are currently serving.
“I am proud to continue this legacy,” DeCelle said.
With such a rich family history of military service, her motivation to serve was never a question.
“If there is a will, there is a way. I stayed focused on my goals and tried to make decisions that would make my family proud,” said DeCelle with regards to her focus while she was in college. She commissioned from the University of California-Davis from the Reserve Officer Training Corps and entered active duty.
Before joining the California National Guard, she served in leadership positions of increased responsibility at the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and with the 13th Corps Support Command in Fort Hood, Texas.
DeCelle separated from active-duty army in 2005 and believed that was the end of her service. She joined the civilian work force and prospered in the financial industry.
“It wasn’t bad…but something was missing…the brotherhood, the sisterhood, and the camaraderie that is shared when we put on this uniform,” she said. “We are not here to collect a paycheck. It is something bigger. We are here to serve.”
As a dual active Army military couple, they endured many hardships including finding reliable childcare that they trusted, especially whenever they changed permanent duty stations.
From the start of her initial entry as an officer candidate in the ROTC unit until now, DeCelle has witnessed the evolution of the parental leave policies and resilience in the ranks.
“I had four children under the old policy and found myself re-evaluating my service each time I had to return to work when I was still bonding with my newborn at only six weeks old,” she said. “I have seen so many talented women leave service because of the former six-week maternity and 10-day paternity policy.”
The recent policy change for the Army grants 12 weeks of parental leave following a period of convalescent leave, and non-birth parents will be granted 12 weeks of leave following the birth of the child. Adoptive parents and eligible foster parents are also granted 12 weeks of parental leave.
“This is a win-win for all and really places families first,” said DeCelle.
Placing families and people first is a pinnacle component to DeCelle’s leadership style of mission command. This philosophy is guided by six principles that she whole heartedly believes in:
- Build cohesive teams through mutual trust
- Create shared understanding
- Provide a clear commander's intent
- Exercise disciplined initiative
- Use mission orders
- Accept prudent risk.
“I have developed this throughout my career by putting people first and recognizing talent,” she said.
Her dedication to this attitude was evident in the crowd that amassed for her promotion ceremony.
“Attention to orders,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Krog, DeCelle’s brother and the master of ceremonies for the event. “The President of the United States, upon recommendation of the Secretary of the Army, has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, fidelity, and abilities of Col. Marlena A. DeCelle, in view of these qualities and her demonstrated potential for increased responsibility, she is therefore promoted to brigadier general.”
The crowd broke out in applause as Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, the acting adjutant general of the California National Guard placed a one-star rank on DeCelle’s uniform.
“Wow! I want to thank every single one of you for taking the time from your busy schedules to show your support,” she said. “No matter the rank or how long we’ve known each other, whether you’re military or a civilian, friend or family, I am truly humbled as I look around this room.”
DeCelle thanked many that have been a part of her military journey. From Beevers and California National Guard units, to her husband of 23 years, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ken DeCelle, and her numerous family members in the audience.
“I never imagined I would be standing here as a General Officer,” said DeCelle. “I am truly humbled, and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to go through this journey with so many amazing people.”
Q & A with Brig. Gen. DeCelle:
Q: Did you always want to be a General Officer?
"I never had an ultimate rank that I wanted to achieve in mind and never imagined I would be a General Officer. I just always strived to do a good job and take care of Soldiers and their families."
Q: As a woman in the Armed Forces, did you have any unique struggles?
"The military is a male dominated profession. Other than some of the physical requirements I had to train extra hard for like climbing the rope at Air Assault school, the military has been a very equal opportunity organization for me throughout my career. I can honestly say I have been given the opportunity to command at all levels and work in hard staff jobs which allowed me to compete at my full potential. Not to mention there is no gender discrimination when it comes to wages in the military."
Q: What are your top three fundamentals to be a good leader?
"1. Communication: Effectively communicate and provide clear guidance.
2. Self-awareness: Understand how your decisions impact the organization.
3. Learning agility: Know when to change course by listening and taking recommendations; be adaptable."
Q: What inspires you?
"Growing the force and creating a culture where we retain our Service Members and their families. "
Q: What advice would you give Soldiers that are questioning a continuation of their service?
"Remember why you raised your right hand and volunteered to serve. You are here for a reason. Service to our state and nation serves a bigger purpose. Seek out a mentor who you trust and respect and allow him or her to guide you through the process. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for mentors and trailblazers that came before me and guided me."
Q: As a woman, Soldier, and a military leader, what would you tell others who are unsure if they could achieve their dreams in the military?
"Like I tell my kids, you can do anything you put your mind to. Set goals, stay focused and never turn down a hard assignment or school. You will come out a better person for having endured whatever challenges you face."
| Date Taken: | 03.29.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.29.2023 16:26 |
| Story ID: | 441497 |
| Location: | SACRAMENTO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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