Soldiers, Family members awarded degrees at postwide graduation
Master Sgt. Monique King, Garrison Command Operations NCOIC, left, shakes hands with Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley commanding general, right, after receiving her master’s degree in human resources administration from Central Michigan University during the semi-annual postwide graduation ceremony May 6 at King Field House.
1st Inf. Div. Post
Soldiers, Family members and Department of the Army civilians cheered and clapped as their loved ones and colleagues walked down the aisle to receive their college diploma during the semi-annual postwide graduation ceremony May 6 at King Field House.
About 140 people earned diplomas ranging from associate degrees to master’s degrees from more than 10 colleges and universities.
One hundred and two students earned associate degrees, 28 earned bachelor’s degrees and 10 students earned master’s degrees.
Thirty-three active duty Soldiers received degrees along with 24 veterans or retirees, 66 Family members, 2 National Guard and Army Reserve members and 15 DA civilians.
Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general, said he was impressed by the number of people who graduated and their examples of commitment.
Next in importance to freedom and justice is education, Brooks said, and without them neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.
“As members of the Army community, you know all too well the importance of freedom and justice and also the cost of permanently maintaining them, and it is evident by your success that you also know of the importance of education.”
Adult education is probably the most challenging task, he said, because it requires balance of an already busy work and home life.
“Many of you came home from a long day’s work, burned the midnight oil, studying for your exams and doing your homework,” Brooks said. “Some of you even completed courses while serving in theater.”
The work of an adult college student should not be underestimated, he said, because of the time and effort needed to complete coursework.
“You didn’t let the challenges of being a Soldier, Army civilian or Family member deter you from achieving your objective,” he said, adding the degree earned demonstrates they are ready to accomplish other goals in their lives and careers.
“Each one you is an inspiration, a role model and a leader,” Brooks said. “Teach others what you learned about yourself, the value of discipline, the traits that you have demonstrated that have helped you succeed here.”
He encouraged the graduates to take their knowledge, experience and determination back into their units and Families to help others improve their lives.
Master Sgt. Monique King, Garrison Command Operations Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, graduated with her master’s degree in human resources administration from Central Michigan University after deciding she wanted to be in a field that was more people oriented.
“This field’s primary focus is on human and organizational relationships,” she said. “It strengthens your oral and written communication skills and gives you the opportunity to see the big picture as it relates to an organization and its environment.”
King started taking classes about 10 years ago and obtained her associate degree in 2001 and her bachelor’s degree in 2006, but she said she wanted to continue her education.
King said she wanted to shower her daughter, Shameika, who is graduating from Manhattan High School later this month and will attend Kansas State University, that higher education is important in today’s society.
“Your quality of life will and can be much more rewarding, and its one of the best feelings in the world, knowing that you have challenged yourself beyond what you initially thought you could handle,” she said.
Among the 140 students who graduated on Friday, King said she was impressed by the number who received diplomas.
“This ceremony showcased a variety of people from all walks of life and for some, to include myself, happened to be the first in their Family to achieve this level of success,” she said.
King said she constantly encourages Family, friends and co-workers to continue their education and knows people who have achieved a degree while deployed.
“As a Soldier serving in the Army, there is no reason why he or she can or should (end term of service) or retire without a degree,” she said. “If you serve your country and graduate from an accredited institution you are considered a double threat and very marketable in the civilian sector.”
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