Officer serving with First Army named USO Soldier of the Year

An officer serving with First Army has had her heroism recognized with a major national award.

Capt. Emily Malcom, an activated U.S. Army Reserve Soldier serving with the 5th Armored Brigade, has been named 2026 USO Soldier of the Year for her volunteer recovery efforts in the July 2025 Texas flooding.

“When the disaster struck, I had already been mobilized for several months in El Paso,” Malcom said. “Watching a community I loved be devastated in a single night was incredibly difficult, especially from a distance. After…learning the true extent of the damage, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to help in any way I could.”

Besides being in the Army Reserve, Malcom serves as a patrol officer in her civilian job. This experience proved crucial when she took part in the flood response, during which she dedicated 180 grueling hours to recovery efforts.

“I drove through the night to get to Kerrville,” she said. “Once there, a lieutenant from the Kerrville Police Department recommended I assist the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department. That’s where I connected with several experienced search and rescue teams. I quickly built strong bonds with the group, and together we made significant progress in the first few days, covering every assigned area thoroughly.”

One of her main duties centered on recovery and “working to return victims to their families so they could be laid to rest with dignity. Providing families with closure and peace of mind became our primary effort.”

This was all done under taxing conditions. “The environment was extremely hazardous. Debris was piled high, and once we identified large areas, we carefully worked through them in search of victims,” Malcom recalled. “The individuals I worked alongside were truly remarkable. Jaron Ince, Chris Slaughter, and Ryan Butler stood out for their relentless effort and professionalism. They utilized a tactical vehicle from the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office as a mobile morgue and worked tirelessly, often through the night, placing themselves in difficult and dangerous conditions to recover victims. Their dedication was unmatched, and they are the true heroes of that time. I coped with the week by leaning on the people around me. Talking with Jaron and Ryan, and hearing what they were experiencing, helped me process everything we were going through.”

The rescue group quickly bonded and shared a sense of camaraderie. “There were moments when our group of volunteers would return to the fire department and share a meal together,” Malcom said. “Before this, we had all been strangers, but through those conversations and that shared experience, we built lasting bonds. That sense of community became essential.”

It also helped the team to accomplish its goal, she said: “The success of the mission was driven by the cohesive efforts of the Emergency Operations Center and the strong coordination between multiple agencies. The Kerrville Police Department and Kerr County Sheriff’s Office quickly established an organized and effective system for managing both rescue and recovery operations, while maintaining clear and consistent communication with the public.”

Her close ties to the impacted area included having coached a nearby girls’ soccer team, and those players were on her mind throughout the effort.

“Coaching those girls was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It wasn’t just about soccer. I was about building confidence, resilience, and creating a supportive environment where they could grow and thrive,” she said. “Many of those girls attended Camp Mystic and were there during the floods. I am incredibly grateful they were safe and not in the areas most heavily impacted. My heart goes out to every child and family affected by the tragedy.”

While overwhelmed upon learning she was 2026 USO Soldier of the Year, Malcom deferred the credit to those she worked with.

“My contribution was only a small part of a much larger effort,” she said. “There were countless officers, deputies, and first responders whose actions far exceeded my own. They are the real heroes, and when I think about this recognition, I think about them, especially those who continue to rebuild and serve that community today.”