In 2005, Jeannie Deakyne stepped into a leadership role as she took charge of a company of U.S. soldiers stationed in Baghdad. Rather than beginning her journey by reaching out to her own loved ones, she chose to communicate with the families of the soldiers under her care. In her first two days, she wrote letters introducing herself and expressing her commitment to their well-being. This act not only marked the beginning of her command but also reinforced her sense of responsibility as a leader.
### The Foundations of Leadership
More than twenty years later, Deakyne has transitioned from military leadership to education, now overseeing the Arlington ISD Education Foundation and serving as board president for Tarrant County College. Although her focus has shifted from soldiers to students, her core philosophy remains steadfast: true service involves taking responsibility for the broader community. As she puts it, “Service is about protecting and enhancing the communities we are a part of, making it a better place for everyone.” Her experience in the military continues to shape her approach to leadership in education.
Raised in Arlington with both parents working as educators, Deakyne was influenced from a young age to value education. Her mother taught art in public schools, while her father became a college professor, paving the way for a culture of learning within their home. Inspired by her grandfather’s World War II service and subsequent educational opportunities through the GI Bill, she accepted an Army ROTC scholarship, which allowed her to fulfill her aspirations in both academics and military training.
### A Journey Full of Challenges and Connections
Deakyne’s military career began when she arrived at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in 1999. It was there that she met her future husband, Will Deakyne, sharing the challenges of military life. They married in Arlington on July 4, 2001, unaware that their wedding date would not guarantee time together due to their demanding careers. Following the September 11 attacks, both were deployed to duty assignments that would take them away from each other for extended periods. Despite the hardships, they remained supportive of one another, with thoughtful gestures often punctuating their correspondence.
During her time in Iraq, Deakyne commanded a personnel services unit and was responsible for the well-being of her soldiers. She traveled extensively throughout the region, ensuring that her team was well-supported. The emotional weight of her role did not escape her; she knew her team’s actions had real implications, particularly when it came to casualty notifications. “There was a deep sense of dignity required when speaking to families about their losses,” she said.
### Building a Family and a Community
Longing for stability and the joy of family life, Jeannie and Will envisioned a future where they could raise children and positively impact their community. After their arduous military assignments, they returned to Arlington, where they eventually started their family. Jeannie embraced her role as a mother while teaching at UTA and later took on positions that further solidified her commitment to education and community service.
Now, as executive director of the Arlington ISD Education Foundation, Deakyne champions educational initiatives and has led efforts to secure substantial grants for student programs. By facilitating opportunities such as new bilingual books and entrepreneurship labs, she is fostering an enriched educational landscape. Colleagues have praised her knack for organization, likening her skills to “military precision” that brings efficient outcomes to community projects.
Through her leadership roles, Jeannie Deakyne continues to live by the promise she made to those families in Iraq, ensuring she keeps a watchful eye on the well-being of students and their families. By nurturing the next generation, she embodies the essence of service, focusing her efforts on making Arlington a home worth fighting for, both for herself and for the community she so passionately serves.