(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Once a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, Kenneth Buford is utilizing his military skills to resonate with fellow veterans at Texas State Technical College as director of veteran recruitment at the Fort Bend County campus.

For the past 11 months, the Rosenberg native has brought his worldly experience to TSTC, and he is eager to continue helping those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

“My military experience makes it easier to relate to the changes and challenges facing active-duty personnel,” he said. “It also helps with challenges of those who are transitioning out of military services and service members making career changes.

Buford said that assisting those with the same life experiences as his has made his job very rewarding.

“The ability to continue to serve, guide and assist my sisters and brothers in arms is a very humbling experience,” he said. “Although our contracted time in the service expires, the commitment that was made by each of us never will.”

As he rounds out his first year at TSTC, Buford thinks back on some of his favorite memories with gratitude.

“Working with the soldiers to create strategic plans capable of meeting their financial needs, while ensuring each of them receives the technical training necessary to sustain success, continues to be my fondest memory,” he said.

His commitment is easily recognized in his work.

“Words are not enough to describe that one moment in time while taking soldiers through a campus tour and you see their eyes light up with excitement,” he said. “That’s the moment you know that soldier just found their next great adventure and path in life.”

As far as his advice on education, Buford said that you cannot go wrong with following your passion.

“Do what you love and love what you do,” he said. “Never pass up an opportunity to help another student or ask for help yourself. Not only are we all truly in this together, but no one can do it alone and claim true success.”

To learn more about veteran services offered at TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/veterans.

February is Career and Technical Education Month. To learn more about the programs offered at TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

Kenneth Buford served in the U.S. Army for eight years and is now serving as director of veteran recruitment at TSTC. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)