SAN ANTONIO, Texas - She is not a Nike representative, but if you enter the office of Col. Melissa Sturgeon, deputy director of Installation Management Command-West, you will see a poster on the wall with the words "Just Do It!"
For the colonel, it is inspirational advice that describes her career.
Sturgeon attended high school in Hazel Crest, Ill., where one of her teachers, an Army reservist, encouraged her to apply to West Point. So the colonel "just did it" by joining the Class of 1985 at the U.S. Military Academy.
The experience wasn't an easy one, but it was exciting. The first class of women to graduate from West Point was 1980, meaning they still faced many challenges there. Acceptance was one.
But this was a time when her fellow female cadets were making a name for themselves at the school. For example:
It was a time when the first woman deputy brigade commander at West point also served as the leader for cadet field training.
It was a time when the school's indoor track team for women won a second consecutive Heptagonal Championship in track and field.
It was a time when the first female cadet won a Marshall Scholarship and a Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship.
Sturgeon grew to love West Point, and her belief in obligation to country and Army grew. With a five-year commitment, she became immersed in an Army culture that cherished service.
She recognized that those who wear the uniform share a unique bond in defending the nation.
And while it was a high-school teacher who picqued her interest in West Point, Sturgeon will tell you that her true role model, the person who had the most impact on her success, was her mother.
"Growing up there weren't a lot of female public figures, but there was my mom to look up to; (she) demonstrated a great work ethic," said Sturgeon.
Her mother, initially a stay-at-home mom, returned to school to obtain a teaching certificate to supplement the family income. Sturgeon said her mother showed that there was a better way of life through education and hard work.
Sturegon took her mother's advice to heart.
Besides her bachelor's degree from West Point, the colonel also earned a Master's of Science degree in Space Systems Operations from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif., in 1993. And her military education includes: Military Intelligence Officer Basic and Advanced Courses; Command and General Staff College; and the Army War College.
Her leadership philosophy is focused on optimism. Accordingly, the colonel believes one should look for possibilities and not negatives. "Maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses" is her motto.
She also believes active participation and buy-in is important for success. Her goal is to set conditions that allow her people to succeed.
As the deputy director for IMCOM-West, she is responsible for managing and executing all installation management programs at active and reserve component installations in 14 states, strectching from Kansas to the West Coast. Overall, she has held various command and staff positions. She previously commanded U.S. Army Garrison Mannheim, Germany, and deployed with the V Corps G2 staff during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Her other assignments include: program analysis and evaluation division, Office of the Chief of Staff, Army; assistant executive officer to the Army's deputy chief of staff for intelligence; deputy G2, 4th Infantry Division (mechanized); battalion S3, 104th Military Intelligence Battalion; chief, joint operations lab, Battle Command Battle Lab-Huachuca; and brigade executive officer, 703rd Military Intelligence Battalion.
And prior to joining IMCOM-West, she served as the Fort Huachuca Garrison commander.
Sturgeon is extremely proud of her service in Iraq, serving as senior intelligence officer with the 5th Corps, chief of operations. It was through her teams' intelligence efforts that Suddam Hussein was located.
Sturgeon encourages all women to be themselves - to do their best by making the best of all situations. However, she recognizes the challenges and has felt in the past that she had to contribute more to be recognized. But she emphasizes to not dwell on it, but rather be competent, be smart and play a role in getting the job done.
"Be who you are; contribute when you can; good will come out in the end regardless of gender," the colonel said.
She adds that being married to a "crusty old tanker dude," Col. Robert Akam, 5th Recruiting Brigade commander, reinforces her beliefs because "he respects my contributions at face value."
Throughout her career, Sturgeon has received numerous awards and decorations, including: Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf Ccusters; Army Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters; and Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
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