Isela Woolverton

Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, Isela Woolverton excelled in school despite a difficult home life and soon found herself enrolled in her first year of college. As she began to look at the opportunities around her, Isela decided the best of those opportunities for her was in the U.S. Navy. With no military background and no real swimming experience, this was to be a challenge for her, but this tenacious young lady would not be deterred. She ultimately became a Yeoman Petty Officer Third Class in the United States Navy.

When she enlisted in October of 1993 and began training, Isela worked diligently to accomplish her goals, waking up an hour early each day to practice her swimming. Eventually Woolverton graduated in the top 5% of her class and was given the opportunity to choose her orders. She decided upon Japan and was subsequently stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, in a communications ship where she served as an Administrative Officer to the Admiral, Captain, Executive Officer, and Chief Engineer. Her years of service lasted until July 1997.

“Being in the military gave me a sense of worth,” she remembers. Through the life-long friendships that were forged during those years, it also provided her with the closeness she was missing elsewhere. As she puts it, “It gave me family.”

After her time in the military, Woolverton began pursuing a career in the medical field while raising her very own family – two children who are now grown, Hannah and Nolan. She also currently enjoys spending free time running, hiking, cooking, and listening to true crime podcasts. And living in Forney, Isela was able to again see the community aspect and that camaraderie that she loved so much about the Navy. “Forney really rallies around people,” she comments.

Being a part of the U.S. Navy has given Woolverton a respect for not only veterans but also their families for the sacrifices they make. Likewise, being a veteran gives things like respect for other servicemen and women, praying for the Country’s leadership, and exercising the right to vote new levels of importance. “I would hope that, just as teenagers look forward to getting their driver license when they turn sixteen, they would look forward to the day they’re old enough to vote.” She encourages, “Regardless of what side you’re on, get yourself educated and go vote.”

It is her hope that experiences like hers in the Navy and here in Forney will be ones that others can have as well, whether that is here locally or by enlisting in the Armed Forces. “If anyone is unsure of what path they should take or they’re looking for a place to belong, join the Service,” Isela says. “That’s where you’re going to find your family, your calling.”