From Service to Security: Central Texas College’s Enrique Herrera Finds New Purpose in Protecting Others

KILLEEN, TX (May 30, 2025) – After serving more than two decades in the U.S. Army, Enrique Herrera has found a new calling on the campus of Central Texas College (CTC). Now a member of the college’s Department of Campus Safety, Herrera applies the same commitment, discipline, and sense of duty that defined his military career to protecting the students, staff, and faculty of CTC.

“I spent 22 years in the Army,” Herrera said. “I loved it. It was an honor to wear the uniform and serve the nation. Now, I take that same pride in what I do here at Central Texas College.”

Herrera enlisted in the Army in 1993 and served in a wide range of assignments both stateside and overseas. His military career included deployments to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he led troops in high-pressure environments and earned the respect of his peers for his steady leadership and commitment to mission success. He also served in Germany, South Korea, and at multiple U.S. installations, including Fort Hood, now Fort Cavazos, just miles from the CTC campus.

“Being in the military taught me structure, responsibility, and how to look out for others,” said Herrera. “Those lessons don’t go away when you retire. They just carry over to the next chapter.”

That next chapter brought him to Central Texas College, where his focus remains on service—this time, ensuring the safety and security of the campus community. Whether walking the grounds, monitoring facilities, or interacting with students, Herrera approaches his job with the same mindset he had while in uniform.

“I believe in being present, being visible,” Herrera said. “Students need to know they’re safe, and that someone is here for them. That’s what I try to be every day.”

Herrera said the transition from military life to working at CTC was made easier by the college’s strong ties to the armed forces and its veteran-friendly environment.

“I still feel like I’m serving,” he said. “I might not be wearing the same uniform, but the mindset is the same: protect and serve. Central Texas College gave me the opportunity to do that, and I’m grateful.”

At Central Texas College, Herrera has found a new mission and a community that shares his commitment to service.