Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is proud to celebrate Lieutenant Colonel Walleon Bobo, JROTC instructor and decorated U.S. Army veteran, on his induction into the ROTC Hall of Heroes at Arkansas State University. The honor recognizes exceptional military service, leadership, and continued contributions to the ROTC program and the next generation of leaders.
Lt. Col. Bobo’s journey to this distinction began at Arkansas State University, where he joined the National Guard after his freshman year to help pay for school. That decision led him to enroll in ROTC. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1984 and served in the U.S. Army Reserves while building a long civilian career. His military service included a deployment with the 101st Airborne Division at the start of the Iraq War, where he was awarded both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart after surviving an assassination attempt while serving as a Civil Affairs Officer in Mosul.
While his military career is remarkable on its own, the ROTC Hall of Fame also honors Lt. Col. Bobo’s continued service beyond the battlefield. Once his service with the U.S. Army Reserves was complete, Lt. Col. Bobo had a long career working for UPS. Encouraged by his wife, Sharon, an MSCS educator, Lt. Col. Bobo joined the district’s JROTC program after retiring from UPS. In the classroom, he found a new mission: preparing young people to become leaders.
“The biggest thing I try to remember is the mindset that you can’t judge a kid at 15. They don’t know what they don’t know yet,” Lt. Col. Bobo said. “You watch them grow over the years, and the (JROTC) program builds leadership, teamwork, and public speaking skills. It pulls kids out of their shells.”
Under his guidance, countless MSCS cadets have gone on to serve in the military, join law enforcement agencies, and excel in careers that demand teamwork, discipline, and service. His influence has even reached future lawmakers; Tennessee Representative Justin Pearson was once a JROTC cadet at Mitchell High School.
Lt. Col. Bobo says he was humbled to learn of his induction, noting that the selection process is highly competitive. “I felt like I had a chance, but I was also prepared to hear, ‘You were a strong candidate, but you didn’t make it,’” he said. “To be chosen meant a lot. I’m thankful for the recognition, and most of all, I’m thankful I survived that day in Mosul to be here now.”
Lt. Col. Bobo will be formally inducted into the Hall of Heroes the weekend of November 8 at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. MSCS congratulates him on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his unwavering commitment to both our country and our students.
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