Westlake’s annual Veterans Day Assembly took a new direction this year. Instead of a traditional speech, presentation, or video, students were greeted with a live Q&A from someone they’re more used to seeing on the court, track and classroom; coach Malik Gandy shared the story of his service and the lessons he carried from it.

Gandy enlisted in the Air Force out of high school, following in the footsteps of his father, who served in the army. His conversation with Senior Alex Terrazas last Tuesday highlighted how experiences in the Air Force shaped him into the leader he is today. 

“Growing up, my dad was in the Army, and I watched him serve,” Gandy said. “After I graduated high school, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life, and so I saw joining the Air Force as a good opportunity to see the world while also serving my country.”

Gandy didn’t have a typical job in the Air Force, his job was unique and not what people typically think of when thinking of the military.

“My primary job was as a recreational facility manager,” he said. “I ran all the fun things that happened on base. Concerts, special events, distinguished visitors.”

The transition from being a high school kid to an Air Force trainee was intense.  However, basic training forced him to grow up fast.

“The attention to detail really resonated with me early,” he said. “Waking up at five in the morning, getting yelled at, making hospital corners on our beds, plucking strings off our uniforms, it matured me quickly.”

Coach Gandy found the good in all situations during his time in the military. Gandy shared that one of his best and most meaningful memories came when he was deployed in the U.A.E with two of his friends. 

“It gave me a sense of home away from home,” he said. “Knowing I was serving a greater purpose and protecting the freedom of millions of people kept me going.”

Gandy shared the diversity of the people he served with, helping him with students from all walks of life.

“People join from all over the United States and sometimes not even from the United States,” he said. “You have to find a way to work with people whose lives look very different from yours. Teamwork is crucial, and that goes for everything.” 

Gandy added that leadership can require a lot of uncomfortable honesty.