Meet first Fil-Am one-star general of California National Guard

Brig. Gen.Marlena A. DeCelle has many family members in the armed service who have served and are serving in various ranks. (National Guard News)

SACRAMENTO, California – U.S. Army Col. Marlena A. DeCelle officially affixed the one-star rank of brigadier general on her uniform last March 31.

Brig. Gen. DeCelle has many family members in the armed service who have served and are serving in various ranks.

Her father is a U.S. Navy veteran, two brothers are officers in the U.S. Army, and several uncles, aunts and cousins have served or are serving.

“I am the 5th generation to serve in the U.S. Army, dating back to the Spanish-American War,” DeCelle told Amanda H. Johnson of National Guard News.

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She commissioned in the Reserve Officer Training Corps and entered active duty from the University of California-Davis.

Before the National Guard DeCelle served in leadership positions at the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and the 13th Corps Support Command in Fort Hood, Texas.

DeCelle left active duty in 2005 and was gainfully employed in the financial industry. However, she said she missed the service and “the brotherhood, the sisterhood and camaraderie.”

Decelle commanded 49th Military Police Brigade in March 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic she supervised soldiers’ operations at testing sites, food banks, and mobilization during civil unrest and wildfires.

She is married to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ken DeCelle. They have four children.