Embracing Growth, Grit On First Deployment
by U.S. Army Spc. Kameron Spencer
101st Public Affairs Detachment
July 30, 2025

When 1st Lt. Kentrae' Lewis of Headquarters Headquarters Company 256th Infantry Brigade Command Team, based in Lafayette, Louisiana, first learned he was deploying, he swelled with excitement. But that thrill was quickly met with the sobering reality ... he'd be away from his family and friends for a year.

“I was excited,” shared Lewis, “but it hit me that I'd be away for a year.” Though the news of deployment wasn't something he expected, he welcomed the opportunity with a positive mindset. This was a chance for him to grow and serve his country.

With only three-months to prepare, Lewis wasted no time. He focused on strengthening himself, mentally, physically, and emotionally. He leaned into prayer, prioritized quality time with loved ones, and dedicated himself to the gym. His preparation for his deployment was rooted in the balance of faith, family, and fitness.

As pre-mobilization began, Lewis took the time to learn everything about his mission. He built confidence through reading, training, and firsthand guidance from seasoned mentors and fellow officers, who have deployed previously.

Still, one of the toughest moments came from home ... when he explained to his four-year-old daughter that he would be gone for an entire year. That conversation, he said, has stayed with him and he uses it to fuel his determination every day.

His family and friends were emotional about his departure, but also proud and supportive. To stay connected during the deployment, Lewis plans to rely on FaceTime, phone calls, and handwritten letters ... small yet meaningful ways to bridge the distance and stay grounded.

“What excites me the most is the opportunity to grow not just as a soldier, but as a person and leader,” shared Lewis

“I think this experience will challenge me in ways I have not been in the past and teach me some things about myself that I may have never known,” Lewis explained.

In addition to fulfilling his mission, Lewis set personal goals to build resilience, gain financial stability, improve his physical fitness, and even gaining some muscle mass along the way. But over all, stay committed every day to his purpose, to build a better future for himself and his family.

To Lewis, serving his country means being part of something larger than himself.

“It means embracing and being a part of something bigger than myself and taking the chance to make a difference for the place I call home,” Lewis said.

For others facing their first deployment, his advice is simple, “Take it one day at a time,” Lewis said. “There will be challenges, but no one faces them alone. Together we grow, together we overcome.”

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