Highly decorated Wichita veteran served in the army for 26 years, became a deputy

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A Wichita man says he is enjoying a happy retirement thanks to his rewarding army career and his loving wife.

These days, retired first sergeant and Wichitan Keith Ray is making sure his classic ride is ready for the car show. But before he got to this point, Ray spent more than a quarter century serving his country in the U.S. Army, and he says it was one of the best decisions he ever made.

“Looking at all the structure, looking at the way that they talk, and teach you, and train you, it was really, really nice. So, for me, I had a ball,” he said.

Sgt. Ray served from 1989 to 2015, touring Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq. While he’s no stranger to combat, that’s not the first thing that comes to mind when he reflects on his time overseas.

“Our unit got involved with a lot of teaching and putting them in places where they need to be at, doing stories of school,” he said.

When danger was present, Sgt. Ray was there for his brothers in arms, earning a Purple Heart among his 34 total awards and decorations.

“It’s a privilege to get something like that. People don’t want to talk about that privilege, but you’re trying to possibly save someone’s life,” he said.

Following an honorable discharge from the army, Ray spent a half-decade with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, but now he’s enjoying retirement. But that doesn’t mean he’s just lounging around.

“Love it. My wife, she loves it. She’s retired. So we’re both retired, but it’s a good thing. I have a lot of ‘honey to-do’ lists,'” he laughed.

These days, Ray also serves as a mentor for local youth who are considering military and law enforcement careers. He also spends time with his loving wife, Robbie.

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