LaCarole and her classmates from Virginia State University traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina for their officer advanced training. As part of the first wave of integrated male and female ROTC training, they blazed new trails while preparing to lead enlisted soldiers. The course matched the physical demands of enlisted basic training while focusing on developing future officers as leaders.

LaCarole’s ROTC journey at Virginia State University was deeply influenced by her father, Sergeant First Class John L. Taylor, who saw her leadership potential early on. Having spent much of her childhood stationed in Germany with her family, LaCarole embraced his encouragement to join ROTC and become part of the first wave of women preparing for officer leadership. This proud news article marked a special moment for her father and mother (Katherine).

In her junior year at Virginia State University, LaCarole was crowned Miss ROTC in recognition of her academic excellence, ROTC leadership and oratorical skills. Her selection reflected both her achievements and her ability to inspire through student engagement.

At her Virginia State University graduation, LaCarole received her diploma from Major General Leo A. Brooks Sr., one of the Army’s most respected Black generals and a proud Virginia State ROTC graduate himself. His trailblazing career, including distinguished service in Vietnam and breaking barriers in Army leadership, made this milestone moment especially meaningful.

LaCarole receives her first military promotion from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant at White Sands Missile Range. The ceremony was led by her full-bird commander, Colonel Harold Rose, and witnessed by her husband, Lieutenant Leonard Faulkner. At the time, LaCarole was serving as a community personnel officer, marking a proud step forward in her rising military career.

LaCarole prepares for a formal battalion dining-in ceremony in her dress blue uniform while stationed at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. This event honored tradition, unity and the shared responsibilities of Army officer leadership.

While stationed in West Germany, LaCarole served as a personnel officer during her first pregnancy with son, Dereck. She was assigned to both Pirmasens and Zweibrücken, where she led a diverse team that included U.S. military personnel, American civilians, and German local nationals. At a time when the Army was still shifting its approach to women serving while pregnant, LaCarole led with confidence, professionalism and care; balancing leadership and motherhood.

LaCarole and Leonard Faulkner as one of the early success stories of the Army’s Married Couple Assignment Program. The initiative kept dual-military spouses stationed and working together while providing housing support and additional pay. As Captains raising their first child, they proved that military service and family life could grow together as parents’ serving in uniform.

LaCarole officially took command of her company, receiving the unit flag from the battalion commander in a traditional change-of-command ceremony. She delivered her first address as company commander, setting the tone for leading her new recruits and drill sergeants with purpose and vision.

LaCarole stands in salute after taking command of Headquarters 42nd Reception Battalion Bravo Company. Leading her drill sergeants and incoming female recruits. The belt she wore signified her authority as an officer in command, a proud moment marking her leadership and responsibility over new soldiers entering military service.

After just six weeks of maternity leave, LaCarole returned to duty, shifting from company command into a staff leadership role without missing a beat. Leaving early each morning to balance childcare and reporting in, LaCarole led a team of trainers while continuing to teach, mentor, and shape others within Army personnel operations. Even in the midst of a new baby, LaCarole’s leadership remained steady, focused, and driven.

LaCarole’s promotion to Major reflected her evolution as a servant leader. No longer focused only on field duties or desk-bound operations, she was now shaping strategy, guiding others and influencing organizational direction. She made the intentional decision to leave active duty and continue her service in the Army Reserve to better balance the responsibilities of military leadership and motherhood. Her promotion and eventual retirement marked a career defined by purpose, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to both her soldiers and her family.

While continuing to serve in the Army Reserve, LaCarole co-owned a successful executive recruitment firm with her husband, Len Faulkner, under Management Recruiters Inc. Their office rose to national prominence, ranking in the top 10 out of 600 MRI offices. As an African American power couple and one of very few minority owned franchises, Len and LaCarole were the only office at the time specializing in diversity recruitment, a focus that fueled their massive success. Their achievements earned them national recognition and honors at one of MRI’s highest-level leadership conferences.

After years of national success under the MRI franchise, LaCarole and Len Faulkner launched their own independent recruitment firm, L&L Associates Incorporated, in 1999. The firm quickly became a sought-after partner for Fortune 500 companies across the country, known for supplying top-tier diverse candidates in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, finance, human resources, and consumer packaged goods. Their reputation as national leaders in diversity-focused executive search continues to this day.

After years of business ownership as an executive leader, and retirement from military service, LaCarole expanded her public service as a veteran employment leader with the U.S. Department of Labor. She advocated for veterans, ensuring they received the workplace protections and benefits they had earned. In addition, she led efforts to recruit veteran students using the GI Bill, as well as traditional college interns fulfilling academic requirements, both of whom provided vital support to the department’s workload. For her exceptional leadership and innovation within the Veteran Employment and Training Services program, LaCarole was honored by U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.

While serving in the federal government, LaCarole remained committed to honoring the legacy of military women. Through her historical research, she located Ms. Alyce Dixon, who was 106 years old at the time and one of the few living members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all Black all women unit deployed overseas during World War II. In 2014, LaCarole and her daughter Lakeisha Faulkner visited Ms. Dixon at the VA Hospital in Washington, D.C., where LaCarole conducted a personal interview and gained meaningful insights into the experiences of female soldiers during that era. The visit honored the women of the Six Triple Eight who broke barriers for LaCarole and future generations of women who serve.

LaCarole serves on the board of Athletes for Vets, a nonprofit led by her son Dereck Faulkner, former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver. Since its conception, she has helped shape the mission to support veterans and underserved youth through education and empowerment. At the annual holiday partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign, LaCarole and Dereck support local coordinator Gina Capate in helping deliver joy to more than 21,000 children across South Jersey. A proud military mother and veteran herself, LaCarole continues a family legacy of service by giving back to the community and advancing the mission of Athletes for Vets through hands-on leadership and compassionate commitment.

With a career spanning military leadership, entrepreneurship, and the Federal Government, LaCarole Faulkner reflects on a legacy grounded in generational empowerment. She led from the front, whether mentoring young soldiers, advancing diverse talent through L&L Associates, or guiding veterans, military spouses, and student interns to gain hands-on experience in public service. Known for her no nonsense, goal oriented leadership, LaCarole built a reputation for accountability, motivation, and measurable impact. At every stage, she served as a mentor, coach, and trainer, consistently developing others with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her influence lives on through the people she empowered to lead and succeed.