Kerry S. Harris facts for kids

Kerry S. Harris, born on December 8, 1969, is an American inventor and business person. He is known for creating special motorcycle helmets called Akuma Helmets. These helmets use his unique "Integrated Power System." This system makes helmets safer and more useful for many activities. It's used in helmets for bikes, police, and other sports. His inventions also help different countries' defense departments. They use his ideas for things like safer helmets, electronics, and advanced technology that connects people with machines.

Early Life and Military Service

Kerry S. Harris has a strong background in the military. He served for 18 years in both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. He started as an enlisted sailor, then became an officer in the Marine Corps, and later a Navy pilot.

Harris graduated from Killeen High School in Killeen, Texas. He quickly became an Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd class (E4) in the Navy. His main job was to be part of the crash and rescue team. He worked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea.

While studying at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, he joined officer training for the Marine Corps. After graduating, he became a Second Lieutenant. After three years in the Marine Corps, Harris returned to the Navy. He went to flight school and earned his "wings of gold" to fly P-3 Orion airplanes.

Achievements and Recognition

Kerry Harris has been a guest speaker at Harvard Business School. He is also a member of the national honor society for Psychology, called Psi Chi. Besides his inventing and business work, he is also a pilot. He holds a commercial pilot's license, which allows him to fly different types of planes.

In March 2012, Harris was honored as "Innovator of the Year" by Black Enterprise magazine. This award recognized his creative ideas and inventions.