Darcie Greuel (Czapiewski) joined the United States Army Reserve as an enlisted Soldier in May 1984, completing Basic Training at Fort Jackson, and graduating from Fort Sam Houston’s Advanced Individual Training (AIT) as a Combat Medic that December. PV2 Greuel found her passion in the medical field and continued her professional growth through seeking and completing various medical courses and, finally, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC), with a 68WM6 identifier: Licensed Practical Nurse.
The highlights of her enlisted career were a deployment to Afghanistan in 2003, as the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) of the Intermediate Care Ward (ICW) of the 452nd Combat Support Hospital, and several medical missions in both Central and South America training in the delivery of medical care in austere conditions.
“It was extremely rewarding to provide medical care and assistance to local populations who may have never had an opportunity to access care otherwise,” said Gruel.
SFC Greuel went on to complete her Associate Degree in Nursing from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI, in 1998, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2006. Upon redeployment from Afghanistan in April 2004, and after 20 years of enlisted service, she commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Reserve. Duty called – and First Lieutenant Darcie Greuel answered, foregoing retirement. She was proud to continue service to our country and all those serving in the profession of arms.
As a company grade officer, LTC Greuel commanded the HHD of the 452nd CSH and the 548th Minimal Care Detachment (MCD). The 409th MCAS officially stood up under LTC Greuel’s command as a major in September 2013. The unit was selected for a Homeland Operations CBRNE mission, and LTC Greuel mobilized to Madison for a 4-year mission. In 2020, after relinquishing command of the 409th, LTC Greuel mobilized in support of COVID-19 operations in Boston, MA, for three months.
LTC Greuel took command of the 452nd Field Hospital in Milwaukee, WI, in September 2021. She was honored and excited to take command of the 452nd as this was the very first unit she enlisted into at the beginning of her career.
In December 2022, LTC Greuel achieved her life-long dream of attaining her master’s degree in nursing with an emphasis in Veteran and Military Healthcare.
Her military education includes: Primary Leadership Development Course, Medical NCO Course (91B), Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course (Phases I & II), Medical Career Management Course (91C), Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course (Phases I & II), AMEDD Basic Officer Leadership Course, AMEDD Captain’s Career Course, Command and General Staff College Intermediate Level Course (ILE), and Pre-Command Course.
Her awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal (5), Army Achievement Medal (6), Army Reserves Component Achievement Medal (13), National Defense Service Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (3) with M device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserves Component Overseas Training Ribbon (5), and the Armed Forces Service Medal.
LTC Greuel is the recipient of many civilian awards to include: the US Postal Service’s “Women Putting Their Stamp on Metro Milwaukee.,” the Ruth S. Coleman College of Nursing Alumni Award from Cardinal Stritch University, VA Secretary’s Hands and Heart Award, WTMJ4 Positively Milwaukee Award, and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Woman Veteran of the Year in 2021. These awards are all related to her love of the nursing profession and passion for taking care of Veterans and Service Members. She is always eager and honored to involve her Army Reserve units and her VA team in community events. As an example, her units have participated in several community events at the Milwaukee VA, setting up medical displays to educate the community about “Today’s Army.” Two of LTC Greuel’s units have participated in the Milwaukee VA’s “Reclaiming our Heritage” celebration, and they have also marched in the Milwaukee Veteran’s Day Parade. Numerous Soldiers from LTC Greuel’s unit have also participated in various community celebrations highlighting the military. Her VA team attends military and community events to provide education and support to Veterans and their families regarding VA healthcare and benefits. Three of LTC Greuel’s most honored events were in November 2015, September 2017, and October 2021 when she participated in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight program as a Guardian, assisting a WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War Veterans, so they could visit Washington DC’s War Memorial Monuments. The trips have been life-changing events for both the Veterans and LTC Greuel.
For 23 years, LTC Greuel has served at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI., caring for Veterans and their loved ones. Her current role as Program Manager for the Post 9/11 Military to VA (M2VA) Case Management program is to ensure that all Post 9/11 Veterans and Service Members are provided a seamless transition into VA healthcare and benefits programs when returning from deployments or transitioning out of the military.
LTC Greuel resides in Milwaukee, WI, and is lovingly supported by her partner, William T. Peters III, her children and their spouses, Daniel (Misky), Ryan (Lisa), and Kelsey (Brian) and many family members, friends, and coworkers. Her newest pride and joy is her grandson, Omid Sebastian, son of Dan and Misky.