Instructors

College: Central State University of Oklahoma, Webster University, Command and General Staff College
Degree: BA Psychology, MA (Equv) Military Science
Certification: US Army Cadet Command
Teaching Since: 2000
Previous Jobs: United States Army

Department: JROTC
Classroom Number: R123b
School Phone Number: 281-920-8000 Ext.8029
Email: kkalman@houstonisd.org

Biography: Colonel Keith K. Kalman, US Army (Retired) was assigned to the school since its inception in July 2000 while still serving on active duty. COL Kalman has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Central State University of Oklahoma, and a Masters equivalent in Senior Level Management from Command and General Staff College, US Army. COL Kalman’s military career centered on classified operations as a Special Agent. Some of his other active duty assignments include, Operations Officer of the 242nd Combat Electronic Warfare and Intelligence Battalion, Staten Island, NY and Senior US Army Reserve Advisor, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC. His last duty assignment was as Commander of the 1st USAR Computer Network Defense Brigade, Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2nd), Army Commendation Medal (3rd), Air Force Commendation Medal and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Along with other numerous awards and decorations, COL Kalman is also the recipient of the highly coveted and very prestigious Military Intelligence Corps’ Knowlton and the 101st Airborne Tactical Intelligence Awards. He now serves as Westside’s 22nd Wolfpack Battalion JROTC Senior Army Instructor and the Westside ROTC Director of Curriculum.

College: Excelsior College/Tarleton State University/University of Maryland/Central Texas Community College
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts/ Associate's Degree in General Studies
Certification: JROTC
Teaching Since: 2000
Previous Jobs: United States Army (1980-1998)

Department: JROTC
Classroom Number: R123a
School Phone Number: 281-920-8000 Ext.6149
Email: rbyrd@houstonisd.org

Biography: SFC (Ret) Raul E. Byrd was assigned to the JROTC Program in June 30, 2000. He has established himself as a valuable asset and is well respected by the School Administrators, faculty and staff. The Cadets have learned to respect and trust his teachings. He is the Color Guard and Unarmed Drill teams coach; serves as an Advisory Teacher; and is certified as a Critical Friends Group Coach from the Houston Annenberg Challenge. His last duty assignment prior to retirement was located at Ft. Riley, KS where he served as the Automotive Platoon’s Section Sergeant. Prior to accepting the Associate Instructor position at Westside, he completed both his Associates’ Degree in General Studies from Central Texas College in Killeen, TX and Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts from Regents College in Albany, NY. SFC Byrd’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd), Army Achievement Medal (5th), Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th), Southwest Asia Service Medal (w/3Bronze Service Stars), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. He loves his chosen vocation as an army JROTC instructor and works hard to instill the values, goals stated mission of the JROTC program, “To motivate young people to be better citizens.”

Degree: Bachelors of Science Area of Focus: Administrative Management. Currently working on Master's Degree in Education through University of Phoenix
Certification: JROTC
Teaching Since: 2006
Previous Jobs: United States Army (1984-2006)

Department: JROTC
Classroom Number: R122
School Phone Number: 281-920-8000 Ext. 8030
Email: acoll@houstonisd.org

Biography: MSG (Ret.) Axel L. Coll served honorably in the U.S. Army for 22 years where he held numerous leadership positions from Squad Leader to Company First Sergeant. MSG (R) Coll was assigned to different parts of the world during his tenure in the armed forces. His last assignment while in the Military was Active Duty Advisor for the Reserve Component for the 75th Division Houston, TX. He became a certified JROTC instructor in June 2006. His first assignment as an instructor was at John H. Reagan High School until January 2009. He became part of the JROTC team at Westside High School in February 2009.