TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

HUMILITY - KINDNESS - LEADERSHIP

Paul, a day student, attended the Academy for six years and was a leader even in his earliest days at the Academy. As an 8th grader, Paul served as sergeant of his middle school platoon. He served in the JROTC program four years, receiving numerous awards and decorations. Paul was the Corp Administrative Officer during his senior year, attaining the rank of Cadet Major prior to graduation. Paul was a member of the Academy band, the SMBA Singing Men, NJHS and later the NHS, the cross-country and powerlifting teams. He served as a co-president of his freshman class and as a SMBA Student Ambassador. Paul was selected as a page for the annual meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, His classmates voted Paul into the Senior Hall of Fame as Most Likely to Succeed. For Paul's Eagle Scout project, he designed and constructed a frisbee disc golf course, still in use today, on the Academy campus. Paul's JROTC school and community awards include Best All-Around National Honor Society Award, Honor Roll, Second Mile Award, Military Band, Band Efficiency, Leadership School, Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Service, the American Legion Scholar Award, and numerous other awards. Paul was a gold cord graduate and was awarded the McNiel Cup, the second highest award conferred upon an Academy student.

Following graduation, Paul entered the U.S. Military Academy. Paul was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army after graduating from West Point in 2004. He attended Infantry Officers Basic Course, Basic Airborne School and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon completion of his training, Paul reported to Fort Richardson, Alaska, with the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Airborne). He was assigned to the Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Paul was killed in action in the Arghandab River Valley in Afghanistan, during his second tour of duty, when he suffered wounds from an improvised explosive device.

Paul's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf clusters, the Valorous Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab. He had previously been awarded the Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious achievement for service during his previous deployments. Brigadier General Daniel Menard characterized Paul as a "recognizable leader" among his peers. He further stated "Pena was a quiet professional; he always had a smile on his face and was admired by his soldiers." Paul leaves a fine example and a rich legacy to San Marcos Baptist Academy, the community and our nation.

Character Strength Stories: 

Humility - Paul was not one to bring attention to himself or brag. He always placed his troops first. For example, on holidays during deployments, he ensured that all his troops were able to call family/home before himself.

Kindness - Paul had a genuine, personal interest in his troops, co-workers and friends. One young man, in particular, came to pay his respects to Paul and visit me upon his return home from the deployment. He was ever so grateful for the help Paul provided when he was experiencing a certain hardship. I know my son left an impact on so many because of his kindheartedness.

Leadership - To obtain his Eagle Scout award for Boy Scouts, Paul lead his troop by designing and erecting a frisbee/disc golf course on the campus of his school, San Marcos Academy. It stands as a well received, learning and leadership project that is enjoyed to this day.

- Submitted by Cecilia, Surviving Mother