Veteran Spotlight: Stefanie Chadee
A Legacy of Service:
The Journey of a National Guard Soldier
By Samantha DePriest
The path to service and resilience runs deep in her family. Growing up, TCS Middle School English teacher Ms. Stefanie Chadee was fortunate to witness dedication, sacrifice, and a sense of duty through her father, who served as a police officer for 33 years in Trinidad and Tobago. He was the first in the family to commit his life to protecting others, and his example instilled in his three daughters the values of discipline, responsibility, and service.
Through a desire to serve her country and gain opportunities that would shape her future. In 2012, she made the decision to join the Florida National Guard. This was a pivotal moment in her life and one that not only brought her closer to personal goals but also allowed her to serve her community in a way that mattered.
Boot Camp was both tough and grueling. Ms. Chadee reported to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, on October 1, 2012, and the next three months were filled with early mornings, intense physical training, and strict discipline. The 10-mile rock march was one of the toughest challenges she faced, followed by a week spent in a field without a shower — a true test of both physical endurance and mental strength. There were no cell phones, no distractions, just the shared experience of bonding with fellow recruits. While the experience was difficult, Ms. Chadee shared that it also taught the value of making the best out of every situation. Despite the hardships, Victory Block Leave was a highlight as she was able to go home for Christmas to spend time from family.
She then moved on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, Virginia, where she specialized in military training. Over the next few months, she honed her skills, becoming proficient in her role and preparing for the responsibilities that would lie ahead. She was also exposed to leadership development, resilience, and the mental toughness required to succeed in the field.
During her service, she was fortunate to serve in several meaningful roles. Ms. Chadee served as a Platoon Sergeant, and even had the opportunity to act as 1st Sergeant. These leadership roles gave her invaluable experience in managing a team, all while ensuring the well-being of those under her charge. One of her most rewarding experiences was the opportunity to serve during active duty missions at West Point, NY. She shared, “It was an incredible opportunity to work with some of the best in the military, and even though I spent two weeks sleeping in a mechanic’s tent on the base, the experience left me with a sense of pride and accomplishment.”
Over the years, she had the chance to support several hurricane missions, helping communities in Florida recover after major storms. She has even been trained to drive a 56-passenger bus to help transport people to safety and ensuring that those in need were cared for. Most recently when category 4 Hurricane Helene hit the Southeast, she worked with other units across the state of Florida, coordinating supplies like diesel fuel to keep essential services running during crisis situations during a two week mission before returning to TCS.
Ms. Chadee shared that, “One of the most impactful courses I took during my service was the Master Resilience Trainer course, which focused on helping soldiers “hunt the good stuff” and cope with difficult situations. I learned valuable techniques for building resilience, focusing on the positive, and fostering a sense of hope even in the toughest of times. This training became a cornerstone of my leadership style, and I’ve carried those lessons with me throughout my career.”
“In addition to my own service, I’ve had the privilege of seeing my younger sister follow in my footsteps. She joined the Missouri National Guard as a medic, and her story is a reflection of the deep sense of duty that runs through our family. Like me, she initially joined to gain citizenship, but over the years, she’s become a vital part of the Guard, serving her country with honor and dedication.
The decision to join the National Guard was one of the most significant choices I’ve ever made. My journey has been full of challenges, yes, but also deeply rewarding. It’s been a life of service, of sacrifice, and of resilience. I’ve learned that success in the military is not just about physical strength—it’s about mental toughness, the ability to adapt, and the courage to lead in the face of adversity.
My six-year contract with the National Guard was only the beginning. It’s been a journey of growth and transformation, and although I’ve served my time, I know that the lessons I’ve learned will continue to shape my life and my approach to leadership. Whether I stay with the Guard or move on to new opportunities, I know one thing for certain: the commitment to service and resilience will always be at the core of who I am.”
To learn more about serving in the National Guard, you may click the link below for information about the Georgia National Guard:
