3 minute read
NOMINEES - LEANNE WHEELER, DR. LOUIS FLETCHER,MARQUES BELLAIRE & NIJA HOLMES
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SERGEANT
LEANNE WHEELER
Veteran | 6 years in the Air Force
Why did you join the Military?
I come from a long line of service members. My Dad and his brothers served in the United States Air Force, and 4 of my Mom’s brothers served in the Army, one of whom served in Viet Nam; her oldest brother served in the Navy. I graduated from a Math and Science High School but hadn’t identified how I’d pay for college. The new GI Bill had just come online. Given the military history of service in my family, it made sense to join.
What do you do now?
I spent nearly 25 years in the military and working in the Defense Industry. For the last 11+ years, I’ve been Principal of Wheeler Advisory Group LLC, my own small business endeavor. I consult on a number of subject matters. Most recently, I advocate for, and educate on, legislative matters. I’m also a recent candidate for public office and a published contributing author, with my first individual book project in work.
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myblackcolorado.com/military
Major
Dr. Louis Fletcher
Veteran | 20 years in the Air Force
Why did you join the Military?
I was raised in a low socioeconomic environment, but the military gave me the opportunity to transcend the trajectory dictated by my circumstances. I earned a PhD funded by the Air Force while I was on active duty, so my prospects for success were multiplied when I retired and entered the civilian workforce.
What advice would you give to those leaving the Military?
I routinely talk to transitioning veterans during the Air Force Academy’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). I tell them to follow their passion if they want to have a productive transition, which means even if every opportunity is not perfect they will be more resilient if they are truly passionate about their journey. Furthermore, they must be flexible and understand that they worked to achieve their success in the military and they will need to do the same in the civilian world; e.g., “they may thank you for your service, but they are not going to give you a free pass.
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myblackcolorado.com/military
Marques Bellaire
Active | 4 years in the Air Force Reserves
What was the biggest lesson you learned in the military?
To not doubt yourself. I came into this career field with no prior experience and was very intimidated. Fast forward now, I am the Subject Matter Expert for my workshop, administering over $14billion worth of technology.
How has the Military helped you grow?
Being assertive. Before, I was a little introverted and lack some self-confidence. The military had broke the shell of my shyness and made me into an outspoken leader.
What is your perspective of patriotism?
Patriotism, in my definition, is the act of not only being loyal to one’s country, but to acknowledge how this country came to be. It is the act of accepting the horrific events in the past, and using the lessons from the past to build upon a brighter future.
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myblackcolorado.com/military
Nija Holmes
Active | 4 Years in the Army
What do you do in the service?
I am a 91 bravo which is a wheeled vehicle mechanic. I have been trained to do all the mechanic portions on a vehicle such as changing the oil, replacing tires or any part that has been broken. I’ve gained the skills to make an old truck new again. There are not many females in my career field so doing this job makes me feel very capable of doing any task I am presented with.
How has the Military helped you grow?
I would say discipline. It’s helped me become more organized and timely in my daily life. Also having such a diverse group of people around me every day. Seeing all the different perspectives and take on life has definitely helped me grow. It’s nice to meet people from different states and different cultures.
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