Chief Master Sergeant Marcelle Leis was honored this week for her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and lifetime of service to the United States Air Force, the New York Air National Guard, and the veteran community.
The recognition came during a special ceremony hosted by State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, who praised the Patchogue resident as “a role model whose unwavering commitment to service has strengthened our community and inspired countless veterans and their families.”
Leis served honorably in the U.S. Air Force and New York Air National Guard from February 1989 to February 2013, retiring from the 106th Rescue Wing at FS. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach. She currently serves as Director of the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency.
During her distinguished career, she graduated from the USAF First Sergeant Academy in 1999 and was appointed first sergeant for the 106th Mission Support Group.
Her military tenure included answering the call on September 11, 2001, deploying with the 106th Operations and Maintenance Group to Kuwait in support of Operation Southern Watch, and serving as an adjunct instructor at the First Sergeant Academy in 2002. She later served as wing human resources advisor and as chief enlisted manager of the 106th Security Forces Squadron, and she was activated for numerous humanitarian missions, including leading efforts during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Leis earned multiple awards for her service, including two Air Force Meritorious Service medals, three Air Force Commendation medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the New York State Conspicuous Cross.
Following her retirement, she continued serving as a veteran peer mentor and later as director of Veteran Services with the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project, helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life. She also earned an Master of Sciences Degree in human services leadership from St. Joseph’s College in 2015.