Photo By Billie Suttles | The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School Student Detachment Operations...... read more read more
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – “My ultimate goal is to set a standard of excellence and resilience for my daughter,” said Staff Sgt. Monnea Slade. “Showing her that no matter how challenging life becomes, fear should never hinder her aspirations.”
The Student Detachment Operations NCO (noncommissioned officer) at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School is indeed setting the bar high for her ten-year-old daughter. The youngest of seven is among the first in her family to graduate high school. “I live by the quote ‘Nothing is impossible; the word itself says I’m Possible’ because it represents my life,” said Slade. “I was born and raised in the southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. [a neighborhood once known for high crime], and there were times when I did not think I would be where I am now.”
After reaching the legal age of adulthood, Slade moved to Austin to be closer to her sister and grandparents. “My grandfather, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Campbell, served for 30 plus years,” said Slade. “His stories about serving motivated me to join the Army. I hope to make him proud as I continue serving.”
Joining the U.S. Army Reserve in the Lone Star state ultimately paved the way for Slade to accomplish yet another first in her family. Her only regret while serving as the Battalion Paralegal at the 228th Combat Support Hospital in San Antonio – alongside her brother James who was a Patient Administration Specialist – was that she saw far too few legal actions. Encouraged by mentors she met while attending the Court Reporter Course in Charlottesville, Slade applied to mobilize with the 1st Legal Operations Detachment.
That active-duty mobilization to TJAGLCS not only placed Slade squarely back in the legal realm, but it also gave her the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s in criminal justice from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Not having to juggle work, school and single parenting full-time, while fulfilling her Reserve obligation ironically gave Slade the time to focus. “I am a first-generation college graduate,” said Slade. “Completing my degree is my favorite memory because all of my hard work finally paid off.”
“The Army has provided me with a great second family, which has been the best part of this for me,” continued Slade. “I have met and worked with people from all walks of life. I appreciate how those interactions continue to help me grow as a person, a Soldier, and a leader.” As TJAGLCS Ops NCO, Slade is paying it forward. “I spend most of my time with the Officer Basic Course students: whether conducting PRT (physical readiness training), assisting with administrative or pay issues, or just listening to them when they are struggling.
“I try my best to care for them and ensure they understand their roles as newly commissioned judge advocates. Even though I am technically junior in rank to them, while they are here, I consider them MY Soldiers.”
Apparently, that mentoring does not prevent Slade from Rickrolling the students during PT with one of her favorite artists. Apologies to incoming OBC students, but you better prepare for a “Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down …” earworm, especially when you least expect it.
All kidding aside, the Soldier who defied odds to be among the first in her family to graduate high school, earn a bachelor’s … and no doubt, soon to be the first to earn a juris doctorate leads by example. “I only heard that 'pressure is a privilege' once I began working in Student Detachment. I like to pass that nugget on to the OBC students because pressure should never be seen as a burden,” said Slade. “If there is ever pressure on you, use it to grow and learn from it.
“I am driven by the knowledge that I have already transcended the expectations that society had set for me. I am excited about the opportunities that law school will provide me to further my education, enhance my advocacy skills, and make a tangible impact on the lives of others.”
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.30.2024 08:54 |
| Story ID: | 469764 |
| Location: | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 72 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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