Photo By Pfc. Patrick Connery | U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marcel Walker, mobility officer, 69th Air Defense...... read more read more
Subscribe
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marcel Walker, mobility officer, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, has spent more than two decades serving in the U.S. Army, but his dedication to service does not end when he takes off his uniform.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Walker grew up as a military child and now calls Killeen home. He first joined the Army in 2002, taking what he thought would be a short-term opportunity, a two-year contract and a small bonus, that has turned into a 21-year career.
“I never had some grand plan to join the military,” Walker said. “But once I put on the uniform, I found purpose and that purpose keeps growing.”
Walker began as a veterinary food inspection specialist before transitioning to transportation, where he now oversees the complex logistics of moving troops, vehicles and equipment for air defense missions. The role carries significant responsibility, often involving multimillion-dollar assets and direct coordination to ensure mission success, Walker said.
But Walker’s commitment to others extends far beyond his official duties. Since arriving at Fort Hood in February 2023, Walker has immersed himself in community service, volunteering with organizations such as the Killeen Animal Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, the Central Texas Food Bank, The Mission Continues, Team Rubicon and Cameron Park Zoo in Waco.
Whether mucking out homes after floods, serving food to families in need or educating zoo visitors about wildlife, Walker sees volunteerism as an essential part of his life and his legacy.
“I want my kids to see that the more good we put into this community, the more good we can expect to get back,” Walker said. “We can treat things the way we hear them, or we can make an impact and create what we want this place to be.”
He hopes his actions and those of other Soldiers who volunteer influence the community into becoming a greater place.
“I want to retire here. I want my kids to grow up here,” Walker said. “Why wouldn’t I want the best for the community? We’ve got to put the best into it.”
Supported by his wife of nearly 13 years, Walker continues to serve both in and out of uniform. He plans to volunteer at upcoming events, including World Sloth Day at the Cameron Park Zoo, and is training for a leadership role with Team Rubicon, an international nongovernment organization specializing in disaster response. For him, the mission is clear: serve the Army, serve the community and inspire others to do the same.
“There are a lot of great people that exist in Killeen, Fort Hood, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Temple and Belton,” Walker said. “Find something you’re passionate about, because if you love doing it, it’ll never feel like a hassle to give.”
| Date Taken: | 08.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2025 14:35 |
| Story ID: | 548940 |
| Location: | TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 23 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Great People at The Great Place, by PFC Patrick Connery, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
