NOMINEES - DRE GUY, CAPTAIN FRANK JACKSON, JAKYRA JOHNSON & ALICIA COOPER

Dre Guy

Veteran | 6 years in the Army

What do you do now?

I am a full-time student. I work at Pikes Peak Community College as an admin assistant and I am also working for Domino’s because i want to learn the business functions so I can own franchise one day.

What are you learning?

I’m learning to step out of my comfort zone. I joined this program called Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado where one of my mentors, Dr. Ryan Ross, tried to instill that inside of me. Thats how I make the best out of every opportunity. At Pikes Peak Community College, I stepped-up as the president for our chapter of our Honor Society and I also served as vice president and president of the Black Student Union. Off campus, I also had a great opportunity to work in politics for a local senator for 6 months. Stepping out of my comfort zone has not only given me opportunities but has inspired me to be the change that I want to see.

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myblackcolorado.com/military

Captain

Frank JAckson

Active | 6 years in the Air Force / Space Force

What do you do in the service?

I’ve done Developmental Engineering (Aeronautical &Astronautical Engineering), Acquisitions, and Program Management for Air and Space systems . I’m currently working Satellite Operations.

What is your perspective of patriotism?

My idea of patriotism is having a profound appreciation for what a country says its ideals are. Although I was born in this country, my family/ friends are here, and my ancestors built this country - patriotism is an interesting topic given this country’s history with African Americans. So in my opinion, it is always somewhat difficult to express what patriotism truly means to me...I’m ultimately protecting this country and my loved ones who reside in it, from enemies foreign and domestic and that what it boils down to for me.

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myblackcolorado.com/military

Jakyra Johnson

Active | 6 years in the Army

What area of your life has the military helped you grow the most in?

I feel like it helped me become more mature and helped me be more financially responsible.

What are some things that you think people should consider before they decide to serve their country?

They should consider their mental state because the military can definitely be challenging to your mental health; especially if you are a single mother. Joining the military is a popular option for a mom trying to make a better life for herself and her kids. You really have to weigh that option out. That mom needs to know it is hard as a single parent in the military. Every career has it’s good and bad parts but you can’t just walk away if things aren’t going well like you can do in the civilian world. You have to be mentally strong enough to stick it out for you and your kids..

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myblackcolorado.com/military

Alicia Cooper

Veteran| 22 years in the army

Why did you join the military?

I joined the military after I graduated from high school in May 1988, I was not sure what I wanted to do. Although I could have went on to college, I felt that I needed to do something different. My brotherin law was an Army Recruiter in one of our area high schools and I watch him recruit several students for enlistment including my older brother. I knew that the Army would give me the opportunity to challenge myself, travel and to broaden my horizons. Any lessons I learned was that I can push myself beyond my limitations, conquer my fears, to lead by example and being a mentor to others. The military also made me a better person by teaching me courage, patience and understanding.

Read Full Interview at

myblackcolorado.com/military