About Keith Washington
Keith Washington is a man who has dedicated most of his adult life to the service of others. Keith was born to a single mother who worked the cotton fields of the deep South to make a better life for her family. Keith has eight brothers and sisters and was the first of his family to attend and graduate from college. Keith joined the Army as an enlisted soldier right out of high school. While stationed at Ft. Polk, LA, he recognized the importance of an education and decided then that college was the next step. He attended college and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Northwestern State University where he joined his beloved Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Keith majored in Criminal Justice and Social Work, and volunteered at the Cane River Children's Home helping children not much younger than himself -- teaching, coaching, and mentoring at risk youth, believing that he could be a positive influence and make a difference in their lives.
Keith with Congressman Albert Wynn prior to overseas deployment.
Keith's desire to have a positive impact on the lives of others led him to the U. S. Army Officer corps. He worked his way up through the ranks, and within five years was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Infantry Branch. Keith served in the United States Army for over twenty-five years (Active Duty and Reserve) both on the home front and during conflicts overseas. He speaks five languages and has attended some of the foremost military schools in the country, including the Infantry Officer's Basic Course (Ft Benning, GA), Civil Affairs Officers' Advance Course (Ft Bragg, NC), Combined Arms Services Staff School (Ft Belvoir, VA), Command and General Staff College (Ft Leavenworth , KS), International Terrorism Awareness Course and Dynamics of International Terrorism, John F. Kennedy School of Special Warfare (Ft Bragg, NC), United States Army Airborne School, United States Army Air Assault School, and has countless military citations and awards including the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and many more. Keith is a decorated veteran and proud to have served.
Keith receiving an award of valor for "bravery and courage in the line of duty" for entering a burning building and pulling three children from the fire on April 25, 1992. The award is being presented by then Police Chief David Mitchell.
Keith continued his public service as a Prince George's County, MD police officer where he served for over seventeen years. During the entire span of his law enforcement career, he never once fired his weapon, other than for required training. During his tenure as a police officer Keith was also involved in the community in numerous other capacities, serving on various boards and commissions, visiting and speaking at schools and community service organizations.
Keith has long been a youth mentor and advocate of education as a stepping stone to success and personal growth. With that in mind, his commitment to education and youth was demonstrated when he founded the Keith Washington Scholarship Fund, providing scholarships to assist local youth with the cost of higher education. Thousands of dollars in scholarships have been awarded to deserving local youth in the pursuit of higher education, one of Keith's proudest achievements. Keith "adopted" a school and regularly participated in activities including reading to the children. He also served on a number of community boards and foundations and had a particular interest in programs and support for our elder residents.
With all of Keith's professional achievements, his greatest success and deepest joy is still that of husband and dad. He is the proud father of two daughters who are, and will always be, the light of his life. The stress and struggles of coping with his incarceration are many, but there is no struggle that will ever break the bonds of the love he shares with his family.
Keith with fellow members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity honoring Rev. and Mrs. George Stanley Lewis for a lifetime of service and mentorship. Rev. Lewis had a great influence in Keith's life, instilling in him the importance of character and integrity in a man.
Keith attending a community meeting with friends and neighbors addressing their issues about safety and security.
Keith awards a scholarship to a deserving Prince George's County student.
Keith with students and faculty at his adopted elementary school.
Keith reading to elementary school students at his "adopted" school.
Keith meeting with local Prince George's County church members about their community concerns.
Keith receiving another citation for outstanding achievement on the police department.
Christmas morning opening presents with his daughter.
Keith with his daughter after a long training mission.
Keith and his wife's wedding day