Motivated to serve their country while advancing their educational and career prospects, 49 Killeen ISD seniors on Wednesday received red, white and blue honor cords symbolizing commitment to military service.
One at a time, students stepped across the cafeteria stage at the Franklin and Emily Pratt Learning and Leadership Center, receiving their cord and tokens of appreciation from state, national, military and school district representatives.
An enthusiastic crowd of well-wishers cheered their support for students already contracted with one of the military branches of service.
“The reason I wanted to join the Navy is for the discipline and to prepare for my future career,” said Faruq Bailey, set to graduate from Early College High School.
An aspiring actor, Bailey said he plans to serve in a mass communications capacity for the US Navy. “It is an honor to go into the service and to serve my country. I love it.”
Ilyanna Brown of Killeen High School is headed to the Texas National Guard. “I wanted to try to structure myself and defend my country with honor,” she said. “It feels excellent. I like that my sister is watching me. I hope it provides inspiration for her.”
Seniors proceeded into the filled cafeteria and following the posting of the colors and National Anthem heard from a variety of community leaders congratulating their choice to serve.
Lt. Denzel Gay, operations officer for the Waco Army Recruiting Company, shared with students his experience beginning military service.
Uncertain of his ability to speak to new enlistees after just a few years in the military, Gay said he remembered a concept that has served him well.
“I remembered that I have always found my way by just doing it, pushing the anxiety and doubt to the back…when I started doing, I became more than capable.”
In an ever-changing world, there are always opportunities for self-doubt, he said. “You are more than capable of the journey you have chosen.”
One of 12 children from an impoverished background, Gay said he wanted something different. Staring at rising personal debt, he came upon an advertisement about the Army. A recruiter assured him he had what it took to be an officer.
“After I completed basic, I experienced that camaraderie that is esprit de corps, fellowship within the Army,” he said.
“It’s going to be hard and stressful at times. It’s going to take grit. You have completed the first step, the hardest one,” he said.
“In my opinion, there is no other choice that has a better outcome for opportunities for success,” said Gay. “Take every opportunity to learn and lead. Your military service is what you make of it.”
Aesha Makonnen, a Shoemaker senior headed to the US Air Force said she is confident the challenges of her choice will pay off.
“I joined the military because I saw it as a great opportunity to get started with my life and I was very interested in the benefits of the military,” she said. “I feel really accomplished. The process is definitely worth it.”
Fort Cavazos Garrison Commander Col. Lakicia Stokes told the enlistees they made a selfless courageous decision.
“You could have chosen many other paths, but you chose service, discipline and a life of purpose,” she said. “You are about to become part of something bigger than yourselves. You will make bonds that will last a lifetime.”
Military Enlistment Recognition Ceremony photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720326135977
KISD Class of 2025 military enlistees include the following:
Killeen High School
Army – Ilyanna Brown and Malikah Waller, Marines – Josue Castillo Reyes, Kenneth Gabble and Caleb Hammond, Texas National Guard – Kenyen Hardiman, Jamarcus Pikes and Terence Thomas
Chaparral High School
Navy – Elijah Mathews and Army – Khadari Tripplett
Early College High School
Navy – Faruq Bailey, Adriana McLucas, Kalece Nelson, Amabella Stricklin and Melissa Wilson, Marines – Dominic Dawkins, Marlon Ortiz-Diaz, Justin Reck and Caleb Saavedra-McGuire, Army – Gage Hydorn, Air Force – Elisha Lawson, Yvonne Martin, Konnor Ray and Lyric Robinson
Shoemaker High School
Army – Ricardo Baeza, Trevor Chunn, Jeffery Delaney, Jeremiah Johnson, Starrla Johnson and Carter Poulson, Marines – Mekhi Buford and Gavin McGinn, Air Force – Aesha Makonnen, Navy – Javon Martin, Nevaeh Pickard, Bre’Elle Victorian and Lisely Hernandez
Harker Heights High School
Air Force – Micah Boozer, Josiah Callands, Giselle Jasper and Sean Maldonado, Texas National Guard – Isabella Fujikawa
Ellison High School
Marines - Nyzir Baker, Navy – Achilles Brock, Army – Royal Dodd-Nelson and Leo Rivera and Air Force – Lillianna Lecounte, Indigo Newburn and Dae’Yonia Smith
