By TISA MASON
Fort Hays State University President
Brandon McKenna’s journey proves that with focus and determination, you can balance the demands of a career as a professional firefighter, military service, and overseas deployments in the Air National Guard, and still earn a college degree in the little spare time you can set aside. Now a technical sergeant in the Air National Guard, Brandon has carved an impactful path, combining military service with a commitment to education and community.
Born and raised in Olathe, Brandon felt the call to serve early on, inspired by his father’s tenure with an air refueling wing in Wichita. In January 2012, he enlisted in the Air Guard, seeking to honor that legacy and find a way to fund his college education. “My dad encouraged me to join, and when I visited the fire station at the base, I was sold,” Brandon recalled.
His journey in the Air Guard took flight quickly. As a fire captain with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, he led a team of 30 firefighters, eventually directing firefighting training for the entire wing. His leadership capabilities were tested during his deployment to Kuwait in 2014, where he volunteered at the height of operations against ISIS, showcasing his commitment to his country and his unit.
In August 2023, Brandon's exemplary leadership was recognized when his fire station was awarded the best small fire station in the Air National Guard. “In my new role as the non-commissioned officer in charge of training, I see the award as proof of my success in building a culture committed to training and development. My firefighters come in ready to challenge themselves every weekend,” he stated confidently.
While focused on his military career, Brandon also prioritized his education. He earned two Fire Science and Applied Science associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, which allowed him to transfer credits to Fort Hays State University (FHSU). In the fall of 2023, Brandon enrolled upon the recommendation of two of his buddies who were FHSU students in the Applied Leadership program, which was developed specifically for military transfer students. With plans to graduate in 2027, he sees his degree as a stepping stone toward a new goal: becoming a fire chief.
"I’m glad FHSU recognizes the quality of training and education we receive in the military," he said.
At FHSU, we award up to 36 credit hours for military training experiences toward degree completion.
Through our innovative program, service members can earn four credentials in four years: year one, complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Technology and Leadership; years two and three earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Leadership; and year four, complete a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. There are many other options to align valued military training and experiences with degree pathways.
"The educational journey I chose at FHSU allows me to take it one semester at a time,” Brandon reflected. “Early on, it seemed like it would take forever, but knowing I could leverage my military training to shorten that timeline helped.”
At FHSU, he credits key mentors such as Seth Kastle and Brett Whittaker for guiding him through this new chapter of his life.
In his civilian life, Brandon serves as a lieutenant in the Lenexa Fire Department, applying his military training to lead a fire truck and team with the same passion and dedication he shows in the Air Guard. His dual role reflects a commitment to service and developing a future where he can inspire others as a fire chief.
Brandon McKenna embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and lifelong learning, reminding us that the dedication of military personnel goes far beyond the call of duty.
His journey is a testament to the value of education—a bridge between military service and civilian life that empowers leaders to create positive change in their communities. As he continues to forge his path, one cannot help but look forward to the impact he will undoubtedly make as a mentor to the next generation of firefighters in his future role as a fire chief.