Salute to Service - Adrian Luna Finds a New Mission at SHSU

Salute to Service - Adrian Luna Finds a New Mission at SHSU

For Adrian Luna, military service and higher education have become two important chapters of the same journey. 

Now a student at Sam Houston State University, Luna is building on the experiences that first inspired him to serve in the United States Navy and using them to shape his academic goals and his involvement with SHSU’s military-connected community. 

Growing up in New York City, Luna remembers seeing sailors and airmen during Fleet Week, visiting a Navy ship and feeling surrounded by patriotism each Fourth of July. Those experiences helped inspire him to join the Navy. 

His time in the Navy left him with lessons that continue to guide him today, including two simple reminders: “Never suffer in silence” and “It will get better.” 

After four years of service, Luna began the transition to civilian life. Although the process came with challenges, he found support through family, volunteering and staying connected to the people important to him. 

By the time he began his academic journey at SHSU, Luna had found a new sense of direction. 

“The transition from civilian to academic life was smooth,” Luna said. 

At SHSU, Luna discovered a growing interest in homeland security through Eroll Kuhn’s introduction to homeland security course. 

What began as a minor soon became a second major. 

“His teaching made me realize I wanted to learn more about the homeland security field,” Luna said. 

He also credits professors Nathan Jones, Magdalena Denham and Paul Smithers among the faculty members who have made an impact on his experience. 

While Luna sees few similarities between military and college life, he joked that two things remain familiar. 

“The only similarities are the importance of being on time and the number of emails I receive,” he said. 

Luna has also stayed connected to the veteran community through SHSU’s Student Veterans of America organization. That involvement has given him an opportunity to advocate for other military-connected students and help improve their experience on campus. 

One of his current goals is to secure additional space for military-connected students at SHSU. 

“I hope my work petitioning for more space for military-connected students has a huge impact on future students,” Luna said. 

For Luna, that effort represents another form of service: using his experience to help create something better for the students who will follow him. 

His own academic journey is continuing as well. Luna plans to work toward a graduate degree in homeland security, building on the interest he discovered at SHSU. 

From military service to higher education and student advocacy, Luna continues to move forward with a focus on growth, community and helping others find their place.