Frank Leslie — a retired noncommissioned armor officer and longtime employee of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command who enjoys volunteering with the Central Texas Museum and Boy Scouts in his free time — is a man of many hats.

Or, perhaps more appropriately, a man of many kilts.

Since 2002, Leslie, 57, has delved into his Scottish heritage through online research and looking through historical archives meticulously organized by the Mormon church. He said he was inspired by his father, who had begun researching the family name.

"I'm originally from Ohio, but my dad, in fact, has traced our history back to Aberdine, Scotland, in 1725," said the test support specialist at the test command's Mission Command Test Directorate. "The name goes back to a little glen west of Aberdine, around 1125.

Through his genealogical research, Leslie has discovered he can wear the kilts of four clans: Leslie, McAllister, McDonald and Wallace, as in William Wallace, the hero of Mel Gibson's 1995 film, "Braveheart."

Leslie, who lives west of Copperas Cove, became connected to the Texas Scottish community in Salado, home of the Central Texas Area Museum's annual Scottish Clan Gathering and Highland Games, which celebrated its 50th year in November. Between local games, Leslie travels to Scottish gatherings and festivals throughout the state, manning clan booths to help other learn about their possible heritage.

Leslie always wears his kilts, the most authentic of which come from yards of wool and can cost up to $500 each.

Despite the cost of the travel and the traditional garb, Leslie said getting in touch with — and, at times, living out — his roots is important.

"It gives people a connection to the past and where they came from and a sense of how rich history," he said.

Al Harris, Leslie's co-worker at the Operational Test Command, called him "a great American," who shares an interest in history. Both men have traced their ancestors back to the same battlefield in the Civil War, he said.

Harris said Leslie often brightens Monday mornings with tales from his latest trip to an out-of-town clan gathering.

"He's got his kilt and whole outfit," said Harris. "He's a guy who has many interests."