Recognizing and uplifting diverse voices: Army Capt. Kate Sulzle serves others
Capt. Kate Sulzle has always worked to uplift and serve those around her. Raised in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, she first joined the Minnesota National Guard in February of 2017. She was contracted and commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps while enrolled at the College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph. During that time, she was serving in a part-time capacity with Charlie Battery, 1st Batallion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment. Once she commissioned in May of 2019, she attended the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon returning to Minnesota, she served as a fire direction officer within her organization, and eventually, became a platoon leader. In 2022, Sulzle left the field artillery world to become a public affairs officer with the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, or 34th ECAB. Her reason for enlisting was two-fold, Sulzle said.
“I needed help paying for school,” she said. “I was also drawn by the opportunity to give back to my community and state.”
On the civilian side, she earned a bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in communication from the College of Saint Benedict, and a master’s in science in applied psychology with a focus on industrial organization psychology and program evaluation from the University of Wisconsin – Stout in Menomonie. While working on her master’s, Sulzle worked as a research assistant at the college’s applied research center.
Throughout her time in the Minnesota National Guard, she has worked on multiple sets of long-term orders. Presently, she is supporting the deputy chief of staff for the rear detachment of the 34th Infantry Division, known as the “Red Bulls,” while the organization is deployed to the Middle East.
Currently, Sulzle is living in New Richmond, Wisconsin, with her wife, Casie. The couple met in 2017 at a community pool where they both were working and became good friends, she said. After some time they started dating and married in February of 2020.
Throughout her career, Sulzle has had two mentors that she says have been instrumental in her development as an officer, Army Chief Warrant Officer Five Tina Podratz and Army Capt. Andrea Tsuchiya.
“From early on in my career, they taught me what right looks like, how to be a better leader, and how to navigate being a woman officer in a combat arms role,” she said. “Their mentorship and guidance have continued to positively impact me in my role as a public affairs officer.”
Her most memorable experiences while serving have happened while serving as a public affairs officer with the 34th ECAB, Sulzle said.
“The opportunity to fly in helicopters, capture moments through photography, and engage in joint training sessions with other groups such as special forces and the Canadian military has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “These experiences not only showcase the opportunities available in the Minnesota National Guard but also highlight the collaborative spirit that defines serving in the Guard.”
As a public affairs officer, Sulzle also serves as the brigade diversity and inclusion officer. This role has provided her with the opportunity to amplify the voices of Soldiers that she serves with, she said.
“In this role, I have the opportunity to recognize and uplift the diverse voices of Soldiers within our brigade, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, by sharing their stories with the public,” she said.
In her personal life, Sulzle and her wife are dedicated to uplifting others in her community.
“My wife and I are also proud members of the LGBTQ+ community,” she said. “We believe it is important to be a safe space for others and to serve as strong advocates and representatives within the community.”
Looking toward the future, Sulzle is in the process of seeking full-time employment in her field of study after she has finished her duties with the 34th, and to having new adventures with her spouse.
“After my current orders, I would like to see myself working as a program evaluator,” she said. “My wife and I would like to buy a home in the near future and travel often to try foods from around the world.”
She is also looking forward to developing the Diversity & Includsion program that she is currently working in.
“One of my goals as a D&I officer would be to further develop the D&I program for the 34th ECAB to expand its reach and impact,” she said. “While the program currently highlights diversity and promotes inclusion, there is still work to be done to create a better experience for Soldiers.”
For those considering a career in the military, Sulzle has some advice. She recommends those who may think that serving is the right choice for them assess how a career in the military fits into their long-term plans and aspirations, she said.
“For me, The National Guard helped me to afford a quality education,” she said. “In addition, I would recommend understanding the opportunities and responsibilities that come with serving in the Minnesota National Guard. On one hand, I devote a great deal of time to the work I do for the Minnesota National Guard. On the other hand, there are many opportunities to explore your talents and interests without committing to active duty or full-time service.”
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Sirrina Martinez
Minnesota National Guard
