CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
This month’s Warrant Officer Spotlight shines on Chief Warrant Officer 3 Siobhan O’Flaherty Cleek, who currently serves as a 420A, AGR Manager for the West Virginia National Guard.
Cleek has been an active and important member of the Guard for 20 years. Since joining in May of 2000, she has served in a variety of roles during her time in uniform, including having the opportunity to step into a leadership role well outside her training, serving as commander for the 249th Army Band for just under a year.
“There was a lapse between the outgoing commander and the permanent incoming commander, so I was asked to fill in during the interim,” Cleek stated. “I knew absolutely nothing about band operations. I was scared, but immediately fell in love with the unit! The Soldiers work so hard, are always in good spirits, and love their craft. It was an absolute awesome experience and one of the most rewarding in my career.”
When asked about who has had the greatest influence in her life, Cleek immediately credits her father.
“He took a very challenging circumstance as a single father and raised me. Money was often tight, and he worked plenty of crap jobs to give me the best chance possible. He later married and he and my stepmother continued to raise me and their children. My dad never stopped working tremendously hard to give us everything.”
“My dad is 61, and still working as an ironworker in New York City to put my youngest sister through college,” she added. “I don’t think he’ll ever stop until he thinks we have it all. I am so very proud of him!”
Her father’s example and encouragement gave her motivation at a young age to develop the drive that has defined her career.
“As a child, anytime I was asked what I wanted to be when I grow up my answer was always, ‘the best’. Although, I didn’t know what profession I would end up in, I knew I wanted to be really great at it. Whatever I did I wanted to be a subject matter expert, technical leader, and mentor. Once I joined the National Guard and became familiar with career paths, I knew I wanted to be a warrant officer.”
Continuing her career of reaching for growth and opportunity, Cleek is enrolled in Masters of Business Administration program at the University of Charleston.
An extremely busy wife and mother of two active daughters and a CrossFit enthusiast, Cleek loves serving in the National Guard.
“For me, the WVNG is like home,” she stated. “I met my husband here. My friends are here. Although there is work involved… and most days a lot of work… I get to do it with the best around. I am surrounded by people that have chosen to commit to something greater than themselves, and to me that is something incredibly special.”
Cleek encourages all who are able to seek out opportunities within the Warrant Officer corps stating, “It is a challenge, but will be the best decision you make in your military career.” She hopes to one day become a Chief Warrant Officer 5, the highest attainable rank in the Warrant Officer Corps, and to service as the State Command Chief.