My Journey as the Cyber Viking ⚔️💻
From Baltimore to the Battlefield: A Viking is Forged
Korea 1993. Those are portable computers and a laptop.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, I launched my adventure into the world of Information Technology after graduating high school. The U.S. Army became my proving ground as I enlisted as an Information Systems Operator. My service would take me across the globe—working in critical roles at locations like South Korea, the UK, NATO SHAPE Headquarters in Mons, Belgium, the US Army War College, and Fort Sam Houston.
From humble beginnings as a helpdesk technician, I climbed the ranks through roles such as system administrator, exchange administrator, firewall engineer, and ultimately enterprise/domain administrator. Each post honed my skills and deepened my passion for IT and cybersecurity.
Entering the Cyber Realm: Civilian and Cyber Defender
Yes, I am wearing a suit. This picture was for an article.
Leading the Charge: CyberPatriot and Beyond
I found my calling in education and mentorship—empowering others to grow their skills, confidence, and opportunities in the world of technology. As a CyberPatriot coach, I’ve had the honor of guiding students at Medina Valley High School, where I work hands-on with cadets to prepare them for national cybersecurity competitions. Beyond the classroom, I mentor teams through the Hondo Public Library in Hondo, Texas, giving local youth access to professional-level training and introducing them to pathways in the cyber industry.
My commitment to mentorship extends well beyond one school or community. I’ve worked with the Alamo Academies ITSA team, providing advanced training and competition strategies to help them excel. Through BrownSTEM, INC., I helped launch an all-girl CyberPatriot team at Davis Middle School—an initiative designed to break down barriers and inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM. Additionally, I’ve led CyberGenerations cyber safety workshops for senior citizens, teaching them how to protect themselves online, recognize scams, and navigate the digital world with confidence.
In addition to my work in cybersecurity education, I proudly serve as a merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America, guiding scouts through the requirements for the Digital Technology and Cyber Safety merit badges. This role allows me to connect with young people in a different setting, helping them develop practical skills that will serve them for life.
Cyber Viking Crews
After hanging up the uniform, I didn’t stray far from the mission. I transitioned into civilian service as a network defense operator, actively participating in cyber operations. That work soon evolved into a role as an enterprise administrator, and as a network engineer—building and defending the very systems I once supported in uniform.
Former Congressman Will Hurd. This was the first time in the history of the CyberPatriot a member of Congress watched a team during competition.
Viking Camps and Cyber Crusades
From the classrooms of the Castroville Public Library to the cadet halls of the San Antonio ISD LOTC program, I’ve spent years designing, organizing, and leading hands-on CyberPatriot training camps that have equipped students across Texas with real-world cybersecurity skills. My outreach has stretched from small rural communities to large urban districts, ensuring that young minds—regardless of zip code—have access to high-quality cyber education.
My journey has included working with the GenCyber program at St. Philip’s College, where I introduced students to ethical hacking, system defense, and teamwork under competitive conditions. I’ve also supported the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), helping bring high-performance computing and cybersecurity awareness into the K–12 space.
Beyond the classroom, I serve on the Texas Computer Science Task Force, contribute to WeTeach_CS at UT Austin to expand computer science access statewide, and advise on workforce readiness as a member of the Texas Education Agency’s IT Advisory Council.
This commitment to building the next generation of cyber talent has been recognized at the national level. In 2018, U.S. Representative Will Hurd honored me as a Cyber Education Leader, and in 2021, Representative Tony Gonzales recognized me again—making me just the fifth individual to be honored for launching and sustaining CyberPatriot teams in rural Texas.
Congressman Gonzalez visits with the team shortly after being elected in his first term.
The CyberTexas Foundation: Guiding the Next Generation
In 2022, I took on the role of Lead Coach and Mentor Trainer with the CyberTexas Foundation, a position that allowed me to combine my passion for cybersecurity with my dedication to community education. In this role, I work closely with both new and seasoned CyberPatriot coaches, providing them with the tools, strategies, and confidence to guide their teams to success.
My work goes beyond competition preparation—I focus on building a culture of mentorship, leadership, and long-term engagement, ensuring that each coach is empowered to inspire the next generation of cyber defenders. I also lead hands-on cybersecurity education camps, delivering sessions that range from the fundamentals of networking to the critical importance of online safety for students of all ages.
That same year, I played a key role in the SA Cyber 4 Uvalde initiative—a powerful collaboration that used cybersecurity education as a way to bring hope, opportunity, and healing to a community still reeling from tragedy. Partnering with dedicated volunteers from 16th Air Force, the Department of Defense, UTSA’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS), AFCEA, and other community partners, we transformed classrooms into hubs of learning and inspiration. Over the course of the program, we introduced nearly 80 elementary and middle school students to the world of technology and cybersecurity—showing them not just how to use technology safely, but how they could one day be the protectors, problem-solvers, and innovators in this field.
It wasn’t just about teaching skills—it was about opening doors, building confidence, and letting every student know their future could be bigger than they had ever imagined.
2022 Uvalde Elementary Summer Cyber Camp at Progresso Memorial Library
2025 CyberTexas CyberPatriot Advanced Camp at St. Mary's Univeristy
STARBASE and STEM Storytelling
In 2023, I expanded my mentorship reach by partnering with the DoD STARBASE Program at STARBASE Kelly in San Antonio and Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo. These programs give 5th graders a chance to go beyond the textbook—diving into hands-on STEM experiments, tackling problem-solving challenges, and seeing how science and technology shape the real world. My mission is to open the door to cybersecurity for these young learners—showing them how fun, creative, and impactful it can be. Whether it’s decoding puzzles, simulating network defenses, or sharing stories from my own cyber journey, I aim to spark curiosity and plant the seeds for future innovators and digital defenders.
My work with inspiring the next generation started well before that. In 2019, I had the privilege of contributing to the middle school chapter book Journey Through The Unified Field, authored by Col. Cassie R. Barlow, USAF (Retired) and Sue Norrod. The book’s goal was to help young readers—especially girls—see themselves in STEM and cybersecurity careers. The authors liked my contributions so much, they made me a character in the story: Col. Frank Wayman. Seeing my Viking spirit brought to life on the page was an unforgettable honor—proof that sometimes, your passion for mentoring doesn’t just inspire students, it earns you a spot in their adventures.
Viking Camps and Cyber Crusades
From the Castroville Public Library to the San Antonio ISD LOTC program, I’ve organized and led CyberPatriot camps across Texas. My journey includes work with GenCyber at St. Philip’s College and support for the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), and I continue to serve through the Texas CS Task Force, WeTeach_CS at UT Austin, and the TEA’s IT Advisory Council.
I was humbled to be recognized by U.S. Representative Will Hurd in 2018 as a Cyber Education Leader and again in 2021 by Representative Tony Gonzales—becoming just the 5th person honored for launching CyberPatriot teams in rural Texas.2
Today’s Mission: Cyber Like A Viking
Today, I continue my mission as a dedicated cyber educator, mentor, and speaker—bringing cybersecurity to life in classrooms, at conferences, and through webinars across Texas and far beyond. My passion lies in empowering people of all ages—students discovering technology for the first time, parents seeking to protect their families online, and senior citizens learning to navigate the digital landscape safely. Each audience presents a new opportunity to break down barriers, spark curiosity, and build confidence in defending the digital world.
I am Coach Frank “The Cyber Viking” Hall—a modern-day explorer of the cyber seas. I shatter myths, chart new paths through the digital unknown, and train the next generation of cyber defenders to safeguard their digital villages. Whether guiding competitive teams through high-stakes challenges, unpacking the latest threats for everyday users, or championing online safety for our communities, I stand at the helm, steering others toward knowledge, resilience, and victory in the ever-changing cyber frontier.
