Name: Carla Bender
Graduation Year: 2009
Major: Accounting
Current Residency: Fort Campbell, KY
Current Employment Status: United States Army, (Active Duty)
Favorite quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that.”
During her tenure at Jackson State, Carla served as a JSU Cheerleader and Tumbler and became a member of the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Upon graduation, she commissioned as an officer in the United States Army through the JSU Army R.O.T.C. program upon graduation. Now, a decorated Operation Enduring Freedom war veteran after serving in Afghanistan, she currently serves on Active Duty at the rank of Captain with 4BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). A dedicated and devout Christian, outside of the military, Carla is a philanthropist, inspirational blog writer, motivational speaker, songwriter and inspirational recording artist who uses her gifts to uplift and encourage others in Christ.