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Two-time Kentucky State University alumna Lieutenant Colonel La’Shawna Waller, the operations officer for the Army National Guard G-9, Installations and Environment Directorate, spoke about her campus experience during the annual Anna Mac Clarke Veterans Recognition Assembly 2021. 

Waller said attending Kentucky State was a last-minute decision, but she knew she was home when she first stepped on campus. She said she enjoyed all the campus activities Kentucky State had to offer until her financial aid ran out and she had to figure out how to finance the rest of her degree. 

Waller told her mother at age 3 that she would follow in her father’s footsteps and join the military. So, faced with financial obligations and a lifelong desire to serve, she joined ROTC at Kentucky State, which was a satellite program of the University of Kentucky. At times, she said, she struggled with the lack of diversity in the program. Some aspects of the program were daunting. Waller said physical fitness was not her forte, but she persevered. Despite injury and isolation at times, Waller didn’t quit. 

The result has been an exemplary career. Highlights include roles as an assistant executive officer in the Office of the Director Army National Guard at the National Guard Bureau; U.S. Army White House Social Aide from 2015-2017; and two combat tours. Waller said Samuel L. Jackson complimented her on her voice at a White House; she was a fly on a wall for President Barack Obama’s birthday party; and she regaled Tom Hanks and Will Ferrell with descriptions of what her job entailed.

Kentucky State University honored two of its own veterans during the assembly, as well. Attorney Lisa Lang and student Corey Jones Jr. were recognized for their service and contributions to Kentucky State. Kha’Lea L. Wainwright provided musical selections, as well as the Mighty Marching Thorobreds.