Katelyn Houston

Katelyn Houston joined the Army National Guard in 2015 with one clear motivation: to be part of something bigger than herself. Over the course of nearly 10 years of military service, she steadily rose through the ranks from Second Lieutenant to Captain, serving in a variety of leadership and intelligence roles across multiple commands.

Her military career included service with the North Carolina National Guard, the National Guard Bureau, and the DC Army National Guard. Throughout her time in uniform, she served as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Intelligence Officer, Intelligence Briefer, and Deputy G2. Her service also included a deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Katelyn’s dedication, professionalism, and leadership earned her numerous military honors and recognitions, including:

• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Army Commendation Medal
• Army Achievement Medal
• Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal
• Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device
• Overseas Service Ribbon
• National Defense Service Medal

Her military service reflects a consistent commitment to leadership, excellence, and serving others.

Continuing a Life of Service Beyond the Military

After concluding her military career, Katelyn continued pursuing work centered around community impact and public service. She first worked as a contractor for the Department of Commerce before relocating to Greenville to purchase Knee Deep Adventures, an outdoor adventure company focused on making time on the water accessible and inclusive for everyone.

As owner of Knee Deep Adventures, Katelyn has prioritized accessibility by ensuring adaptable equipment and launch accommodations are available so individuals of all abilities can enjoy outdoor recreation.

Her passion for helping others also led her to volunteer with Welcome House, a local initiative that supports refugees as they transition into the community. Through interpretation services and language support, Katelyn has helped families access essential resources including schools, healthcare, transportation, and English-language programs.

Most recently, Katelyn stepped into another service-driven role by becoming a Spanish teacher with Pitt County Schools at Pactolus Global School. In her first year teaching, she has already become known for bringing energy, compassion, and unwavering dedication into the classroom each day.

A True Hometown Hero

Whether serving overseas, supporting refugees, teaching students, or creating inclusive outdoor experiences, Katelyn Houston continues to embody the spirit of service in every area of her life.

Her story is one of leadership, sacrifice, and continued impact—making her a deserving recipient of the ALCOVA Mortgage Hometown Hero Award.

Jae Goess from our Lexington, VA branch was proud to present Katelyn with her award.

*Pictured from left to right: Jae Goess, Katelyn Houston, Megan Joyner