Profile for

Reyna Tillery

Veteran and Military Services

What was your specialty while serving in the Air Force?

I was a material management craftsman where I worked logistics, including shipping, receiving, inventory and warehouse management for the first five years of service. For the last three years, I was an instructor at the International Air Forces Academy (IAAFA). I was the subject matter expert for the two logistics courses that IAAFA offers. I taught both courses of International Logistics and Basic Supply in Spanish to military students who came from Latin America.

Where was your last deployment?

My last deployment was in 2003. I was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar from December 2002 through July 2003. After that deployment, I was one of a few lucky ones who didn't have to deploy too often.

What was your most notable experience while serving in the Air Force?

I'd have to say that my most memorable or notable experience in the military was that of teaching at IAAFA. I got to travel to Honduras and give briefings to foreign and domestic dignitaries on the matter of logistics. In the process, I learned more about the U.S. government’s logistical system.

What honors/awards did you receive during your military service?

I received two achievement medals for my work as a material management craftsman and as an instructor.

How has your military experience benefitted your experience at East Texas A&M ?

It keeps me on point; it's important for me not to miss a day of class unless it's a true emergency. I'm also a lot more aware of my surroundings and what's going on around campus.

Why did you choose to attend East Texas A&M?

When it comes to academics, I noticed that East Texas A&M offered a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and that's what I'm going for.

What are you studying (major), and what are your career plans?

Currently, my major is Spanish. When I taught in Spanish at IAAFA, I learned that I like to teach. I would like to be a Spanish teacher at a middle school or high school.

What do you like best about East Texas A&M and the Department of Literature and Languages?

I like that it's a mix of age groups. I myself am 31 years old, and I really thought that I'd be going to school with all 18-21 year olds, but I see that there are plenty of people in my age range as well. I like that.

What else would you like to share?

I'm a wife and mom. I have twin three-year-old boys that keep me busy, but it's so worth it. They are the reason I came back to school.

Education

• BS, Liberal Arts, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2012
• AAS, Logistics, Materials and Supply Chain Management, Community College of the Air Force, 2009