The life of Sgt. Albert Dono Ware is one who has inspired me to serve with dedication. His service, sacrifice, and bravery went beyond his years in the military and continued throughout his career and as a civilian. As a student, military leader, and member of the Military Police in the United States Army Reserves, I have taken away lessons of responsibility, accountability, and courage. Service is not about when you are being watched or recognized for your efforts, but performing your duties consistently, being accountable for your actions, and doing what is right for those around you, even if it requires you to make sacrifices. I have made my fair share of sacrifices. Whether it was coming back to work and train after a long day of classes or trying to study while dealing with the stresses of being a leader. I have learned to balance sacrifice and manage my stress while trying to exceed expectations. Bravery to me is shown when someone does what is ethical and right, even if they are scared. It can also be confronting your mistakes and holding yourself accountable for your actions when faced with challenging decisions. While these values have been guiding principles in my life, they also play a key role in how I believe we can begin to address some of the problems faced in communities impacted by the African diaspora in America. In my time as a student, campus leader, and worker, I have noticed that there are still barriers that prevent people from obtaining a quality education, economic independence, and trust in institutions. Serving on the student government as a Military and Veterans Senator at Wichita State University gave me the opportunity to serve students who have to navigate through these systems. Many students that I have had the opportunity to work with are balancing military service, schooling, and financial struggles. Through my role I have learned you have to listen to the people you want to serve, collaborate with other leaders, and follow through with your word. Accessibility to resources and career paths are limited for a lot of people. Education is one of the most powerful things that can provide you long term stability. But what good is a degree if you do not have anyone to mentor you or help you NETWORK? We have to develop policies that invest in our youth through education, mentorship, and careers. Policies that create workforce opportunities and pathways into public service, technology, and skilled trade careers. When people have the opportunity to take care of themselves and their families they do not have to rely on temporary solutions during moments of crisis. Another reform that I believe is important is community based public safety. In order for people to feel secure we need to ensure that they can trust the institutions that have been placed to serve and protect them. Creating transparent accountability systems, consistency with community outreach, and training officers to be ethical and have a better understanding of the communities they serve can help build trust. My experience as a Military Police soldier shows me that professionalism and discipline are just as important as integrity and trust when it comes to public safety. People want to know that you will act the same when nobody is watching as you would when you are on watch. When institutions hold their members accountable for misconduct we can begin to see an environment where people feel safe instead of targeted. Economic growth and opportunity are also important. There should be more policies aimed at helping small business owners, creating job training programs, and teaching people about finances and how to manage them. By creating opportunities and sustainable ways to build generational wealth, we can decrease the need for band-aid solutions during times of social stress. Just like with the other issues, policymakers need to engage with communities to learn about their needs instead of trying to legislate solutions without being properly informed. Most of these solutions require someone to take action. Whether that be being informed and casting your vote or being on the front lines as a community leader. Local community leaders and faith-based organizations help build bonds of trust with residents. Teachers and professors can open doors and help students learn how to be civically engaged. Public safety officials and law enforcement play a huge role in ensuring these communities are actually implementing these practices. Our local, state, and federal lawmakers are responsible for the laws, budget allocations, and maintenance of the systems that need to be overhauled. Lastly, veterans and service members can use the skills they learned in the military to help our nation’s communities. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and Sgt. Ware proved that to me. Change sometimes requires you to make sacrifices that you may not see a benefit from. But if we can serve one person and change their life for the better, we are doing our job. I plan to take these values with me as I continue my career in public service and homeland security and work with various stakeholders to help find solutions to promote accessibility, accountability, and community strength.

Throughout my pursuit of higher education, one of the most significant obstacles I have faced is the reality of navigating academic and professional spaces as a Black student and a Black service member. From a young age, my mother reminded me, “Black people have to work twice as hard to be half as good as their counterparts.” I did not fully understand the weight of that message at the time, but as I grew older and entered college and the military, her words became a clear reflection of my lived experience. They shaped the way I carry myself, the effort I put into my goals, and the standards I hold myself to, even when circumstances around me are challenging. As a Homeland Security major, an Army Reserve Military Police Soldier, and a cadet preparing to commission through ROTC, I often find myself in environments where I am one of the few Black individuals present. While I take pride in my service and accomplishments, I am also aware of the pressure that comes with representation. There is a constant expectation to perform, avoid mistakes, and prove that I belong in spaces where others are automatically presumed competent. This silent burden creates a level of mental strain that many people do not see, but one that many Black Americans understand deeply. These pressures became especially difficult to navigate after the loss of my aunt, who was one of my strongest supporters. Grieving while balancing military duties, academic responsibilities, and leadership roles on campus was a challenge that tested both my resilience and my sense of identity. Even in those moments, my mother’s words stayed with me, reminding me that perseverance is not just a choice but a necessity for someone like me. Despite these obstacles, my experiences have strengthened my commitment to serving others. At Wichita State University, I serve as the Military and Veterans Senator in Student Government to advocate for military-affiliated students, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds. My goal is to create an environment where students do not feel silenced, overlooked, or unsupported. In the future, as I continue my service and pursue a career in homeland security or counterterrorism, I intend to serve as an example for young Black men who hope to work in national security, law enforcement, or military leadership—fields where representation remains limited. Ultimately, the challenges I have faced have shaped me into someone who works with intention, discipline, and purpose. With the education I am earning and the service I continue to provide, I plan to give back by uplifting my community, creating opportunities for others, and proving through action that excellence is something we define for ourselves, no matter the obstacles placed in front of us.

My name is Teray Boyd, and I currently serve in the United States Army Reserve as a Military Police Soldier at the rank of Specialist. My commitment to military service began with a desire to contribute to something greater than myself and a deep appreciation for the discipline, structure, and purpose the Army provides. After completing training at Fort Leonard Wood and returning to my unit in Wichita, I have continued to build my skills and knowledge within the Military Police field. This summer, I will be attending Military Working Dog (K9) School, an opportunity that will expand my operational capabilities and prepare me for increased responsibility as I progress in my career. I am pursuing a degree in Homeland Security at Wichita State University, with the long-term goal of commissioning as an active-duty Army officer after completing ROTC. My academic interests and professional ambitions align closely with my military service. Serving as an MP has shown me the importance of vigilance, integrity, and sound judgment, qualities essential to both law enforcement and national security. These experiences have motivated me to pursue a career focused on protecting communities, supporting national security initiatives, and contributing to the broader mission of the Department of Homeland Security or counterterrorism-related agencies. Although I am still currently serving and not yet a veteran, balancing military obligations with academic responsibilities has presented significant challenges. Weekend drills, training requirements, and unexpected duty-related tasks often overlap with demanding academic deadlines. Learning to navigate these competing responsibilities has strengthened my time-management skills and resilience. Additionally, the unexpected loss of my aunt last year placed emotional strain on an already demanding schedule. Despite these difficulties, these experiences have shaped my determination and reinforced my commitment to excelling in both my education and military career. Service to my community has always been central to my identity. At Wichita State University, I serve as the Military and Veterans Senator in the Student Government Association, advocating for military-affiliated students and working to improve campus resources and support systems. I am also an active member of the Student Veteran Organization, collaborating on programs and events that recognize and uplift the veteran and military community on campus. Beyond university involvement, my prior volunteer work with the American Red Cross Youth Volunteer Program and Epsilon Delta Kudos helped support military families, veterans, and individuals facing hardship. These roles taught me the value of service, empathy, and leadership long before I wore the uniform. My academic progress, military service, and commitment to community engagement all reflect my dedication to becoming a capable and responsible leader. This scholarship would directly support my continued education, my preparation for commissioning, and my long-term goal of serving the nation through both military and homeland security pathways. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply and for the support that enables students like me to keep striving toward meaningful service.