Story by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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Chief Warrant Officer Stephanie Allen works in human resources for the 138th Fires Brigade. Allen became a warrant officer to make a more positive impact on the lives of Soldiers in the Kentucky Guard. (Courtesy photo)
July has been declared Kentucky National Guard Warrant Officer Month in a proclamation by Gov. Steve Beshear. This is one of a series of articles we are publishing in celebration of the warrant officer corps. Click here to read more about 95th birthday of the Army’s warrant officer corps.
FRANKFORT Ky. -- In January 1944, the appointment of women as warrant officers was first authorized and the first women were appointed in March 1944. At the conclusion of World War II, there were 42 women warrant officers on active duty. Today, the Army has roughly 2000 female warrant officers in its ranks.
Chief Warrant Officer Stephanie Allen, Military Personnel Technician with the 138
th Fires Brigade stationed in Lexington Ky. is one of many female warrant officers serving in the Kentucky National Guard.
As an MP technician, and qualified Army Instructor, Allen is in charge of human resource services, personnel support, financial services, chaplain activities, medical services, and legal services support. The 15-year Guard Veteran also manages the functions that support the Army's personnel management systems by monitoring the input of data into automated and manual systems along with many other of other duties.
With the vast amount of responsibilities appointed to Allen as a warrant officer, she has had the opportunity to make a huge impact in Soldier’s lives within the past year.
“This year gave me the opportunity to make a positive difference for our Soldiers,” said Allen. “Additionally, I gained invaluable hands on experience tracking medical and administrative deployment requirements. This opportunity allowed me to work diligently to increase the readiness within the brigade.”
Allen has previously worked as a heavy mobile equipment transporter and as a human resource specialist, but thanks to one of her supervisors, she made the switch to warrant officer.
“My Senior Leadership at the Human Resource Office who trained, mentored, and encouraged me suggested I could make a greater impact to the organization as a warrant officer,” said Allen who became a warrant officer in 2009. “I enjoy what I do for the National Guard, becoming a warrant officer has been one of the best decisions I've made.”
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Chief Warrant Officer Stephanie Allen is a 15-year Veteran of the Kentucky National Guard, she became a warrant officer in 2009. Prior to becoming a warrant officer, Allen was a heavy mobile equipment transporter on the enlisted side. (Courtesy photo)
Even though she remains busy with work, in her spare time Allen enjoys spending time with her two boys, Kaden and Zain.
“I am active in my church assisting with children’s programs and women’s ministry,” said Allen, “My children are active in the community. They play baseball and soccer and I spend a lot of time attending their sporting events.”
Allen looks toward the future and hopes to work full time for the brigade and eventually work her way up to supporting and assisting all commands in the state.
“My future is very bright,” said Allen, “I am an integral part of a dynamic organization and I look forward to doing this for a long time.”