DIA welcomes new senior enlisted leader

CMSgt Arleen Heath, DIA’s 19th senior enlisted leader (SEL), welcomed the agency’s new senior enlisted leader, MGySgt Scott Stalker, during a change of responsibility ceremony at DIA Headquarters April 19.

DIA Director Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart spoke of the great contributions Heath has made over the course of her career, especially during her 16-month tenure with him. He spoke highly of Heath’s work ethic and her passion about the workforce’s professional and personal lives. Stewart went on to thank Heath for her partnership and making the agency better, adding that she has done so with grace, passion and energy.

During her remarks, Heath highlighted that she would not be here if it was not for her sister pushing her to join the military, a career that allowed her to be a part of the DIA family.

“I’ve had a fantastic time here,” Heath said. “Anything that happens here in this agency is done by you—the professionals, officers, the professionals’ family. Everyone matters. Everyone has value.”

Heath praised the “magic” the junior enlisted make happen through their creativity and diverse thought, and thanked her senior enlisted peers for shaping her. “Continue to grow and develop our future leaders,” Heath said to her peers. “Civilians and contractors, your service is no different from uniformed. Thank you for staying patient and making things better.”

Stalker opened by thanking his family. He said he never pictured himself in this role because master gunnery sergeants traditionally serve in more technical roles. Stalker takes his cues from SgtMaj Ron Kirby, who said, “Leadership is not a job; it’s an action and an example.”

As the new SEL, he doesn’t plan to make many changes, but promised to be passionate and compassionate, and to think outside the box and about DIA’s global workforce.

Heath will officially retire from the Air Force on Friday, April 29. DIA thanks her for her long career of service to the United States and for her outstanding leadership at the Agency.

Source: DIA