Dallas College professor and U.S. Army Captain Steven Drayton spent a combined 30 months overseas during two deployments to the Middle East. His most heroic efforts, though, occurred stateside during a routine visit to a barbershop in August 2022 in his hometown of Killeen.
Drayton stopped an armed robbery, saving the lives of his then-11-year-old son, fellow barbershop patrons and employees. Drayton received the prestigious Soldier’s Medal for his actions this past summer.
As we celebrate Veterans Day this month, Dallas College is proud to highlight veterans such as Drayton who continue to serve our community and country. He opened up about that harrowing day, serving our country and his passion for higher education.
Barbershop Visit
On Aug. 4, 2022, Drayton was taking his son Malachi for a haircut before the upcoming school year. That’s when he noticed an individual in a black hoodie, something he described as “strange since it was 106 degrees that day.”
“Then, I heard a scream outside. I looked through the doors and saw a young lady being pulled by a man who had just robbed the store,” he said. “He hit her in the face, and I sprang out the door. When I got outside, he was brandishing a gun and trying to enter the barbershop. I pushed the doors open, wrestled him to the ground, and struggled with him for about five minutes to get the gun away and secure him until the police arrived.”
That quick, decisive action by Drayton is the reason why a potentially horrific day turned into something admirable and celebrated. The Soldier’s Medal reflects that as it is one of the military’s most distinct honors. Drayton mentioned Vietnam veteran Colin Powell as a fellow recipient.
Without question, Drayton said, his military background prepared him for that type of incident, although it’s not something he expected to happen in that situation. He’s grateful he was at the barbershop that day.
“When I saw him with a weapon, I knew I could possibly die, but I was willing to sacrifice myself to protect my son and the other kids in that barbershop,” he said.
Called To Serve
Drayton grew up in a military family and followed in those footsteps when he enlisted in the Army in January 2005 as a combat engineer. He rose up the ranks, becoming the first in his family to achieve the rank of officer. He is now a captain in the Army reserves and was the former Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander of the 3-289th Training Support Battalion.
“I enlisted because, like many other college students, I was unsure about what I wanted to do. My family has a military background, and I thought I might give it a shot,” Drayton said. “Once I got in, I found a passion for being a leader and guiding people. I didn’t expect to do 20 years, it was just supposed to be three years. But I ended up deploying twice to Iraq for two 15-month tours.”
Given his family’s history, Drayton has always had a sense of patriotism and that has deepened and strengthened through his service. That, more than anything, is what he likes to reflect on during Veterans Day.
“My family members opened doors for me, and I had the privilege of watching them wear the uniform,” he said. “Veterans Day is a chance to thank them for their sacrifices that allow me to teach at Dallas College and help our students dream big.”
Passion for Education
How important is it for Drayton to encourage students to dream big? Well, he makes a 2 1/2-hour drive from Killeen to our Cedar Valley Campus four days a week to do just that.
He has been teaching logistics at Dallas College since 2018, making the lengthy commute in order to help the college jumpstart the Logistics and Supply Chain Management program.
The time commitment and mileage have been worth it as the program has become one of the most popular at Dallas College. The program is consistently at, or near, full capacity.
“I always tell everybody that with Logistics and Supply Chain Management, you’re getting into a field that has nothing but upward mobility,” Drayton said. “Any company that you work for needs someone handling the supply chain aspect of the job—figuring out how to get products from the company to the customer. There are very few layoffs in this field.
“If you look at what happened during COVID, many companies struggled, but the logistics side was still open and thriving. You can also expect to earn between $22 and $35 an hour, which is a living wage.”
Outside of the classroom accomplishments, Drayton praised Dallas College for being military friendly, saying he’s never had issues when he had to leave for training or fulfill military obligations. That’s why he’s more than happy to make the daily drive every day up I-35.
“Working at Dallas College has been one of the best jobs I’ve ever had,” Drayton said. “I drive 2 1/2 hours for something I love, and that’s because of the environment here and the connection with the students. Dallas College feels like home for me.”
Veterans Events
Dallas College is hosting a number of veteran-related events this month in honor of Veterans Day. Here is a look at upcoming events that all are welcome to attend!
Veterans Resource Fair
Learn more about the resources and programs that serve those who have served.
Date: Monday, Nov. 4
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Eastfield Campus, The Hive
3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite, TX 75150
Day of Service
Honor and celebrate the senior adults of the Dallas College Lifelong Learning Program. The event features a catered meal, games and activities, and veteran recognition.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 6
Time: 10 a.m.-Noon
Location: Mountain View Campus, Room B137
4849 W. Illinois Avenue, Dallas, TX 75211
RSVP: Click here to register for Day of Service.
Battle of the Branches
Join us for a memorable day where veterans and military-connected students can relax, have fun and build lasting connections.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 7
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m..
Location: Brookhaven Campus, International Courtyard
3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
RSVP: Click here to register for Battle of the Branches.
Veterans Day Celebration
Join Dallas College for a Veterans Day celebration at our El Centro Campus! The day will be filled with heartfelt tributes, inspiring stories and community spirit. Lunch will be served.
Date: Friday, Nov. 8
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Location: El Centro Campus, ELB Student Center
801 Main St., Dallas, TX 75202
RSVP: Click here to register for the Veterans Day Celebration.