Black History Month Salute: Horton finds her lane in the Air Force
Danyell Horton, right, is an active duty service member stationed in Washington. {Contributed photo}
Danyell Horton never dreamed of joining the military. The thought wasn’t even on her radar after she graduated from Lexington Senior High School in 2002. However, frustration with the state of her life in 2007 led her to a career that has afforded her opportunities she hadn’t imagined.
“I was 22 years old, living paycheck to paycheck, with no health or life insurance and I happened to walk by the military recruiting offices located in Hanes Mall. I knew the other branches weren’t for me. I walked in and talked with the Air Force recruiter. After hearing all the benefits, there was no stopping me from enlisting.” And on December 18, 2007, Horton committed herself to a life of service to her fellow Americans.
Having spent a large chunk of her childhood growing up amongst a handful of male cousins (her grandmother’s only granddaughter for nearly 10 years), it may come as a surprise to some that joining the armed forces was never part of Horton’s life plan. She recalls her younger years as the days when “we were outside until the streetlights came on.” Horton also remembers the proverb, “It takes a village to raise as a child,” as she reflects on the influence her aunts, Constance Watson and Celena Pittman, have had in her life.
After basic training, Horton was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC from April 2008 until September 2016. Since her transfer in September of that year, she’s been at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. The active military member has been deployed overseas four times including stops in Germany, Ireland, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
Currently, she is ranked as a Technical Sargeant and is the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Ground Transportation Element at the base. Achieving this rank and feat is no easy task, especially for a female. Horton knows this all too well as she can recall the days, not long ago, when these opportunities weren’t available for women.
“The military, in general, is male dominated. There are career fields [jobs] when I first joined that didn’t allow women. Over the years, that has changed and women have started applying for those positions. To the young women, don’t let anyone place limits on you and your abilities to succeed in the military. Set SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-based goals.”
Although there have been limitations throughout the years that are still being sorted through, Horton has been able to enjoy the fruits of her labor as a service member. She noted she’s enjoyed many life- changing experiences.
“Because of the Air Force I have an associate’s degree in transportation and I am currently working on completing a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management & Analysis. I have been able to experience different cultures, foods and have learned how to adapt to different situations. What has changed my life the most is the people I’ve met on my journey.”
Due to her military commitments, Horton is unable to come home as often as she’d like. Typically, Horton is able to visit once a year. When she’s back in her hometown, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Horton noted having a fish fry is a must when she’s home.
Going forward, her plan is to retire from the military but the Lexington native admits she takes life day by day. One thing she does know is what she plans to do once she closes the chapter on her military career.
“Almost everyone in my family has been involved in social work or teaching; I plan to do the same. Being an athletic director and/or coach is my ultimate goal after the military.”
For now, Horton remains focused on the task ahead. She offered thanks to her friends and family for their continued support, “especially my parents – Donald Lyons and Stephanie and Robbie Owens.”
Before signing off, Horton shared words of encouragement and advice. “I just want to pass on to everyone that mental health is very important. Take care of yourself and watch out for each other.”
