WASHINGTON –
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.