National Guard hires Cape resident to full-time position at armory

Spc. Stefanie Becker

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Spc. Stefanie Becker has been hired as a full-time supply technician to work at the Missouri National Guard armory in Cape Girardeau as part of the 735th Quartermaster Force Provider Company's Detachment 3.

Becker, a 38-year-old native of Germany, has lived in the U.S. since 1993 and has been a member of the National Guard since 2008. Becker has two daughters, Jessica, 19, and Ashley, 14.

Becker will serve as the full-time supply technician for the company as well as the supply specialist for the unit during weekend drills. Becker has dual degrees in international business and German from Southeast Missouri State University and is currently working on her master's degree in business administration.

"She will be a very educated asset to our company," said Sgt. 1st Class Jay Moore, a platoon sergeant and full-time readiness technician for the 735th. "There were several candidates for the job, but her supply background and knowledge really put her over the top. She was very knowledgeable during the interview process and we believe she's going to be a very valuable asset."

Becker's duties will include performing maintenance on all unit equipment, making sure equipment is assigned and accounted for, preparing monthly inventories and food reports, managing all clothing records as well as passing all inspections. She also will be required to undergo additional training within a year of her hire date.

Becker was born in Nuremberg, Germany, but came to the U.S. when she was 22. She joined the Missouri National Guard when she was 36, a relatively late to start a military career.

"I don't do anything in the traditional way," Becker said. "But I don't feel as old as I am anyway. I've always been interested in the military and I even thought about it when I was younger, but this is the way it has turned out and I really enjoy it."

Becker -- who speaks fluent English and German and some French and Spanish -- said she loves being in the Guard and serving the U.S.

"I feel like I'm serving my country," said Becker, who became a U.S. citizen. "It's a real good experience for me."

The 735th has its headquarters in De Soto, Mo., but has five detachments, including Detachment 3 in Cape Girardeau. Detachment 1 is in Poplar Bluff, Detachment 2 is in Jefferson City, Detachment 4 is in Rolla and Detachment 5 is in Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.

Quartermaster units provide support to other troops such as general supply, mortuary affairs, food service, fuel and water and other field services, such as laundry services.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

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For more information about this release, please contact Scott Moyers at 573-339-6237 or at scott.moyers1@us.army.mil