HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrsntatn - Capt M.Cherland - US Army RsrvFrom: Van Tanner rmailto:Van.Tanner@ desertempireins.coml
Sent: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 8:59 AM
To: Wohlmuth, John
Cc: Klassen, Rachelle
Subject: Flag Presentation
John,
Michelle Cherlund just returned from her 3`d tour in Afghanistan. She brought with her a flag that flew over her post.
She would like to give it to the City of Palm Desert. When is the appropriate time that she can do this? I would also like
her to lead us in the pledge if she is so inclined.
Thanks John
Van G. Tanner
Principal
www. desertemoireinsurance. com
760 360 4700 ext 224
760 360 4744 direct line
800 239 5599
760 674 6028 cell
760 200 5587 fax
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My official title for the US Army is Captain Michelle Cherland. I was born and
raised in California. I graduated from Cabrillo High School in Lompoc, California
in 1989 and joined the ARMY in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm for a 2 1/2
year enlistment. My first duty station was Camp Casey, Korea. After completion
of my year tour in Korea, I served at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. I ended my active
duty career at Fort Huachuca to start my family and begin school. Although I
enjoyed being a full time student and mother I still craved being a Soldier. My
family and I moved to Pennsylvania and I re -enlisted into the United States Army
Reserve with the 378th Corps Support Battalion as a Supply Sergeant.
After three years, I missed home and came back to California to the
Coachella Valley, and reside in Palm Desert. I continued my education and
received a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from California State University
San Bernardino in the year 2000. I was immediately hired with Desert Sands
Unified School District as a 5th grade teacher.
In 2003, I deployed for 14 months, with the 378th CSB to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
running supplies back and forth to Najaf, Iraq. During this time, I was recognized
for my superior leadership and was offered a Direct Commission as a United
States Army Officer which I accepted on November 20th, 2004.
In 2009, I once again came upon orders for deployment. This time it was with the
348th Transportation Company out of Phoenix, Arizona in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom, in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Camp Leatherneck.
During this deployment, I conducted over 60 missions while traveling over 13,000
miles in the dangerous and rugged terrain in Afghanistan. My platoon came
under several attacks of indirect and small arms file. Under my supervision I had
zero casualties. My performance under fire propelled me to take over the
Command of over 180 Soldiers and I earned the Bronze Star Medal.
In 2012, I left for my most recent deployment back to Afghanistan with the 311
Expeditionary Support Command; supervising logistical support and retrograde
convoys, reporting all Significant Events in the area and briefing the Command
General daily on all actions on the Battlefield.
My Medals include: Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Afghanistan
Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Four Army Commendation Medals,
three Army Achievement Medals, United States Navy/United States Marine
Corps Presidential Unit Citation, five Army Reserve Components Achievement
Medals, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon,
two Overseas Service Ribbons, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device,
NATO Medal, driver and mechanic Badge with Driver -Wheeled Vehicles Clasp.
On October 9th, 2013, I was given the opportunity to represent our great city and
country by appearing on the Ellen Degeneres show. During the show, I was
given a $15,000 for my elementary school and a family cruise vacation which
will be enjoying this March.
At the present time, I am earning my Masters Degree in Educational
Administration at California State University San Bernardino and should be set to
graduate in the summer of 2014.
cannot fathom my life without being "twice the citizen". It is an honest blessing
to be able to plant the seeds of the future and watch them blossom into
upstanding citizens in the country that I have the honor to fight for. Living in the
most beautiful city in the world, Palm Desert, being a teacher in Desert Sands
Unified and a Soldier in the United States Army has been nothing less than
incredible.
I am married to Rodney Cherland and with our blended family we have seven
children; Dominique, 21 LQHS Graduate, Dylan 20, Cody 18, Palm Desert High
School Graduates, Nicole 17, Senior at LQHS, Natalie 15, Sophomore at LQHS,
Erika 13, 8th grade at JGMS and Monique 12, 7th grade at JGMS.