On weekends, Alfonso Granger mans a grill in his backyard with his wife while country music plays and his two daughters chase each other through the yard.
This is the American dream, an opportunity made possible by those who served in the military, like Granger, that we take the time to recognize during Military Appreciation Month. Now, he seeks a new opportunity in college after serving the country he bravely defended.
After high school, he was not sure which direction to go in life.
“I wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone,” Granger said. “I was looking for discipline, direction and a sense of purpose.”
He decided to serve his country and enlist in the U.S. Army National Guard in 2016 to help pay for his education. During his seven years of service, Granger was activated by the governor of Texas in 2017 to assist with humanitarian relief following Hurricane Harvey, one of the costliest storms in U.S. history. He later deployed to the Texas Capitol to support state troopers during tense protests.
He also participated in Operation Lone Star, the state-directed border security mission, during a period of active-duty service in a multi-agency task force that brought together the Laredo Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas Rangers and the military to interdict smuggling of drugs, weapons, currency, contraband and people.
For his tireless contributions to the unit’s work, Granger was formally recognized with an award by now former Laredo Chief of Police Claudio Treviño Jr.
In 2023, Granger was honorably discharged, the highest standard discharge in the Army, earned by completing or exceeding military standards. The drastic change in scenery led him to seek guidance from Laredo’s veteran community.
“Transitioning from the military to civilian life isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it,” Granger said. “With discipline and the right support system, it’s possible to succeed.”
His newfound community suggested studying at Laredo College, which set Granger back on his original mission of pursuing higher education.
His transition from military to civilian life was further facilitated by the staff at the Laredo College Veterans Services Center, who help veterans and their dependents navigate the enrollment process and the military’s educational benefits. The staff at orientation and the advising center also did their part to make the transition manageable.
“It seems like everybody in this college wants its students to succeed,” Granger said. “That is one of the reasons I enrolled.”
Granger has dedicated his time at LC to studying cybersecurity and has maintained a 3.5 GPA while also working a full-time job. He is set to graduate in Summer 2026.
After graduation, he plans on returning to his hobby of fishing and attending western festivals and rodeos in the region. This fall, Granger plans on attending the University of Texas at San Antonio to finish his cybersecurity degree.
He hopes his story encourages other veterans to make the same leap.
“There are challenges,” he acknowledged, “but it can open up new opportunities and a different path forward.”