COPPERAS COVE, Texas- (July 14, 2026) A teacher and recruiter with a shared military background work together to enlist students in the Navy. Eric Fries was recently recognized by Cmdr. Robert Brown Jr., commanding officer Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio, with an Impact Influencer award on July 14, for helping strengthen the future of the Navy.
He received the award for referring 12 individuals who have committed to serving their country as future Sailors.
Fries is an Advancement Via Individual Determination teacher at Early College High School in Killeen, and a former Navy boatswain’s mate. He served for five years and was stationed at Coastal Riverine Squadron 2 in Virginia.
“The Navy set me up for life,” Fries said. “Even though I didn’t do a full career there, I’m still benefiting from it.”
Fries and Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Michelle Boatman, a recruiter assigned to NTAG San Antonio’s Navy Recruiting Station Copperas Cove, worked closely together throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
“I met Mr. Fries on my very first visit to Early College High School in January 2025,” Boatman said. “From day one, he has been nothing but helpful and welcoming!”
As both individuals shared their experiences in the Navy, the two collaborated in educating students about the opportunities available to them.
“Being prior service, he [Fries] and I worked together through presentations and sharing our stories and information regarding active duty and veteran benefits,” Boatman said. “Often, we would find ourselves sitting in his classroom, chatting, as students would gather, pull up a chair, simply to hear our stories.”
Fries said he enjoys working with Boatman because she is direct and will let his students know if the Navy is a good fit for them.
“She is an honest person and hard worker,” Fries said. “I think we see that in each other which makes it easier to communicate and do what’s best for all the students she is recruiting.”
Fries also stated that he was excited to receive the influencer award. The last award he received from the Navy was during his deployment.
“I was glad my wife was there,” Fries said. “This is awesome it felt nostalgic. I’m glad it was for something that I cared about. Not just the Navy but helping the students.”
NTAG San Antonio’s leadership emphasized that Fries’ dedication demonstrates the power of community involvement, proving how one teacher’s encouragement can inspire the next generation to pursue a rewarding career in the Navy.
NTAG San Antonio’sarea of responsibility includes more than 30 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 144,000 square miles ofCentral andSouth Texas territory.For more news from NTAG San Antonio follow on Facebook (facebook.com/NTAGSanAntonio), X (@NtagSanAntonio), and Instagram(@Ntag.SanAntonio).
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| Date Taken: |
08.20.2026 |
| Date Posted: |
08.20.2026 15:49 |
| Story ID: |
572864 |
| Location: |
KILLEEN, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: |
KILLEEN, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: |
25 |
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