We offer this case study as an example of the important work that often happens quietly, and without grants or public recognition, and that only rarely appears in academic literature, and reflect to theorize our practices (Stepney & Thompson, 2021), making space for culturally relevant and impactful research practices by moving from practice to theory. We start with a general background about Texas' "colonias" (rural communities) along the Texas Mexico border and present the Colonias innovative Readiness Training model built with/of/for "colonia" residents. We believe the approach is as important as the model when working with vulnerable communities, and detail the Ethics of Fronterawork, as a culturally responsive research methodology that allows us to build sustainable research partnerships with and for our diverse borderland communities. We will also explain the dynamics of our higher education/military/community partnerships that amplify the work of each partner, measurably improving the quality of life and built environment for thousands of rural residents of the Texas Mexico border. Key to our approach is a service-first orientation as a foundation for reciprocity and long-term relationships from which nuanced, accurate, and more inclusive research can grow, recognizing that knowledge is co-constructed in and with diverse communities. [This content is provided in the format of an e-book.]