Why did you choose W&J to complete your undergraduate education? What was your area of study?

I always knew the military was my path in life, but I was still searching for the right avenue. When I was in 10th grade, I came to W&J to participate in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) seminar. My experience there would forever change me as it placed me upon the path that would lead to W&J. I loved the campus and the area but didn’t truly realize it until I went to apply for colleges. The Lord guided me to W&J, and it was a perfect fit. 

When I first began my journey at W&J, I started out as a psychology major. I enjoyed the counseling aspect of it and learning about how the human mind works. However, something didn’t seem right. Going into my sophomore year, I took Dr. Sam Fee’s Photoshop class, and it instantly clicked for me. From that point on, Dr. Fee mentored and guided me, and I completed my degree in Computer and Information Studies (CIS). I strongly believe this degree is one of the most useful in today’s world, even in non-computing areas. I am in the logistics field in the U.S. Army, but the mindset and type of thinking I developed with CIS enables me to efficiently do my job. I am forever thankful for Dr. Fee’s wisdom in guiding me down my degree path. Additionally, I would say Army ROTC was my secondary area of study, which led to my commissioning.  

What areas of the College were you involved with as a student?

One of my most heavily involved areas was Greek Life. I am a Brother of Delta Tau Delta Gamma Chapter. Some of my best memories are from Greek Life and the bonds I formed with fellow brothers. I served as the chapter’s external vice president where I worked to strengthen the chapter’s relationship with the local community. Additionally, I served as the volunteer service coordinator on the Interfraternity Council. 

One of the areas I was most passionate about was Habitat for Humanity. I served the organization in two ways. The first was through the Matthew Brown Fellowship which is a partnership program with the First Presbyterian Church and the College. It provides students an opportunity to give back in the local community and share in their faith. The second was through the Get Involved Volunteer Experience (GIVE) Program. I spent three of my spring breaks on mission trips with Habitat for Humanity in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. These were by far some of the best experiences in my life with my fellow classmates. I was also involved with the Student Government Association as a class representative, the Lions Club, and of course heavily involved with the ROTC program. 

How did you become interested in the military?

I do come from a long line of family who have served in the military from my father, who served 20 years in the PA National Guard and in Operation Iraqi Freedom, to at least 17 documented individuals that fought in the American Revolution. However, it is not just the lineage of military service but that of freedom that instilled in me the drive to serve. My father, and all those who have come before me, served this great nation. Their sacrifices enabled me to grow up with the freedoms that many do not have, like the freedom to go to school and earn an education. I want my children and future generations to have the same opportunities that I did. Thus, it is my duty to serve this nation to ensure that freedom and the pursuit of happiness is open to them. One of things I truly live by which was stated by President Ronald Reagan is, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” 

What is your job in the Army?

I am currently a First Lieutenant in the Transportation Corps. I have gone from serving as a Platoon Leader of a 54 Soldier platoon right out of college, to currently serving as the S4 Officer in Charge of my battalion. We are the Movement Control Battalion for III Corps located at Fort Hood, Texas. As the S4, I personally handle all logistical, maintenance procedures, and finances for the Battalion. Next year, I will head to my Captain’s Career Course where I will become a full logistics officer. 

Can you tell us about your work with Atlantic Resolve from your last deployment?

I recently redeployed from Europe where we were supporting Atlantic Resolve. This is a multinational training operation where we trained and worked with our partner nations and allies to build a strong Europe in our continued demonstration to collective security. Our unit was stationed primarily in Poland, but we oversaw all movement operations from Estonia in the north to Bulgaria in the south. While I was there, I traveled through Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, and Romania. My main duty was operating the Customs Clearance Operations program throughout the Atlantic Resolve area of operations. This program enables U.S. Military equipment and supplies to traverse national borders freely. 

One of the best parts of the mission was when I had the opportunity to train with and coach the Lithuanian Army during a training operation. Not only did I experience their culture and techniques on the battlefield, I found out that my father had trained with the same Lithuanian battalion when he served. Having that bond with my father meant everything to me. I exchanged unit patches with the Lithuanians, which is a common practice in the military. Now I have the patch from 20 years ago that my father received and the one I received. It is nice to see how the patches have changed over the years. 

 What are your career goals and objectives?

I have a never-ending bucket list, and my career goals are just the same. Currently, I want to be stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., as my next duty station and command a transportation company there under the 101st Airborne. I eventually wish to command a sustainment brigade to work the full spectrum of logistical operations. While, in the long run, I would like to become the Chief of Transportation so that I can better enable the Corps and work to improve transportation operations across the ranks. As I continue my military career, I want to attend as many schools as possible, such as Pathfinder, so that I can become a stronger combat multiplier for my units. I do want to serve an entire career in the Army.

After the military, I envision myself working in the private sector in the logistical field. However, I won’t be surprised if I find my way back into the public sector in some form of governmental office. I care too much for this Nation not to serve Her. 

Outside of your professional career, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

When Uncle Sam isn’t keeping me busy, I love spending time with family and friends. I am definitely someone who cannot sit still. There are too many adventures to be had and places to see in this world. I am a thrill seeker and traveler with a never-ending bucket list. I have recently taken up racing and completed my first Triathlon Sprint. The thrill of the race and the culture is exhilarating. I also take time to relax on the golf course. It is nice that I can go golfing in the middle of winter in Texas. Then of course, I also love anything outdoors from hunting, fishing, kayaking, and camping. I want to experience and see everything this world has to offer. 

What are some of your favorite W&J memories?

I feel like I could write a book with all my memories from W&J. A few memories come from the GIVE Spring Break, Habitat for Humanity trips. The road trips down were always a blast. We loved driving through the countryside with an endless playlist. One time we were working on a roof, and we all started singing “867-5309/Jenny” with our construction supervisor, Jim. 

During my senior year, a few of my fraternity brothers and I rebuilt the chariot for Greek Week. Greek Week was always one of the best times of the year and bringing new life to the house chariot brought so much joy. One memory I will always miss is the late nights studying with friends in the Tech Center or Delt House. They were always bonding experiences where we would end up going to Taco Bell at like 2 in the morning. Looking back, it is not just the education you receive that you remember the most but the relationships and memories that you form. They set you off on your path in life. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

W&J is surely a place of opportunity. The close-knit family environment that I experienced built bonds and friendships that stretch around the world. To all the students and those considering W&J, know that you are a part of a large community that is always ready to assist you. Also, never be afraid of failure or scared to attempt something because of the unknown. Life is too short for that. Take that leap of faith or you will spend your life asking, “What if?”. We can never control the cards we are dealt in life, but we can control how we play the game. It doesn’t matter at all your circumstances; it is your attitude on life that will either carry you forward or hold you back. The motto that I live by is, “Never Give Up, Never Surrender, and Always be Ready to Rock N’ Roll!” It reminds me to push through the fears, the failures, and the unknown to reach my destiny. Simply, it says that along the path, no matter the ups or downs, always be ready to enjoy the sights and be ready to rock n’ roll!  

We love honoring our alumni and keeping up with their successes! ​​​Please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@washjeff.edu if you or someone you know is interested in being highlighted as a featured alumnus/a.