January 2025

Veteran of the Month, January 2025

Staff Sergeant Cheryl Ellis

Cheryl Ellis began her military journey by enlisting in the Air Force Reserve at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, in 1985/86. Initially joining the CATM unit while awaiting a date for Basic Training, Cheryl decided to commit to full-time service. She completed Basic Training in April 1987 at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Her first duty station was Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, where she served as a Logistics Specialist with the 55th Logistics Readiness Squadron. During this time, she earned the prestigious Desert Storm/Desert Shield Campaign Medal.

Cheryl’s career then took her to Howard Air Force Base in the Panama Canal Zone, where she served with the 24th Supply Squadron for four years. While in Panama, she achieved the ranks of E4 (Sergeant) and E5 (Staff Sergeant) and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. She became a key member of the Air Force Logistics Blue Two Organization, an initiative focused on improving logistics procedures across the Air Force, serving as Secretary for her unit. Notably, Cheryl was the only female player on her squadron’s Supply Flag Football Team, competing against teams from the Navy, Army, and Marines. She also dedicated significant time to youth empowerment initiatives and other volunteer efforts within the local community.

While at Howard AFB, Cheryl applied for and was selected for a highly competitive Special Duty assignment as a Military Training Manager (MTM). This elite role took her to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. There, she served with the 362nd Training Squadron, where she was responsible for instilling military discipline and fostering professional growth among trainees in technical schools for Crew Chiefs, Loadmasters, and Aircraft Mechanics. Cheryl’s innovative approach to student recognition earned her widespread commendations, with her programs becoming benchmarks for other training squadrons across the Air Force.

After her distinguished Air Force career, Cheryl relocated to Riverdale, Georgia, instead of returning to her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. She embarked on a 24-year career with the City of Atlanta, serving as an Inventory Manager for the IT Department before retiring in May 2022.

In retirement, Cheryl has remained deeply committed to community service. She serves as a Youth Advisor at her church, mentors young people, volunteers at E.W. Oliver Elementary School, and is an active member of several veterans’ organizations, including Veterans Helping Veterans (Clayton County) and American Legion Post 258.

Cheryl is also an entrepreneur, running two home-based businesses: a travel service and a cake-decorating company. She enjoys engaging with her peers at local senior centers and continues to make an impact in her community.

Currently residing in Clayton County, Georgia, Cheryl is the proud mother of two sons and a “Glam Ma” to four grandchildren.