Maritza Garriga

Director

Maritza Garriga, known as Mara, is native of Santa Isabel Puerto Rico. She lived on the island until she moved to Colorado at the age of 21 to complete undergraduate studies where she obtained Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from Colorado State University. Later on in her career she obtained a Master’s of Science in Exercise Physiology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, completion of CISCO Networking Academy, and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification from the Cyber Center of Excellence Ft Gordon, Ga and Acquisition Program Management Course from the Defense Acquisition University 2022 DL.
Mara joined the United States Army Reserve at the age of 21 as an Enlisted Soldier and later transitioned to the Active Duty Army where she earned an Officer Commission via the United States Army Officer Candidate School in Ft. Benning Ga. Mara completed a 30 year career that culminated in her recent retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC).
Her Military Education dates back to her days as a Private First Class- Staff Sergeant -through her last rank of LTC - Multichannel Transmission system operator 31R in 1993, Professional Leadership Development Course (PLDC) 1997, Officer Candidate School, 2000, Quartermaster Officer Basic Course 2001, Airborne School, 2001, Signal Captain’s Career Course 2007, Information Systems Management Course (Functional Area 53) 2011, United States Army Master Fitness Course 2016, Command and General Staff College (CGSC)/Intermediate Leadership Education (ILE) 2017, Physical Security and Antiterrorism levels I-II 2018, Alumni of the Institute for Defense and Business University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, 2019, Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Acquisition Program Management Level I and II 2022
Her assignments included Signal team lead at the A CO, 35th Signal BN Yauco Puerto Rico, Long Haul Team Lead and Squad Leader at the DCO, 32nd Signal BN, Darmstadt Germany, GS Maintenance PLT Leader at the 99th GS Maintenance CO, 87th CSSB Ft. Stewart Ga, SSS PLT Leader at the 226th QM CO, 87th CSSB Ft. Stewart GA, XO for the HHQ, 87th CSSB, Commander of HHQ CO of JCSE-ARE, MacDill AFB, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff G6 143rd ESC, Project Manager for Retention and Recruitment Initiatives at the ARCD HQ, Battle Captain 7th MSC Kaiserslautern GE, Chief Operations 7th MSC Kaiserslautern GE, Chief of Training 7th MSC Kaiserslautern GE, Chief of Plans 7th MSC Kaiserslautern GE, Assistant Chief of Staff G6 143rd ESC.
Her awards and decorations include The Meritorious Service Medal (5th award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd award), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism, Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/2 Campaign Stars, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award), Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (3rd award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Kosovo campaign medal w/Bronze Service Star, Parachutist badge, Driver and Mechanic badge w/mechanic clasp.
Mara is currently a Cyber Security Analyst at PEO STRI and a proud mother of 4 children; Amanda, Josian, Jessenia, and one lucky Black Lab named Kobe. Her youngest daughter is a student at Timber Creek Highschool. After years of frequent moves, Mara and Jessenia are now part of the Avalon Community and are excited to be of service.