Retired Colonel Michelle M. Hernández de Fraley
Colonel (Retired) Michelle M. Fraley received her commission as a second lieutenant from the United States Military Academy, as the first female from Puerto Rico to graduate from West Point in 1984. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Russian and German; a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters of Science in International Relations, a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership. She recently completed a Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training. She is a graduate of the Signal Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College, the Joint Staff Officer Course, and the Navy War College.
Her first assignment was to the United States Army Information Systems Command-South, Fort Clayton, Republic of Panama. Among the positions she held during her tenure at USAISC-SOUTH, was that of commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company. After attending the Signal Officer Advanced Course, COL Fraley was assigned to the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Scott Air Force Base, Ill. During her three-year tour, she served as the Executive Officer for the USTRANSCOM J-6 and Project Officer for the software development of the Joint Operations Planning and Execution System (JOPES). She was then assigned to the 56th Signal Battalion and 106th Signal Brigade where she held the positions of Assistant S-3 in 1992 and 1994 respectively. In 1995, COL Fraley assumed command of the 69th Signal Company. After attending the Command and General Staff College and the Joint Staff Officer Course, she was assigned to LANDCENT Signal Group (NATO) in April 1997 where she deployed as part of the Bosnia Stabilization Force (SFOR). In September 1998, she assumed command of the 414th Signal Company (Separate) and deployed in support of the Kosovo Force (KFOR). She reported to the White House Communications Agency in May 2000 where she served as a Presidential Communications Officer until June 2002. Her fourth command was the 69th Signal Battalion from July 2002 to July 2004, with a subsequent assignment to 5th Signal Command as the Director, Plans and Programs, and G-3 (Operations). She was the brigade commander of the Defense Information Systems Agency-Europe from July 2007 to August 2009. She was the Chief of Staff, U. S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM), Fort Huachuca from August 2009 to July 2011. Colonel (Retired) Fraley was the Director, Capabilities, Development and Integration Directorate (CDID), and the Deputy Commander, United States Army Signal Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, prior to taking her last assignment. Her last assignment prior to retirement from the U.S. Army in 2014 was Commander, Warrior Transition Brigade-National Capital Region.
COL (Retired) Fraley’s awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, and Presidential Service Badge. Upon retirement, she was hired by the Puerto Rico Police Department. On 2 January 2016, she assumed duties as the Superintendent after almost three years as the Provost of the Puerto Rico Police Academy. Additionally, she is the Director, Selective Service System for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Panel Information
Friday, August 14
11:00 AM EST
Veterans Affairs
#IamVanessaGuillén: Honoring and Protecting Those Who Serve Our Country
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