CFK President Dr. Gueverra’s Salute to Veterans

Danyle Gray, U.S. Army veteran, U.S. Army Reservist, CFK alumnus, CFK instructor, and Key West Police Officer 

KEY WEST, FL, November 6, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys honored veterans as part of its festivities on Community Day on Saturday, November 4 at the Key West Campus. CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra delivered his annual Salute to Veterans, honoring Danyle Gray, U.S. Army veteran, U.S. Army Reservist, CFK alumnus, CFK instructor, and Key West Police Officer.

CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra’s 2023 Salute to Veterans: 

   

Photo 1: Danyle Gray on patrol in Iraq in 2009.

Photo 2: Danyle Gray in a training at Fort Steward, GA in 2012.

“This Veterans Day, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that our service members bear for all Americans and for the principles of democracy. I salute all veterans as well as current servicemen and women, including my son Julius, who is serving in the Navy. I express my sincerest thanks to them and their families for their dedication and commitment, and for their continued service to protecting our freedom wherever they are deployed.

Our heroes continue to serve in a variety of ways that benefit our communities. The Florida Keys and the College have indeed benefitted from the contributions of many veterans over the years. Each one deserves special recognition. Today, I salute one veteran in the CFK family: Danyle Gray, U.S. Army veteran, U.S. Army Reservist, CFK alumnus, CFK instructor, and Key West Police Officer.

Gray dreamed of becoming a police officer since she was a teenager in her home state of California. She was inspired by the officers she waited on at the diner where she worked—viewing them as valuable leaders in the community with exciting jobs. Upon her high school graduation, Gray decided to pursue her dream via the U.S. Army. She became a military police officer, providing law and order on military bases and alongside troops on the home front and abroad. Her eight years of service spanned multiple duty stations and assignments around the world, including time in Korea, Kuwait, Iraq, and Japan.

Upon completion of her service, Gray moved to Key West to attend school for massage therapy. She fell in love with Key West, but not the new line of work. Realizing that she wanted to continue her law enforcement career, she joined the Key West Police Department (KWPD) in 2003 and KWPD sponsored her enrollment in a Basic Law Enforcement at CFK. Over the years, her various KWPD roles have included Recruiter, Background Investigator, Community Affairs and Training Team member. Since 2005, Gray has contributed her experience back to the next crop of cadets as an instructor for CFK’s Institute for Public Safety. As a High Liabilities instructor, Gray is qualified to teach any topic covered in the academies.

While Gray was enjoying her civilian career in the Keys, she missed the camaraderie, travel, and training that she experienced in the military. She decided to join the U.S. Army Reserves in 2007.  Assigned to SOUTHCOM in Doral as an Anti-Terrorism Officer, she participates in Reserves training quarterly and is deployed on missions as needed.

Just like those impressionable officers who frequented the diner of her youth, Gray spends a lot of time out in the community—building relationships and goodwill between law enforcement and people. She attends as many local events as possible— spanning from parades and fundraisers to children’s activities and civic organization meetings. She contributes her time and skills to the Police Athletic League, KWPD LOVE Fund, and the Military Affairs Committee. And when she is not serving our community or country, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt.

It is with great honor that on this Veterans Day 2023, The College of the Florida Keys and I salute U.S. Army Veteran and Reservist Danyle Gray. She exemplifies the vast talent, dedication, and selflessness of the U.S. military. Thank you for your continuous service to our country, state, and community. May your achievements, sacrifice, and generosity serve as an inspiration for all.”

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]