First Woman, African American Named To Be Army Recruit Commander

PORTSMOUTH, NH — The U.S. Army, in New England, has a new recruiting leader, and she is a historical appointment.

Lt. Col. Natasha Sunday Clarke was named the new Commander of the New England Recruiting Battalion on July 21 in Portsmouth. She is both the first woman and African American to serve in the role.

Clarke, who has been in the army for nearly a quarter of a century, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations and a Master of Management in Human Resource Management. She has won a number of awards and commendations — including Bronze Star Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal Campaign Star, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

“My dad made me want to join the military,” she said. “Everyone one of us had to do a year of JROTC. In high school, I did a JROTC Challenge and there was a female sophomore on the Color Guard team with a lot of medals. And I wanted all the medals.”

Clarke has served as a platoon leader, company commander, and executive officer as well as three combat tours overseas — in Operation Iraqi Freedom I and III and Operation Enduring Freedom 13-14.

“I quickly rose to the top,” Clarke said. “I am very competitive. I participated on the Drill Team, Color Guard, and Ranger Challenge and I ran track. I tried my best to lead from the front. In every organization I’ve been a part of, people have always told me that I stand out as a leader. Although I didn’t always see it, people saw it in me.”

Col. J. Frederick Dente, the commander of the 1st Recruiting Brigade in Ft. George G. Meade, Maryland, officiated during the ceremony where the command was symbolically passed, by way of the battalion’s flag, to Clarke last week.

“Service means passion and commitment,” she added. “For me, the best part of being in the army is the people. I love people; I love talking to people. And I love soldiers and talking to soldiers. I love to mentor; military mentoring is a huge passion of mine.”

Clarke said serving alongside others was a commitment greater than self no matter the race, gender, or dreed.

“It’s what makes our organization unique and for the greater good of the nation,” Clarke added.

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