Hope Herring

Background

About Hope Herring

I am a dedicated and hardworking Army veteran, wife, and mother of 2 boys, with a strong desire to serve and support my community. Starting at a young age, I had a strong desire to serve others by volunteering in multiple local organizations, including the local Sheriff's Department. I began the greater desire to serve my country by joining the Army Reserve Officer Training Program as an undergraduate at New Mexico State University. I would not be the professional that I am without my time in the military as an Army Officer. At 21 years old, I was trusted with the personal and professional growth of 28 Soldiers directly under my command. It was then that I truly experienced the weight and impact that one individual could make if they were willing to do what was needed to support, advocate, and be a mentor. I have spent every moment since then, throughout my time in the Army and as a Mental Heath Counselor, taking every opportunity I could to grow personally and professionally in order to better serve my Soldiers, family, and community. My defining moment to personally practice what I strove to teach others occurred in 2014 when my unit became the primary target of an Active Shooter at Fort Hood. As I came face to face with my own personal struggles as a trauma victim, I quickly realized that what I chose to do in those moments after would not only directly impact my family but who I would become as a person. I am proud of the person I have become as a result of that experience. It would not have been possible without the support and mentorship provided to me by my family, supervisors, and counselors during that time. This experience led me to begin my journey to becoming a Mental Health Counselor by pursuing my Master's Degree at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. I have dedicated my professional career to providing the support and encouragement to others that was provided to me in my time of need. Any opportunity provided me to do so is a great honor.