Blader originally enlisted in the
United States Army Reserve. She later joined the
Wisconsin Army National Guard and was commissioned an officer through the
Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps. After serving as a radio channel operator, she eventually joined the Military Police Company. Later, she became a judge advocate and eventually a military judge. From 2011 to 2012, Blader was deployed to serve in
Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2018, she was named Assistant Adjutant General for Readiness and Training of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Awards she has received include the
Bronze Star Medal, the
Meritorious Service Medal with
oak leaf cluster, the
Army Commendation Medal, the
Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, the
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the
National Defense Service Medal with
service star, the
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with service star, the
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver hourglass and 'M' devices, the
Army Service Ribbon, the
Overseas Service Ribbon and the
NATO Medal. ==Education==