Critical Concerns Host, Dr. Rich Watkins, speaks with U.S. Veteran and community organizer Liesa Hackett about her experiences in the military, issues affecting people of color in the armed forces and ways in which she dealt with the pressures of being a woman of color in an investigative role in the military.
More About Dr. Rich Watkins -
Dr. Richard Kimball Watkins
Decorated Vietnam Veteran - Army Officer Aviator Helicopter Pilot
Purple Heart and the Air Medal with Eight-Oak Leaf Clusters
Retired Prison Warden and Educator - Texas Department of Corrections
Dr. Richard Kimball Watkins received his Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 1995. Previously, he received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Texas Southern University in 1975 and his Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science from Prairie View A&M University in 1965.
Dr. Watkins is a decorated Army Veteran who served in Vietnam as an Officer Aviator. His helicopter was shot down during the Tet Offensive and he was missing in action for a brief time. He received the Purple Heart Medal and the Air Medal with Eight-Oak Leaf Clusters. While in the military, he received extensive training and responsibility in training program development and validation along with curriculum design and development. Dr. Watkins has been a research technician with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a professional sales representative, business owner, university and public schools administrator and for over 20 years a prison administrator. The Executive Director of the Texas Prison System recruited Dr. Watkins in 1984 to re-design the correctional officer’s training program to make it comply with a federal court order. Dr. Watkins retired February 2005 from his last position at The Texas Department of Corrections as the Senior Warden of the Holliday Transfer Facility, a Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division with an annual budget of 9.3 million dollars. Dr. Watkins and his wife operate a training and management consulting firm. He serves on numerous board and councils and truly believes his motto “A life of service is the life that counts!”
More About Liesa Hackett -
U.S. Army Veteran
Member DAV, VFW Honor Guard &
HEARTS Veterans Museum Board Secretary
Liesa Hackett is a US Army Veteran and founder of Crystal Resolutions, LLC. After serving in the military in Criminal Investigation and Finance/Accounting, she is now a retired Accountant from the City of Huntsville. Liesa holds a BA in Business from Excelsior College. As a strong believer in the power of positive actions and service, Liesa spends her time volunteering as a mediator, veterans' advocate, and community betterment projects.
To name a few, Liesa currently serves the following organizations: Texas Department of Family of Protective Services Council (appointed by Governor), Montgomery County Dispute Resolution Center, HEARTS Veterans Museum Board, Disabled American Veterans Honor Guard, Lions Clubs International District 2-S2 Chaplain, and Huntsville/Walker County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.