By Erika Norton, WPAOG Senior Multimedia Journalist

When native Texan Cadet Ellery Doyna ’26 heard about the devastating flooding in Central Texas this summer, she felt a call to serve and support her home state.

“The areas that were impacted are places I grew up exploring, playing in and making memories throughout my childhood,” Doyna said. “Watching the news and testimonies, I felt a sense of helplessness, and more strongly the call to serve. I figured posting about it would spread awareness, but families were suffering and I knew I could do something.”

As she saw the destruction and heartbreak shared across social media, Doyna knew she couldn’t just sit and watch. She began searching online and came across Team Rubicon, a veteran-run organization that leads disaster relief and long-term recovery missions. So during her leave from West Point, she returned to Texas to assist in the flood recovery.

What she didn’t anticipate is how she would be surrounded by those who served in the military, including Jim Wooley, a member of the West Point Class of 1976, Doyna’s 50-Year Affiliate Class.

The most meaningful moment of Doyna’s experience was serving at the Holbrook family ranch, where she met Mrs. Holbrook—a Gold Star mother whose son, Jason Holbrook, was a member of the West Point Class of 2004.

“Meeting her was humbling beyond words and reminded me why organizations such as Team Rubicon exist,” Doyna said. “She welcomed us with open arms and shared stories of her son’s life and love for Burnet County. Her strength and resilience were moving and her connection to West Point made the mission feel even more personal. It reminded us that the service and sacrifice extend well beyond West Point.”

Serving others is not a new passion for Doyna. Her company, F4, is deeply committed to supporting communities in meaningful ways and volunteers regularly. That culture of service inspired Doyna to carry that same mindset into every opportunity to help.

When she signed up for this particular mission, Doyna said she expected to do gritty hard and meaningful work, but what she didn’t expect was the loving, welcoming and tight knit community that she found among her other volunteers. 

“I was embraced by a group of people who were the most selfless and caring that I’ve ever met,” Doyna said. “Whether it was sharing meals, stories or genuine care for one another, the camaraderie that is shared through fellow volunteers is unmatched.”