Reflecting on the fabric of America, family legacy remains a powerful force shaping individual paths to success. That truth is clear in the life and career of U.S. Army Captain Ephesian Poinsette.

Raised near Fort Bragg in Lumberton, North Carolina in a single-parent household, Ephesian credits the generations of military service in his family for inspiring and guiding his journey. His story is one of family legacy, mentorship, and service that helped build his own path towards success.

During his high school years, as the pressure of post-graduation decisions began to mount, Ephesian was approached by his JROTC instructor, Colonel Eaton, with a pivotal question: Where did he see himself after graduation? After learning that medical school was in Ephesian’s plan,  Col. Eaton explained how the Army could help fund his education, and pursuing a commission as an officer could open even more doors. 

That conversation shifted Ephesian’s trajectory. He sought guidance from his uncle who served, about how to apply for an ROTC program at one of the nation’s most influential institutions.

The Importance of Mentorship

Inspired by the strong influence of his uncle, a National Guard veteran, Ephesian credits his uncle with shaping the man and officer he is today. Ephesian earned a full scholarship to Morehouse College, laying the groundwork for a life rooted in mentorship, leadership, and service.

“As I was deciding to join ROTC and take the officer route, I knew I was doing something different,” he said. “Most of my family enlisted right out of high school. I was forging a new path.”

“So why did I serve?” Ephesian asks rhetorically. “I laugh sometimes because I say it’s because they paid for school. But the defining moment in college connected me to my true purpose: service to others.”

During his time at Morehouse, Ephesian says his uncle impressed upon him the value of mentorship, emphasizing that great leadership requires mentorship at every rank. 

“I have other mentors, but the first piece of advice I held on to came from my uncle: I needed four mentors,” Ephesian said. “That included two enlisted mentors and two officers, one junior and one senior.”

That guidance helped Ephesian view his service not just as a scholarship opportunity or a chance to build connections, but as a commitment to the brotherhood he found at Morehouse and within the Army community.

That structure gave him insight, accountability, and support at every level of leadership. It also instilled in him the importance of building a network, especially within social environments he often had to create for himself in order to succeed.

Through mentorship, Ephesian found principles that shaped both his personal life and Army career.

A Family Legacy

Ephesian recalls two of his uncles who enlisted in other military services: “One uncle served 25 years, and another served 22,” he says. “I knew my family had great respect for the Army.” Ephesian’s own gratitude for that legacy fuels him daily. And as the highest-ranking officer in his bloodline, he carries that responsibility with pride.

At a recent family reunion, Ephesian says the weight of that path hit home. “[My family] announced, ‘The highest-ranking member of our family is Captain Ephesian.’ I was like, whoa, I’m eight years in. That’s a heavy thing.”

Having grown up watching his enlisted relatives travel the world through their military service, he was confident in the direction he was headed.

“For me, it was always about the opportunity,” Ephesian said.

From the start, he carried a quiet confidence that he could succeed in the Army, a vision he held even before stepping into uniform. He saw his path clearly, one that would prepare him to become a leader in both name and action.

The examples set by his enlisted uncles and cousins instilled in him a deep sense of pride and laid the foundation for a newly forged legacy. From a young age, he knew becoming an officer was his calling. Today, his passion for leadership and his commitment to being an example of excellence continue to drive his career to new heights.

Ephesian’s hard work led to a full-circle moment receiving an honorary salute from his Uncle Chris. For both men, it was a powerful symbol of legacy, pride, and the passing of the torch. Grounded by family, mentors, and transformative educational experiences, Ephesian continues to break barriers with every step forward. And he doesn’t shy away from hard work. His perseverance is inspiring and drives him to be a better leader and example for his family and community. 

A Life Dedicated to Humanitarianism

If a core value of humanitarianism is a genuine passion for people, then that is a part of  Capt. Poinsette’s legacy. As a Logistics and Operations Director for the U.S. Army, Ephesian oversees operations and food supply for soldiers. To him, being a humanitarian means caring about what thousands of soldiers eat and ensuring they are well fed. For him, this mission goes beyond duty; it’s a passion.

For Ephesian, pushing for reform and leading tech-driven solutions to support service members is more than a professional ambition; it’s his life’s purpose, and not just another box to check. It’s a mission rooted in deep conviction and compassion.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to eat well. That’s a basic human right,” he says. “It’s not something we can just write off.”

As a Morehouse man, Capt. Ephesian Poinsette embodies a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community values deeply embedded in the fabric of his identity. Whether in uniform or out in the community, he leads with purpose as a father, husband, and Army officer dedicated to excellence in every role he holds.

That same commitment extends far beyond the Army. On weekends, Poinsette can often be found volunteering with local city programs and nonprofit food banks, rolling up his sleeves to ensure families have access to fresh, healthy meals. For him, this work is more than charity; it’s a continuation of his mission to nourish, uplift, and serve others with dignity and care.

Providing access to nutritious food, especially in underserved neighborhoods, is a cause close to his heart. It reflects the same sense of duty that guides his Army service: showing up for people, building stronger communities, and leaving a lasting impact wherever he goes.

Carrying a Legacy Forward

Ephesian wears the name on his uniform with deep pride, honoring the legacy of his great-grandfather, a World War II veteran whose sacrifice and service paved the way for him to stand tall today.

For Ephesian, that legacy lives on through his own service and through his children and family, who honor and carry it forward.

“I’ve charted a path, and if they follow, they’re standing on my shoulders,” Ephesian says. “I’m a Captain now, promotable to Major soon. Every day, with the name on my chest, the uniform I wear and the boots I put on continues the legacy of my great-grandfather.”

For Army families like Ephesian’s, service is more than a career choice, it’s a legacy passed down through generations.

It is a legacy of resilience and triumph, one that continues to inspire new paths and adventures for those who follow.

​Discover more stories about the men and women who make up today’s U.S. Army at the Blavity x U.S. Army Content Hub.