Youlanda's extensive service in the United States Army and Department of Defense demonstrates her commitment and expertise in various areas, particularly logistics, operations, and leadership. Over more than 22 years of active service, she has achieved remarkable accomplishments, as evidenced by exceptional performance rankings. Her ability to streamline improvements to the bottom line and turn around underperforming organizations and units is a testament to her leadership and problem-solving skills.
Her assignments include tactical, operational, and strategic positions culminating at Redstone Arsenal as Assistant Professor, Department of Joint Interagency Multinational Operations with primary responsibility to lecture, lead seminar discussions and teach Joint service doctrine to Field and Company Grade officers.
She attended the Officer Basic and Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Courses at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland and Fort Lee, Virginia before completing company grade assignments at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Stewart, Georgia. She worked all three levels of military operations while assigned to Division East, First Army, Fort Meade, Maryland and U.S. Army Pacific Command at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
Youlanda deployed with United States Army Central Command at Camp Doha, Kuwait (2001-2002), as the Materiel Management Officer coordinating logistical resupply for air and ground assets during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. In 2003, she deployed as a Maintenance Company Commander to Iraq in support of 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) in OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM where she dispatched ground maintenance support teams to provide direct support to tactical unit on the advancement to Baghdad. In 2008, Youlanda assumed duties as the Brigade Logistical Officer/S4, Combat Aviation Brigade (Heavy), 4th Infantry Brigade, and forward combat operations at Camp Taji, Iraq. She supervised and managed new equipment fielding for CH-47 D, AH-64, and UH-60 aircraft as well as Rapid Fielding Initiative for over 3500 Servicemembers. While deployed, she initiated over fifty operational contracts and Logistics Civil Augmentation Program construction projects comprising over $10 million. Her responsibilities also included maintaining visibility of 1500 line-item numbers of medical, organizational and theater property, and providing oversight of auditing functions for more than $3 million of monthly spend plans for operational and maintenance Army funding. During OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and FREEDOM SENTINEL, July 2014- July 2015, Youlanda performed duties as the Executive Officer for Afghan National Security Force Logistics Directorate, International Security Assistance Force and Headquarters Resolute Support supervising Coalition Forces from eight nations.
Throughout her career, Youlanda has been the recipient of numerous medals and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, and the Order of Samuel Sharpe.
Youlanda has a strong educational background, holding a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Webster University and a Master of Military Art and Science in Army and Joint Professional Military Education from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. In addition to her formal education, she also received certification as a Contracting Officer Representative and underwent training as an Instructor and Development Supervisor by Defense Acquisition University. She also is a 2011 recipient of the SOLE Demonstrated Master Logistician Certification. She received her Bachelor of Science and was commissioned into the Reserve Officer Training Corps in the Ordnance Corps in 1996 upon graduation from Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi.
Youlanda is married to Lieutenant Colonel, retired, Darrell Walker. They are the proud parents of two children, Drayton, and Lauryn.
