14-05-2025
‘American dream': Denver college grad joins exclusive Army cyberwarfare program
DENVER (KDVR) — It is a big week for Emanuel Walker. He's graduating from college at MSU Denver on Friday. The pomp and circumstance seemed impossible just a few years ago, considering what he's been through.
'I had to be real with myself and say, hey, if I don't make it in this world, no one's going to come save me,' Walked told FOX31.
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He immigrated to America with his mom when he was just four years old, fleeing their native Liberia in West Africa, a country torn apart by civil war in the 1990s. When they arrived in Colorado, it was just the two of them.
'Sadly, the majority of my family passed away due to the war crimes that happened,' Walker said.
He grew up in Denver, and in high school, he hit some rough patches.
'I failed out of high school. I graduated high school with a 1.6 GPA,' he said.
But he met an army recruiter, joined the military, and found purpose in life.
'Went to community college in Denver, where I was a distinguished student, valedictorian and they got offered a full ride to MSU Denver. When COVID happened and my family was going through a lot of financial struggles and emotional struggles at the time, I decided to leave MSU. I joined the military, and I served in South Korea as an intelligence analyst. And I was selected about a year in for this program called 'Green to Gold.' It's a competitive program that turns enlisted soldiers into officers. The only requirement was that I had to get my degree,' he said.
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Which brings us to now. Upon graduation, he's going to be a commissioned officer in the Army's ultra-exclusive cyberwarfare branch. Truly, one of the best of the best.
'It's a representation of the American dream,' he said.
And it's a big step toward the better life his mother imagined when they arrived in America all those years ago.
'I don't have no mom. I don't have a dad. I don't have a brother. I don't have a sister. Just me and my kid. I'm so happy. Thank God,' Oretha Zaybay said through tears and she hugged her son before Monday's ceremony.
Because of his tireless service to his country and community, Walker has been named the FOX31 Serving Those Who Serve Hero of the Month for May. The program is sponsored by American Furniture Warehouse, Plumbline Services and the Leo Hill Charitable Trust.
The nominate a veteran or active-duty service member for our Hero of the Month honors, visit the nomination page.
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