LARHONDA HAMILTON
Qᴜɪᴇᴛ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ: ʀᴇᴅᴇꜰɪɴɪɴɢ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪᴛ ᴍᴇᴀɴꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ ɪᴛ ᴀʟʟ
Story by PAULA JIMENEZ
As May celebrates National Military Appreciation Month, we are honored to highlight the journey of East Texas native and United States Army veteran, LaRhonda Hamilton. With immense pride, LaRhonda reflects on her twenty years, four months, and eight days of military service and remains dedicated to uplifting the veteran community whenever she can.
Notably, her family has a military tradition. Her biological father was enlisted in the Air Force but tragically lost his life during his time serving when she was two years old. However, life took a meaningful turn when her mother, Virginia Baker, married her stepfather, Quince Baker, whom she considers her dad. Mr. Baker, a decorated Vietnam War hero, brought strength and stability to the family, showing how new beginnings can follow even the most difficult times. Her parents’ marriage remains resilient, as they celebrated their 55th anniversary this past April.
Additionally, she admires her mother’s determination in navigating being a single parent. Throughout the week, she stayed with her grandparents while her mother worked. She describes this arrangement as a blessing, receiving love from all sides, which played a significant role in shaping the woman she has become. She gives them all credit for instilling a foundation of guidance that still influences how she moves through life today.
Growing up, her experiences as an only child shaped much of her story. She often spent hours creating paper dolls from catalog cutouts, letting her imagination soar and developing a remarkable sense of creativity and self-entertainment.
However, her childhood was not without its challenges. She was naturally shy and reserved, not because she was sheltered, but simply because that was her personality. Despite her family’s encouragement to get out and explore, she struggled internally with her confidence. This introverted nature made her a target for bullying, especially among neighborhood children, which left her feeling isolated and self-conscious.
As she entered adulthood, she came to understand that her quiet nature was simply a chapter in her personal growth. Over time, she transformed her former insecurities into confidence and drive.
Subsequently, her upbringing led her to the military. Although she initially joined to further her education, she soon realized that her enlistment would offer far more than academic opportunities.
“I was seeking a chance to see the world, expand my perspective, and gain independence,” she said.
While serving, she worked as a Sergeant of Corrections Officers, a Child Maltreatment Investigator, and a Criminal Justice Instructor. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Administration of Justice and Security, and a master’s degree in Psychology.
Reflecting on her years in uniform, she shares that what she misses most is the camaraderie and sense of unity. She describes the unique power of being surrounded by people who understood the mission and supported one another like family. “The bonds built through service are unlike any other; that sense of belonging, teamwork, and connection is difficult to replace,” she said.
Transitioning from the armed forces, she continued to break barriers. She is currently a Criminal Justice Professor at Tyler Junior College, entering her 10th year. She has earned the key to the City of Tyler twice, serves on multiple boards, is a Leadership Tyler Core Graduate Class of ‘36, and Leadership earned numerous accolades. She is also a motivational speaker, founder of World Changing Women Leadership, and founder of East Texas Veterans Banquet, an annual event held on November 2nd. But her greatest joy is her daughter, Bryia, an elementary art teacher in the Dallas, Texas area.
She has earned the key to the City of Tyler twice, serves on multiple boards, and earned numerous accolades. She is also a motivational speaker, founder of World Changing Women Leadership, and founder of East Texas Veterans Banquet, an annual event held on November 2nd. But her greatest joy is her daughter, Bryia, an elementary art teacher in the Dallas, Texas area.
Over the years, she has discovered that it’s perfectly acceptable to decline invitations or step back from board commitments. She’s come to realize that prioritizing time for herself and her family is what matters most. The legacy she hopes to leave behind is to be remembered as someone who used her voice and life experiences to help open doors for those around her.
“For me, success isn’t just about what I’ve achieved for myself; it’s how I can use my journey to inspire and empower others.”
Her advice to young women seeking to follow in her footsteps is to believe in their own potential, even before the world recognizes it. Do not shrink to fit into spaces where you are meant to sprout, and do not let self-doubt limit your ambitions. Above all, she urges them to stay disciplined, remain open to learning, and continually invest in themselves through education and personal development.
When asked what serving in the military means to her, she says, “It represents sacrifice, honor, and protecting our freedom. It also means a transformation that becomes who you are eternally.”
During her free time, she enjoys reading inspirational books, attending church, and relishing one of her favorite dishes, seafood. And, if given the opportunity to dine with any woman, she would choose Maya Angelou.
But there is more to Army veteran LaRhonda Hamilton. As she continues to blossom, much like the roses of her adopted city, she is driven to serve beyond her active-duty career. She is committed to building a supportive space where women, past or present in the military, can find connection, healing, and resources. Her goal is to ensure they are seen, heard, and supported.
