Colleen Dibble

2016 EMERGING VOICE AWARD RECIPIENT

BA 2009, Department of Sociology

MA 2015,  Administrative Leadership, University of Oklahoma

Legalman Petty Officer First Class, United States Navy

Colleen Dibble was born and raised in New Jersey. She graduated from Purdue University in 2009, and then enlisted in the United States Navy as a Master-at-Arms military police officer. Her first assignment was in Misawa, Japan, where she served as patrol officer and watch commander, taking part in the 2011 humanitarian mission, Operation Tomodachi, following the 9.0 Great East Japan Earthquake. Her next assignment was at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Maryland where she served as a law enforcement officer in relief support following the September 16th 2013, Washington Navy Yard tragedy. During her time at Bethesda, she established the Crime Prevention Program where she hosted over twenty-five community policing events, creating over 300 volunteer hours for her fellow Sailors while making a lasting impact on the surrounding community. She served as a Physical Security Specialist within the Antiterrorism Division, conducing over 100 physical security surveys, evaluations and training to increase overall readiness throughout Naval District Washington, D.C. In May of 2015, she received her Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

While serving on active duty, Colleen was a starting defensive end for the semiprofessional Washington Prodigy Women’s Tackle Football team, and a member of the Independent Women’s Football League.

In 2015, she was recognized with the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, for her selfless volunteer service with Toys for Tots, McGruff program, youth sports, Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, Mothers Agains Drunk Driving, and Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

She is currently a student at the Naval Justice School in Newport Rhode Island, where she is finishing up her training for her assignment as a Legalman in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Colleen is an avid sports fan and is often found Saturdays cheering for Purdue Football and Sundays the New York Giants.

Her awards include the Outstanding Military Volunteer Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and National Defense Service Medal.