NATCHEZ — After 24 years in the uniform, the daughter of a Natchez woman recently retired from the U.S. Military and received the Legion of Merit.

Army Lt. Col. Carla Reed is the daughter of Carolyn Reed Smith and stepdaughter of Willie Joe Smith, both of Margaret Avenue, Natchez, and stepdaughter of Carlee Reed, Cloverhill Road, Natchez.

She earned the Legion of Merit “for exceptional meritorious service over a 24-year career while serving in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating as the military secretary, Directorate for Joint Force Development, Joint Staff” at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

The award citation said her “exceptional leadership and technical knowledge significantly enhanced the entire spectrum of strategic human resources and allowed the command to achieve and maintain high levels of mission success. Her superb contributions have resulted in enhanced support to the Directorate for Joint Force Development and the nation’s warfighters.”

The lieutenant colonel’s military awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and four Army Commendation Medals.

Reed is 1984 graduate of North Natchez High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1988 from Jackson State University.