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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2013)
De Poe retires after 31 years in the Air Force Biography provided by the Washington Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant Cynthia A. DePoe is the NCOIC, Professional Devel opment and serves as the superintendent of Force Development for 194,h Wing. DePoe, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, was bom in Seat tle, Wash., and graduated from Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Wash., in 1982. In 1992, she received an associate degree in instructional systems technology from the Community College of the Air Force. She received her bach elor’s degree in 1997 from the Southern Illinois University (SIU) in workforce education and development. DePoe enlisted in the Delayed Enlisted Program in April 1982 and was called to active duty on Nov. 19, 1982. After completing basic military training at Lackland AFB, Texas, she began train ing as a law enforcement specialist at Lackland - where she first met her future husband, Mark. Her first assignment was to Kwang- Ju Air Base, with the 6171 ABS, Korea. She left Korea in 1984 and was assigned to the 3700 Security Police Squadron at Lackland, where she ran into her still-to- be future husband again in 1985. In 1987, DePoe retrained into her present Air Force specialty and was reassigned to Sheppard AFB, Texas. Her next assignment was to the 90Ih Mission Support Squadron, Cheyenne, Wyo., as the assistant base training manager. In February 1990, she assumed the respon sibilities of the base training manager, overseeing the base’s On-the-Job Training programs for 12 organizations and setting base policy on training matters. In November 1990, DePoe left active duty and joined the Washington Air National Guard. She was assigned to the 215th Engineering Installation Squadron from November 1990 until May 1991 as an infor mation manager. In May of that same year she transferred to the 143rd Combat Com munications Squadron, where she served as the unit’s full time unit training manager. In 1997, while completing her bach elor’s degree in workforce education and development, she and her husband were blessed with their first child, Brianna Natasha, now a sophomore at Emerald Ridge High School. DePoe transferred to Camp Murray, Wash., in 1999 and worked at the 111th Air Support Operations Center Squadron (ASOC) as its support services technician. In 2000, she was assigned to her current full-time position as the superintendent of Force Development for the 194th RSW. Two years later their second child was bom, Gabriel DePoe, named after his great-grandfather, Chief DePoe. In 2006, DePoe assumed the added duties of NCOIC, Professional Develop ment for the Headquarters Washington Air National Guard. DePoe’s awards and decorations include: Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, First Oak Courtesy photo Congratulations to Cynthia DePoe on her retirement from the Air Force after 31 years. Pictured here at her retirement ceremony are her grandfather, Chewescla DePoe; Ed Ben; Cynthia DePoe; her father, Ron DePoe; Stan Werth; and Tony Molina. Ben, Werth and Molina are members of the Siletz Tribal Honor Guard. Leaf Cluster, Washington State Meritori ous Achievement Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Washington State Com mendation Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster and the Washington State Achievement Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster. For more than 30 years, DePoe has stood in the forefront of every unit she has been assigned to. She has led by example and been a constant beacon of light to those around her, championing diversity not only in the day-to-day lives of those she has worked with, but as a driving force behind the Diversity Council for the Washington National Guard. DePoe’s conviction, dedication and steadfast determination has been an inspi ration to her fellow airman. Throughout her distinguished career, she has epito mized the Air Force core values in words and action. She has not only mentored all levels of the enlisted force, but many of the officers around her seek her counsel. Over the course of her career, DePoe’s diverse communication experience, expert training methods and unwavering “others before self’ approach have been pivotal in creating an environment that fosters self motivation and professionalism in all. As she leaves our ranks behind her a legacy remains of outstanding performance and true dedication that all will remember as the epitome of excellence. DePoe is married to Mark M. Soulier, who is assigned to the 194th Mission Sup port Group as the wing logistics manager and they have two children, Brianna (16) and Gabriel (11). Photos by Mandi Smith Jerry Marzan (below) joins other Native and non-Native veterans at the ceremony. The senior class (right) thanks veterans for their service. Ed Ben (below right) returns a flag to Bev Youngman as Spencer Hatch and Randy Austin look on. The flag originally was presented to Siletz School by June Austin, following the death of her son, Paul Youngman, in Vietnam. Veterans Ceremony Siletz Valley School • Nov. 8,2013 December 2013 • Siletz News • 5
