Lt. Col. Marissa F. Chierichella was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her father and mother instilled the importance of service and sacrifice at a very young age. Although not military, her father served in the Fire Department of New York demonstrating the importance of commitment. Chierichella attended and graduated the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2006 and commissioned as a Military Police Officer.
Chierichella’s career has been nothing short of unique. Her first assignment was to Fort Cavazos, Texas, where she served as a Platoon Leader in 1st Cavalry Division. She transitioned to the Brigade Provost Marshal position and finished out her time as the Battalion S4 before attending the Captains Career Course. Following the Career Course, she reported to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, where she attended Special Operations Language Training for Urdu. Chierichella commanded the 21st MP Company (Airborne). Following Company Command, she transitioned into Military Intelligence, serving as a Human Intelligence Officer in the National Capital Region, and then supporting U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
Chierichella served as the Executive Officer for the U.S. Army Parachute team, the Golden Knights. Following her assignment on the Parachute Team, she transitioned to the Battalion S3 of the 319th Military Intelligence Battalion. While serving as the Battalion S3, the battalion transitioned to an Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion. Chierichella moved to the Brigade S3 position of 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade following her Battalion S3 time. Following her time serving as a Brigade S3, she served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the 82nd Airborne Division.
Her overseas assignments include Iraq, Syria, and Poland. Her awards and decorations include: the Combat Action Badge, the Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), the Joint Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), the Army Achievement Medal (4 OLC), the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Inherent Resolve Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Basic Parachutist Badge, and the Pathfinder Badge. Her foreign decorations include the German Foreign Jump Wings and German Armed Forces Badge of Proficiency (Gold)
Chierichella is currently serving as the Deputy Corps G2 for XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Liberty.
Chierichella is married and has one child. Being a mother remains a priority in her life. In her free time, she serves on the board of directors for a non-profit organization which raises money to provide scholarships for school aged children of Special Operations Forces. Each year, she coordinates a silent auction for over 4,000 attendees which raises over $25,000 to provide 3-4 scholarships per year. She is also a small group leader in her church youth group.