ARTHURDALE, W.Va. –
Capt. Autumn Dawn Stake, from Glenville, West Virginia, has dedicated 15 years of service to the West Virginia National Guard. Currently residing in Arthurdale, West Virginia, she holds the role of Senior Instructor for the 197th Regiment Officer Candidate School, where she ensures that officer candidates within Region B are trained, mentored, and ready to commission into their respective states.
Stake’s career within the WVARNG is marked by diverse assignments. She previously served as a Platoon Leader for the 115th Vertical Construction Company, 601st Engineer Support Company, and 119th SAPPER Company. Additionally, she held roles as engineering plans officer with the 1092nd Engineer Battalion and Commander of the 1092nd Headquarters and Headquarters Company.
A Glenville State College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, Stake balances her responsibilities in the Guard with her civilian role as a Federal Technician at Camp Dawson Training Center. In her personal life, she enjoys raising her two children, light homesteading, and activities such as beekeeping, gardening, and food preservation.
Reflecting on the moment she was inspired to join the military, Stake recalls a life-changing event in 2008 when the WVARNG responded to flooding in her hometown. This sense of duty, coupled with the educational benefits, paved her way to college and the Guard, providing a solid foundation for her future and her family.
One of Stake’s proudest achievements is seeing her Soldiers grow and develop into exceptional leaders. She finds deep fulfillment in helping shape the next generation of the Guard. Stake is enrolled in the Engineer Captain’s Career Course and aspires to move into a brigade staff role, with plans to leverage the Guard’s educational benefits to pursue an MBA.
Stake’s service highlights the WVNG's impact, both within the state and internationally, noting her favorite memory from her deployment to Romania for Resolute Castle in 2018, where she worked alongside Romanian and Dutch soldiers. For Stake, the camaraderie of the Guard is unmatched, a brotherhood built through shared experiences and mutual support.
To those considering joining, Stake advises, “Learn from everyone.” She emphasizes the value of the WVARNG’s diverse backgrounds and the importance of maintaining connections. Above all, she values the chance to make a difference, both within the WVNG and in the lives of those impacted by their mission.