Women’s History Month Profile: Spc. Bekki Cecil

By Douglas Mallary, NMNG Public Affairs

SANTA FE, N.M. – Spc. Bekki Cecil joined the New Mexico National Guard in 2015, following the lead of her brother. While he later transferred to the Army Reserve, Cecil said that she’s found a home in the Guard.

“I like the people I’ve met,” she said. “It’s the camaraderie. We do take care of each other here.”

Cecil got an early taste of military life when she joined Army Junior ROTC in high school. She went on to become a JROTC battalion commander when the cadre selected her.

Cecil participated in high school band, playing the sousaphone and bass drum. Cecil also joined the Navajo Nation Band in 2006 as a baton twirler. Lacking formal training, she learned from the older, more-experienced baton twirlers.

Cecil accompanied the Navajo Nation Band in January 2013 to Washington, D.C., where they performed for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.

She joined the National Guard as a Signal Support Specialist (MOS 25U) and was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 111th Sustainment Brigade, in Rio Rancho.

She then reclassified to Human Resources Specialist (MOS 42A) after raising her GT score to 123 in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Cecil said she decided to reclassify to improve her prospects as a full-time employee of the NMARNG.

Cecil currently works as a Digital Production System Technician in the Administrative Services Branch in Santa Fe. When not producing Department of the Army official photos and command photos, she assists in archiving service records and retrieving copies of those documents when requested by Soldiers or family members.

With two years of college under her belt, Cecil plans to resume her studies as she contemplates her future choices of moving up that ranks as a sergeant, warrant officer, or commissioned officer.

Whichever path she chooses, Cecil’s goal remains the same.

“I want to do the best job possible,” she said.