Keith Beasley of Renton started his sophomore year at Green River College on Monday knowing that he had made a difference this summer fighting fires in Eastern Washington.
The 21-year-old specialist in the Washington National Guard spent 25 days in August and September as a squad boss of 24 soldiers on the front lines of the Lake Chelan complex fire. Last summer, Beasley was in Eastern Washington for three weeks fighting the fires, which gave him the experience to be in a supervisory role this year.
“I want to help people,” Beasley said of his motivation to volunteer to fight the fires. “That was the main thing, just help people. I wanted to step up and do something big. I figured this is my opportunity.”
Beasley shared his experience with about 200 incoming students at Green River’s Welcome Day on Sept. 17 and then again at the college’s Board of Trustees meeting later that day. After his introduction, board and meeting attendees gave Beasley a standing ovation.
I didn’t expect that,” Beasley said of the acknowledgment. “I did not expect that at all. I thought I was just a guy just doing his job. I didn’t know they saw it as someone being a hero.”
Beasley joined the National Guard at his father’s suggestion after he graduated from Hazen High School in Renton in 2013.
“He (Beasley’s father) said, ‘It is a good benefit. Instead of going to school, why not serve at the same time and help people?’” Beasley recalled.
After attending bootcamp at Fort Benning, Ga., Beasley enrolled at Green River College, where he is now a two-sport athlete, competing in cross country and track.
“That wasn’t the plan at first,” Beasley said. “When I was in basic training people noticed I can run.”
Beasley, who ran track and cross country in high school, was encouraged to get a track scholarship and run at the college level.
“I took their advice and decided to go to Green River, since it is the closest school that has a track program.”
Beasley missed the start of the cross country season while he was in Eastern Washington, but he said fighting the fires helped him stay in shape.
“They gave us heavy boots and packs to carry,” he said. “We did a lot of walking. We had to walk in the sand and in the dirt at 3,500 feet. It keeps you in good shape.”
Beasley said if given the opportunity, he would like to run track or cross country at a four-year school. He said he plans to graduate with an associate degree from Green River in the spring and would like to transfer to the University of Washington to study communications.
Beasley said he has enjoyed his time at Green River College, especially the chance to meet new people.
“In order to change yourself, you have to change your surroundings and meet people you haven’t met before,” he said.
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