A pinning ceremony for U.S. Air Force Major Heather McKeand, a Cleveland native, was held on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Cleveland High School the place McKeand graduated in 2008. Before her members of the family, mates, former Air Force JROTC instructors at Cleveland High School, University of Houston and Texas A&M University, and present CHS JROTC cadets, McKeand, now 33, vowed to help and defend the Constitution of the United States towards all enemies – overseas and home, and that she would faithfully discharge the duties of her workplace.
McKeand is the primary navy officer to be produced by the Cleveland High School Air Force JROTC Unit. She joined the Air Force 10 years in the past after first acquiring her bachelors diploma on the University of Houston. Upon commencement from U of H in 2013, she earned the rank of second lieutenant after which first lieutenant, the latter of which is the step just under the rank of major.
Initially she labored in Air Force intelligence earlier than turning into a ROTC teacher at Texas A&M University. She now’s setting her sights on turn into a unmanned plane pilot for the Air Force.
“I have wanted to fly since I saw the F-16 Thunderbirds at the Houston Air Show when I was a sophomore in high school. I was told I was too short and that I would never fly an airplane. I now have 40 hours in a plane because I can fly,” she mentioned. “It doesn’t have to stop you; you just might have to find other ways. If you want something bad enough, and if you have the drive and determination, nothing will stop you.”
Her newest service dedication has her remaining within the Air Force just a few extra years, although McKeand is set to retire after 20-plus years and with the rank of colonel.
“My goal is to be a O6 colonel like Col. James Meyer,” mentioned McKeand. Meyer, alongside Sgt. Ronald McIntyre, have been the Cleveland High School JROTC instructors throughout the years that McKeand was in highschool. Both have been in attendance at her pinning ceremony.
McKeand credit Meyer and McIntyre for setting her on the fitting path for her navy profession.
“These two gentlemen right here instilled so much in me. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I love you both and I am beyond thankful for you,” she mentioned.
Speaking to the present cadets within the CHS program, she inspired them to energy by means of even probably the most troublesome obstacles in life.
“I failed JROTC the last six weeks of my first semester in high school, but the next year I turned it around. Do you know how many officers have been produced by this unit since it was established? Three. I am the first one. It is not easy but it’s possible,” she mentioned. “This is what changed my life. I know it’s a cliché, and you have heard it all the time, but if it wasn’t for JROTC, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”
When requested if she ever sees herself following in Col. Meyer’s footsteps and dealing as an teacher for the CHS JROTC program, McKeand mentioned, “I wouldn’t turn it down if offered a position at Cleveland High School in the future.”
Meyer and McIntyre watched proudly as McKeand was pinned throughout the ceremony. Afterward, Meyer, now retired and dwelling in White Oak, Texas, mentioned he noticed the day coming for McKeand way back.
“As her instructor in high school, I am so proud of where she is today. I was fortunate to administer her oath as a second lieutenant at the University of Houston. I am really honored to have been a part of that and to have been a part of this ceremony today. It really is a big step in her career,” Meyer mentioned. “I knew it would happen. If am still around when she makes it to colonel, then I will be happy to be there for the next ceremony.”
