LTC Diane J. Meleen , U.S. Army

I was born and raised in a small western New York town at the basin of the Allegheny mountain region in Chautauqua County. If you have ever been there in the winter, you would know what long winters and isolation really feels like. The beauty of the area in the fall and summer months is spectacular and well known for breathtaking views. It is Amish country and a place where people come from all over the world to spend 6 weeks of a breathtaking summer. I was the 3rd child of 4 kids and only daughter to join the military. My mom and dad made a life for us spending summers camping and small trips in the car across the Eastern United States. My summers were spent outside with the boys and neighborhood kids riding dirt bikes, junk cars and playing tag.

What shaped my decision to join the military was my best friend from high school signed up for the military so, it seemed like a good idea to me at the time. The Army offered a significant amount of money for college, more than the other services so, I grabbed the opportunity. My family didn’t have the financial means to send me to college and I was ready to get out of a small town and embark on a big adventure. I idolized my dad and he served as an enlisted Army radio specialist after Vietnam War in Korea. I can’t help think now that looking at his service pictures as a kid helped shape my decision to follow in his footsteps. And I am still serving after 30 years.

Getting on that plane for basic training was a lot tougher than I thought it would be and I almost changed my mind but, something internal to me which I can’t explain pushed to keep going. My life journey in the military taught me that personal growth and individual success require the kind of sacrifice that most people would not like to experience. I have learned that the fear of change can prevent personal growth. Confidence and effective leadership means looking out for others above one self.

I have been challenged and have grown in personal maturity, leadership, personal growth, and a greater acceptance of others from diverse cultures.

My pride on being an American has been strengthened and I have the greatest appreciation for what others have sacrificed before me. I wouldn’t want to live or be anywhere else. Serving in the military has satisfied my curiosity to see the world.

I would you like to impart upon the new generation of leaders is to learn, grow and develop with your subordinates and peers. Don’t jump to conclusions or generalize – there is always a back story. It is important to give back at the end!

I continue to serve after 30 years because it satisfies an inner desire to challenged, the surprise is that it benefited a greater good to include my own personal growth.

What I want my legacy to be is that anyone can be successful and make a difference if you are willing to work hard and listen to others. Working hard and helping others are the key to success!

I would like to be remembered as a kind, compassionate and considerate leader who overcame many personal challenges and circumstances – And never gave up on herself!