UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF alum promoted to rare U.S. Army rank

FORT BLISS, Texas – There is now high-profile UNF representation in the United States Army.

Newly-promoted Col. Leslie Caballero, right, receives her certificate of promotion from her former boss Brig. Gen. Randal Dragon, former commander of the Brigade Modernization Command at Fort Bliss, Texas, during a formal ceremony. Caballero earned her commission in 1990 through the Army ROTC program at the University of North Florida. Photo by Lt. Col. Deanna Bague
Newly-promoted Col. Leslie Caballero, right, receives her certificate of promotion from her former boss Brig. Gen. Randal Dragon, former commander of the Brigade Modernization Command at Fort Bliss, Texas, during a formal ceremony. Caballero earned her commission in 1990 through the Army ROTC program at the University of North Florida. Photo by Lt. Col. Deanna Bague

The Army promoted Osprey alumna Leslie Caballero to Colonel in a ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas on Tuesday, according to a release. As of August 2012, the Army notes less than one percent of active duty service members reached the rank of Colonel, a step below Brigadier (one-star) General. Even fewer colonels are women, considering women comprise about 16 percent of officers and enlisted service members in the Army. Caballero’s new rank is nicknamed “Bird” Colonel because of the Eagle insignia on her uniform.

Col. Caballero graduated from Orange Park High School in 1984 with an Army ROTC scholarship, which led her to UNF. She graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and was termed a Distinguished Military Graduate as a Second Lieutenant in the Army’s Ordnance Branch. She earned a Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University.

Caballero has 23 years of active duty, according to the Army, including tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom III and the OIF surge and in Afghanistan during the Operation Enduring Freedom Surge. She also served in Germany and twice in Korea. She’s garnered several awards, including three Bronze Star Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal (Expeditionary and Service), the Korea Defense Service Medal, the NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Caballero’s Mother, Hisako, still lives in Orange Park. Both Caballero’s Mother and Brother placed the new rank on her uniform. During the ceremony, per the release, Caballero credited her family for instilling her with work ethic due to their “tough love.”

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

Spinnaker intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, slurs, defamation, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and will be removed if they do not adhere to these standards. Spinnaker does not allow anonymous comments, and Spinnaker requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments.
All UNF Spinnaker Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *