Washington, D.C. — The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOT Memorial Foundation), the congressionally-designated non-profit tasked with organizing, funding, and coordinating efforts to build the GWOT Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is pleased to welcome Navy Veteran and D-Dey Response Group Founder and President Cecilia Deyo as the newest member of its Board.
“As the GWOT Memorial Foundation navigates the multi-step process required to honor the men and women who’ve served in the Global War on Terrorism with a national memorial, we’re so grateful for the leadership and support of women like Cecilia,” said GWOT Memorial Foundation President & CEO Marina Jackman. “As a GWOT veteran, entrepreneur, and servant leader, Cecilia has an intimate understanding of what’s at stake in this effort and why its essential for the service community and for the country. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Board.”
U.S. Navy Veteran, community change agent, veteran advocate, mother of two, and CEO of D-DEY Response Group, Cecilia Deyo was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. At the age of 19, she began her eight year tenure with the U.S. Navy that included an Iraq War deployment, the awarding of Sailor of the Year, multiple awards, honors, and commendations, and an honorable discharge in 2009.
During Cecilia’s Navy deployment, she met Don Deyo, a US Army Special Forces operator and first responder. After her separation from military service, they married and soon added to their blended family with the arrivals of their children, Daniel and Madeleine. “Team Deyo” as Cecilia refers to them includes Cynnamon and DJ Deyo, Don’s two older children.
With the help of her mentors, Cecilia established D-DEY Response Group in 2014 in the kitchen of her home as a stay at home mom and full-time student at Florida Atlantic University. From humble beginnings, D-DEY has doubled in revenue nearly every year since its inception and has grown to be an elite force in crisis training.
As D-Dey has grown, so has Cecilia’s drive to expand the company’s footprint in 2019 with the founding of Dark Hammock Ranch, D-DEY Offshore, and D-DEY Tactical. She has also founded D-Dey Relief Corp, serving as the president of this not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to sending medical aid and security teams to areas devastated by natural disasters.
Cecilia’s compassion extends beyond D-Dey. Since 2010 she has dedicated herself to other business, community and non-profit activities. They include: FAU Entrepreneur Bootcamp 2014, Junior League of Martin County 2010-2018 Active Member, Junior League of Martin County 2019 Sustainer, Impact 100 Martin County 2018 – present, Freedom Fighter Outdoors Volunteer 2016-2017 and Freedom Fighter Outdoors Board 2018-Present.
For Cecilia Deyo’s official photograph and full bio, visit: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/cecilia-deyo/
To learn more about the GWOT Memorial Foundation or to donate, visit gwotmf.org or follow the Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
