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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii —The new Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency senior enlisted advisor, U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Lauren Flores, has returned to the agency for the third time in her career on May 27, 2025.
With Flores assuming the role, it marks the first time a female has held the position since the establishment of the modern-day accounting mission.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of this organization,” Flores said. “Back when I was in Iraq, I told the promotion board that my five-year plan was to be a Sergeant Major here, and now I’m back. It’s a dream come true.”
Flores’ journey to DPAA began with an anthropology degree from Penn State University in 2003. After working as an archaeologist as a civilian, she decided to join the Army as a Mortuary Affairs Specialist.
“I wanted to gain experience, do something impactful for a few years, and then go back to school,” Flores said. “I never left the military, though. I found my passion here at DPAA.”
A few of her prior assignments include multiple positions within the 111th Quartermaster Company, service as an Advanced Individual Training platoon sergeant in the 262nd Quartermaster Battalion and First Sergeant at the 111th Quartermaster Company.
But she always found herself back at DPAA. Once as team sergeant during the agency’s transition from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command to its current structure and again as the Worldwide Operations Center noncommissioned officer in charge.
As she takes on her new position at DPAA, Flores is focused on the importance of the agency’s mission, the unique role it plays for the country and the impact it has globally.
“What we do here isn’t just a job, it’s a sacred responsibility,” Flores said. “We are constantly influencing the world, because we’re proving that no matter where they are, we will never stop looking for our missing service members. We care for the cost of freedom from the ends of the earth to the bottom of the ocean, this is a mission of utmost importance, and I am honored to be part of it.”
In her leadership position, Flores will advise the DPAA director and other senior leaders within the organization on enlisted matters, readiness and accountability. She emphasized a strong importance of working with the families of those who are missing.
“My expectation is that every individual in this agency conducts their work through the lens of the families who have been waiting for decades,” Flores said. “When we keep that perspective in focus, we ensure our actions remain grounded in purpose and integrity.”
Flores’ dedication to DPAA’s mission and her experience at the agency will continue to guide the members of DPAA forward, honoring the sacrifices of those who served and ensuring their return home.
| Date Taken: | 06.11.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2025 18:36 |
| Story ID: | 500528 |
| Location: | HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Sergeant Major Returns to DPAA as Senior Enlisted Advisor, by SSgt Dallin Wrye, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
