Coach Kelly served in the U.S, Navy for 10 years and was an award - winning supervisor. He was responsible for many major activities onboard multiple ships. He drove small patrol boats and stood armed watch patrol countless times. He made history as the youngest Fueling Station Rig Captain for Underway Replenishment Operations onboard the USS Enterprise (CVN - 65). He enlisted after attending Alabama A & M University on a football scholarship. The most appealing factor was the idea of traveling to other countries in the world. One of the most challenging aspects of his military service occurred upon retuning from his final Mediterranean Deployment, a six - month cruise. His youngest son cried anytime he tried to pick him up. He had just turned one and was too young to remember his Dad while deployed. This was also the tipping point in making the decision to finish my career. Upon enlisting, Coach Kelly’s family was supportive, but they allowed him to decide for himself. Working with students, Coach Kelly believes that he has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he wants to impart students. His different experiences provide alternate ways in which to show them and to apply problem - solving techniques. His likes to tell his students that they don't have to make the mistakes that he did, because he’s already made them! “Learn from my mistakes” he says. Coach Kelly’s long - term goal is to positively effect as many young people as possible, both cognitively and spiritually. He believes this is how he will be graded in the future. I want each student that he encounters to know that they are seen, heard, and loved!
Interviewer: Cadet Jayden Daffin