Michigan Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion appoints first female commander
October 19, 2010
Lansing, Mich. - Major Lavetta L. Newell-Bennett of Lansing, Mich., has recently assumed command of the Michigan Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, headquartered in Lansing, Mich.
As the battalion's first female commander, Bennett also serves as a member of the Adjutant General's Special Staff. Responsible for 208 full-time Soldiers and contractors, as well as over 1400 new warriors throughout Michigan in the Recruit Sustainment Program, Bennett's primary duties include the strategic planning and execution of recruiting and retention operations to achieve and sustain Soldier manning goals. Additionally, she ensures all training, administration and logistics conform to Army policies and regulations, directs marketing and advertising activities, and promotes a positive command climate which fosters ethical behavior, high troop morale, well-being and safety.
Bennett is a graduate of numerous military schools to include Intermediate Level Education (ILE, formerly called Command and General Staff College), National Guard Bureau's Equal Opportunity Advisor's Course and the Family Programs Manager's Course. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Miss., and a Master of Science Degree in Horticulture from Mississippi State University, Starkville, Miss.
Bennett and her husband, Martin Bennett, Sr., have two children; Martin Jr. and Maya. She is the daughter of Azaline Agee of Laurel, Miss., Cecil Newell of Nashville, Tenn., and the late June Agee of Bay Springs, Miss.
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(For more information, contact Staff Sergeant Deidre Piechocki at (517) 481-7003)
