Connor McNeil

Connor McNeil is a graduate student at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, where he is pursuing a master’s in international relations with a specialization in data analysis. Before Syracuse, Connor received the national Army ROTC scholarship and enrolled at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. In 2021, he received his B.A. in history and government and was commissioned from the Clarkson ROTC program into the Vermont Army National Guard. He also graduated from the Middlebury College Language Institute’s Portuguese Immersion Program this past summer.

Connor has served as a scout platoon leader in Bravo Troop, 1-172 Cavalry and is currently a Troop Executive Officer. He has attended the air assault school, the armor basic officer leadership course, basic military mountaineering course, and the rough terrain evacuation course. As an officer in a mountain warfare unit, Connor enjoys entangling his passion for hiking and skiing with military mountain operations.

Outside of academics and the military, Connor enjoys spending time with his family in upstate New York. Through the graduate program at Maxwell, and with the assistance of programs like SoldierStrong, Connor hopes to continue a public service-oriented career in emergency management and response.

Jose A. Baeza-Ruiz

Jose A. Baeza-Ruiz, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served as an intelligence analyst. His military experiences ranged from training ground level to bigger picture analysis and detailed research in a developed environment. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business analytics at Syracuse University with an expected graduation date of May 2024. He looks forward to opportunities that will allow him to expand the technical abilities in the field of business and data analytics.

Marriler Wilson

Marriler Wilson is a United States Air Force National Guard veteran and former Mayor Placard Enforcement Detail for the New York Police Department. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration and international relations at Syracuse University with an expected 2025 graduation. Her law enforcement and security background, combined with community outreach and advocacy experience, gives her a unique perspective on the intersectionality of these two fields. She is interested in pursuing a career in diplomatic conflict resolution, where she can use her skills and expertise to promote understanding between individuals and communities.

MICHELLE HUMPHREYS

Michelle Humphreys, a civil engineering major, grew up in a close-knit family in Passaic, New Jersey. The family later moved to a better neighborhood in the suburbs of Parsippany, New Jersey.

Humphreys, the first in her family to pursue a STEM degree, joined the Navy right out of high school. She had already been thinking of joining the military when she met with a recruiter. “They offered all these magical benefits,” she said. “And I thought, ‘That's a no-brainer. Why would I go to college first not really being sure what I wanted to do when I can go to college for free later?’”

In the Navy, Humphreys served as a nuclear electrician's mate aboard the USS George Washington. She transitioned into civilian life in 2020 after six years of service.

Her pathway to ODU had a year-long delay. Her husband, also in the military, had his plans change because of the pandemic. “His orders got all scrambled and I didn't know where we were going to be,” she said.

At ODU, one of her favorite professors has been Shahin Nayyeri Amiri, a senior lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “He's funny and he gives nuggets of wisdom and life lessons and career insight while he's teaching,” she said. “Everything he does, he relates to the field as he's teaching.”

In her free time, Humphreys lifts weights and tries out new recipes at home. She also spends time with her Miniature Pinscher. “She's like having a big dog because of her energy,” Humphreys said. “She just loves to play and walk. She’s just a lot of fun.”

After graduation, Humphreys hopes to find an meaningful engineering position. “I have to feel like I'm making an impact and that what I'm doing makes a difference,” she said.

KATHLEEN HIGGINS

For Kathleen Higgins, raised by a single mother and grandmother in Aurora, Illinois, growing up was an adventure. “The community was kind of poor and a little bit crime-ridden,” she explained. “My family was part of a major push to change it. They used to go to City Hall and council meetings to help get rid of the crime.”

“It was definitely an interesting way to grow up,” she added.

Higgins joined the military right after high school. As a first-generation student, she was encouraged to take the military pathway by her mother and father – both Army veterans.

In the Navy, Higgins worked as an aviation structural safety equipment mechanic on different models of F-18s. “I got to opportunity to work on F-18’s Alpha through Foxtrot,” she said.

Higgins transitioned out of the Navy in 2020 after eight years of service. She took a position at Boeing before heading back to school.

“At Boeing, I was exposed to different types of aviation jobs, and I worked closely with engineers,” she said. “After working side-by-side with them and their push to help me take that next step, it gave me the confidence that I could definitely do this.”

It was an easy transition to the program at Old Dominion where Higgins is currently a mechanical engineering major with a focus on aerospace engineering.

Outside of school, Higgins spends time doing jujitsu and yoga. She also loves to read.

After she finishes her degree, Higgins hopes to obtain a position as an aerospace engineer.

Brian K. Fischer

On November 1st of 2006, at the age of nineteen, I began the first day of my Naval career. My mother has reminded me how traumatizing that day was for her several times. I am the youngest of three siblings; I have two older sisters. The transition of my two older sisters leaving home was much more gradual and easier for her. The night before I started my Navy career, a car with a man in uniform came to her home late at night and picked me up. The following day, she received a package of all my belongings accompanied with a 10-second phone call I was required to make to her. It was after that she broke down in tears.

I am now at 16 years of Navy Active-Duty service and as a husband to my wife Brittany and father to 3 little adventuring children: Sydney (6), Ronan (4), and Ryder (2). I can now somewhat understand my mother's pain, especially given my aspirations to become a Navy SEAL at the time. But anyway, what I am trying to convey is that I came from humble beginnings. There are times in my youth I remember having to put groceries back on the shelves because my mother's payment wasn't going through. We bounced from house to house, moving five times. Yet, through it all, my parents found a way to raise and support my siblings and me together. My mom eventually completed college when she was 40 years old, and my sisters, who experienced much more financial hardships as youths than I, went on to graduate college and beyond, funding their own educations.

That brief reflection is why it is surreal for me to be writing this personal statement. This is because this is the first step toward a transitional goal that will ultimately lead me to concluding my extensive military career and open the door to my aspirations in a civilian career. I consider this a great achievement to get to this moment and am honored to present myself to the Soldier Strong Foundation. I am enrolled in Georgetown's MSF program, and with the conclusion of my military service insight, I am envisioning the possibility of a future business/financial career as obtainable, and I find myself guided by that same internal motivation and fire that the 19-year-old myself entered the military with.

I first joined the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Upon fulfilling my first duty station's obligations, I was given the opportunity to attempt Navy SEAL training. I completed the course in 2011 and began an extensive demanding career as a Navy SEAL. I would like to mention a few of the arduous military schools I have accomplished that are: Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL, Army Special Operations Combat Medic, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Sniper, and NSW Master Training Specialist. I am highlighting these accomplishments because they are considered some of the most mentally, academically, and physically challenging courses in the US military, and this will give you a sense of the grit and determination I possess and will be applying toward my education. I do foresee managing my academic goals with my current military and family obligations as being challenging, and I believe I have the traits to manage the challenge. This is exemplified by the fact that while I was Active Duty, I obtained my undergraduate degree, a B.S. in Leadership for Emergency Action & Disaster Response at George Washington University (GWU).

During my Navy SEAL career, I have done three 6 to 8-month long combat deployments in the Middle East (Afghanistan and Iraq) and one non-combat deployment focused on the IndoPacom region. All of these were done while I was attached to Navy SEAL Team 7. Additionally, I have done two Navy SEAL diversity assignments fulfilling the role of a Navy SEAL Instructor. My current role is in one

of these diversity assignments in which I am the Lead Chief Petty Officer for the SEAL Officer Assessment and Selection course. A course that evaluates officers aspiring to become Navy SEALs and contributes to the decision making that grants them acceptance to attend Navy SEAL training.

I believe the unique experiences I have gained in the military, along with my education at GWU that was focused on coordination and decision making during complex situations, and paired with personal traits I garnered through harsh military training, will offer a unique perspective that will be valuable in the financial aspects of business going forward. And while I have not yet pinpointed which direct route in the business/financial realm I will pursue going forward, I would consider myself a very driven individual, and what has fueled that drive is the want to be looked upon as a reliable, supportive, and trustworthy individual to those around me. Therefore, I believe I can adapt and excel in many areas once I do leave military service. My current goal is to utilize Georgetown's MSF program and foundations to assist in guiding me toward a specific approach I will pursue in business once I retire from military service in 2026.

I would like to thank the Soldier Strong Foundation for all the support you provide to service members in every aspect of your mission. During my time in service, I have worked directly with several service members from all branches that have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and I have several friends that have been severely injured while fulfilling their military commitment. Truly, I am grateful for the bridge you provide to service members, and throughout my career, I have seen how vital foundations are to our families. Obtaining a scholarship will be immensely supportive to my family and will provide a great deal of financial relief during my pursuit of my education while coinciding with the financial support I provide to my wife and three children.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Clifton Washington

Syracuse University – Masters in International Relations and Public Administration

Driven by a desire to become a part of something bigger than himself, Washington joined the U.S. Army and, as an infantryman, spent his enlistment in Jordan where he trained the Jordanian Armed Forces. Understanding the value of education even before becoming a first-generation college graduate, Washington completed his undergraduate degree in economics from Robert Morris University while still in the military. He is currently pursuing a Masters in International Relations and Public Administration and appreciates Syracuse University for its support of veterans and the close-knit veteran community it provides.

"As a student veteran, the SoldierScholar program is a blessing and a lifeline. Due to service-connected injuries, I have a minimum of six medical appointments per month which makes it impractical for me to work full-time while taking on a full course load,” Washington said. “I am so grateful for this scholarship program as it will lighten my financial burden and help me accomplish my academic and career goals.”

Joanna Newcome

Georgetown University – Masters of Science Foreign Service

Newcome entered Georgetown University’s Master of Science in Foreign Service Program with a desire to advance her Turkish language skills. She began studying the language as an undergraduate and further developed her speaking abilities during a summer semester abroad in Turkey. After serving in the U.S. Navy and then working in Russian military analysis as a civilian at the Department of Defense, Newcome believes a concentration in global politics and security will become a critical skill set that will serve her and our country  in the future.

“I’m so grateful to receive the SoldierScholar scholarship that will allow me to fully immerse myself in the program and develop connections that will hopefully lead to long-term career paths in Turkish-area studies and policy. Thank you to SoldierStrong for your generosity,” Newcome said.

Jack Morgan

Syracuse University - Masters in International Relations

A scout sniper platoon commander and company executive officer in the Marine Corps Reserves, Morgan earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Le Moyne College in 2018 and is on track to earn his executive master’s degree in international relations from Syracuse University in May. He served as an infantry officer, operations officer, and intelligence officer while on active duty in the Marines Corps from May 2018 to May 2022. He has served in the reserves since then.

"Receiving the SoldierScholar nomination has given me the flexibility to smoothly transition from my time in the Marine Corps to my next career in public service. SoldierStrong provides extraordinary support to military service members and veterans. I am honored to be recognized by such a generous organization,” Morgan said.

Andrés Trejo

Andrés Trejo served in the U.S. Navy, graduating from the Defense Language Institute where he led a team of 18 service members through the 64-week Arabic course. He also served as a U.S. Navy cargo team member aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) where he helped manage food and supplies for over 6,000 sailors, including a 2017 operational deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Andrés currently serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Student Veterans Organization at Syracuse University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Syracuse University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and is now a dual Master of Public Administration and Master of Arts in International Relations candidate in Syracuse’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Michaela Rubinfeld

Michaela Rubinfeld was born and raised in New York City. She is of Russian Jewish, Korean and Puerto Rican descent, and has spent half her life traveling between the United States and China. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University with a concentration in Science, Technology and International Affairs. She is married to her supportive and loving husband, Conner, who is a Navy veteran. They have been married for two years and own a French Bulldog named Tank. Michaela is an All-Source Analyst in the United States Air Force Reserves, and has been deployed to the Middle East. She has been in the Air Force Reserves for three years, and plans to continue serving in the future. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Chinese from University at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY in 2017.

During her time at Georgetown, Michaela will concentrate on emerging technology, focusing on ethical applications of blockchain technology in an increasingly digitized society. She is currently serving as a research assistant to Professor Shin’ichiro Matsuo in Georgetown University’s Department of Computer Science working on bringing decentralized internet to fruition. After finishing her studies, she aspires to serve with the State Department to forge strong relations with other countries and ensure a safe future for generations to come.

Andraus L. Williams

Command Sergeant Major Andraus L. Williams was appointed as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Camp Roberts Garrison Training Center in October 2020. In this role, he serves as the principal military advisor on all enlisted matters affecting training, utilization, health of the force, and enlisted professional development.

A native of St. Louis, MO., Command Sergeant Major Williams enlisted in the U.S Army in September 1989, as a Field Artilleryman (13B). He received his Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Sill, OK. He served five years Active duty prior to joining the California National Guard. He joined the California Army National Guard in May 1995, and completed his reclassification (31B) to the Military Police Corps.

In June 2014, Command Sergeant Major Williams was selected and assumed responsibility as the Command Sergeant Major for the 185th Military Police BN. In January 2016 he assumed responsibility of the 143rd Military Police BN (Detention). In August 2018 he was appointed and assumed responsibility as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the 49th Military Police Brigade. His assignments include: Team Leader 670th MP CO, Squad Leader 870th MP CO, Platoon Sergeant 870th MP CO, Operations NCO 330th MP CO, First Sergeant 330th MP CO, Command Sergeant Major 185th MP BN, and Command Sergeant Major 143rd MP BN (Detention).

CSM Williams combat, and state side tours of duty include Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Hurricane Katrina, Operation Jump Start (Border Mission), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). As well as multiple wildfires and floods in support of FEMA Region IX Homeland Response Force (HRF) and Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) throughout the United States.

Command Sergeant Major Williams awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (With Numeral 5), Humanitarian Service Medal, Louisiana Emergency Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and Air Assault badge. He is a recipient of the Order of Marechaussee Award. This award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a military policeman in the Military Police Regimental Association. It is named after the Marechaussee Corps, formed in 1778 at Valley Forge by Gen. George Washington to police the Army and secure fugitives.

Command Sergeant Major Williams military and civilian education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, Battle Staff Course, First Sergeant Course, Command Sergeant Major Pre-Command Course, Joint Professional Senior Enlisted course, Jungle Warfare Training Course (JOTC), and Emerging Leadership Development Program. He is a graduate of class 41 (Non-Resident) U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. CSM Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and a master’s in leadership and Community Engagement from The University of Texas at El Paso. He is currently pursing his Doctorate degree in Organizational Change and Leadership at University of Southern California (USC) (2024).

CSM Williams is a member of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society (Arizona State University Chapter), Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity (Upsilon Eta chapter), and the President of the Military Police Regiment Association (MPRA).

Major Williams volunteers his time as a Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) Mentor with Swords to Plowshares. He also volunteers his time as a mentor with minority college students interested in Law enforcement with the “Ask Jarrett” nonprofit organization.

Ryan Lamson

Ryan Lamson joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007 as an infantry rifleman where he served with 2/1 F during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He went on to serve as an embassy guard, infantry squad leader, and family readiness administrative assistant for the USMC, as well as a cleared American guard for Coastal International Security. A 2021 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship finalist, Lamson is the recipient of multiple awards from the U.S. Department of State, United States Marine Corps, and St. Edward’s University. “I am thankful to be a recipient of a SoldierScholar scholarship and the opportunity to continue my passion for public service and international affairs. This scholarship adds to the opportunities I have at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs to hone the leadership and management skills I first learned in the service,” Lamson said.

Jessica Evans

Jessica Evans served in the U.S. Navy as a sonar technician while stationed in Hawaii and around the world. In part due to financial considerations, Evans did not go to college directly after high school and instead was inspired to join the military branch in which both of her grandfathers served. She sees her service as a way to honor their legacy. After finishing her bachelor’s degree in engineering, Evans plans to pursue her master’s degree. “Growing up I never dreamed about going to college let alone going as far as pursuing my master’s degree. So, to have this opportunity to reach for my dreams is really special,” Evans said.

Kala Hagan

Kala Hagen was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She has been happily married to her husband, Alex, for just over four years and together they have two adorable dogs and two cuddly cats. Before starting her graduate education, she served as Cryptologic Language Analyst specializing in Arabic and Somali. Her military career spanned nine years from 2011 to 2020. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Florida in 2019, attending classes online while she was active duty.

While in the Navy, Kala was stationed at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, Fort Gordon, Georgia, the Defense Language Institute – Washington, and Fort Meade, Maryland. She also had the good fortune to be selected for several language immersion programs, including spending a month in Rabat, Morocco and attending Middlebury College’s Summer Language Program in Oakland, California.

During her time at Georgetown, Kala will concentrate on international development in the Middle East and Africa and takes a specific interest in reducing the factors that contribute extremism and terrorism. After finishing her studies, she aspires to serve with the State Department or USAID to make the world a safer and more just place.

MSG Edrena Roberts

Edrena was born in Washington State. She enlisted in the Army Reserve as a Religious Affairs Specialist in April 2001 and was released to Active Duty in June 2004. She has served in multiple assignments in Texas, Alaska, South Carolina, and Japan and was deployed twice to Iraq in 2005 and 2011. Edrena graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, summa cum laude, from American Military University in June 2019. She is now pursuing a Master’s in Applied Intelligence at Georgetown University. Upon retirement from the Army, Edrena plans to use her degree to begin a career with the FBI.

DANIEL CORDIAL

Student

Daniel (Dan) Cordial is currently attending the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and is enrolled in the Executive Master of Public Administration with a focus on International and National Security Policy. He is expected to graduate in May of 2020, and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in Security Studies in December 2019. Dan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science also from the School of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University in August 2018.

He was voted as the Syracuse University Student Veteran of the month for October 2016 and is an active member of the Syracuse University Student Veterans Organization, where he formerly served as the Community Relations Coordinator. As Community Relations Coordinator, Dan worked hard to make meaningful connections throughout the Syracuse community and organize events with other veteran and service organizations; he continues this mission as a committee member. He has been a Peer Advisor in the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education program at Syracuse University since 2017 and has consistently demonstrated his willingness to assist student veterans as they transition into higher education. Dan is dedicated to building a sense of community for student veterans at Syracuse University.  Outside of the Syracuse University community, Dan spends his time working and volunteering for New York State organizing the annual veteran’s event held at the New York State Capital in Albany.

Veteran

Dan served in the United States Army from 2006-2011 and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in June 2006 and in December 2006, he graduated from Advanced Individual Training, where he was awarded the MOS of 91E (Metalworker). He was stationed at Idar-Oberstein, Germany with the 1^st Armored Division, 1^st Battalion, 94^th Field Artillery, where he served on a General’s Salute Team and mobilized to Romania in support of Joint Task Force East in 2007 where he participated in combined training operations with the Romanian and Bulgarian Armies.

In 2007, Dan was re-stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado with the 4^th Infantry Division, 3^rd Brigade, 64^th Brigade Support Battalion. Upon arrival in Colorado, he immediately mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2008-2009 at Camp Taji in Baghdad, Iraq where he worked on projects developing and improving safety systems for armored combat vehicles. Upon return from his deployment, he served as the fire squad Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge for the brigade’s fallen soldiers and was appointed as the brigade’s Air Assault operations training instructor during pre-deployment training. One year after his return from deployment, he mobilized in once again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2010-2011 and Operation New Dawn. Dan served at Contingency Operating Bases Tallil, Basrah, Bucca, and Um Qasr where he served primarily as the Convoy Recovery Operations Sergeant and the Air Assault operations Non-Commissioned Officer in charge for a great part of Southern Iraq.

Future

Upon graduating from Syracuse University, Dan plans to work for a government agency where he can employ his knowledge and skills to enhance the security of our nation and spend more time with his son, Kayden. Dan hopes to continue his service to our country in a greater, more impactful capacity, and will remain involved in volunteering at the community level as much as possible.

Philip DeTurck

Philip DeTurck is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area and a first-year student in the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) program at Georgetown University. Philip is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Relations and a minor in Mandarin Chinese.

Prior to attending Georgetown, Philip served as an active duty officer in the U.S. Navy where he was posted to a number of assignments around the globe. Philip served in Yokosuka, Japan as the Electronic Warfare Officer onboard the flagship of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, the U.S.S. Blue Ridge (LCC-17), and as the Assistant Training Officer on the Staff of Commander Destroyer Squadron Fifteen (CDS-15). Philip also served as a Foreign Military Student Liaison at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific (EWTGPAC) in Coronado, California and as a research assistant for the U.S. Naval Attaché to China at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China.

Philip hopes to continue his studies at Georgetown concentrating on global politics and security focusing specifically on the U.S.-China relationship and security in the Indo-Pacific region. After graduating, Philip hopes to find a way to continue serving through public service and apply his skills and experience working in foreign policy.

Robert Rivera

Born and raised in New Jersey, Robert Rivera enlisted in the Army Guard and Reserve after high school, where he completed assignments in Military Intelligence, Military Police and the Infantry. He also served in several emergency assistance organizations, including being a first responder at the 9/11 attacks at World Trade Center as a member of the Edison, N.J. Fire Department. Following his discharge from the Army, Robert enrolled at Syracuse University, where he is simultaneously pursuing an Executive Master’s degree in International Relations and his Master of Science degree in Public Relations.

Bonnie Lee Miley

When Bonnie Lee Miley enrolled in the U.S. Navy 34 years ago, she gave up college and committed herself to service. After numerous tours, she returned home to the Reserves and resumed a normal civilian routine life. While in the Reserves, she got recalled to active duty during Desert Shield Desert Storm because of her skillset in telecommunications. The SoldierScholar scholarship is allowing Bonnie to finish her degree. She is committed to putting forth her best effort, always. Get to know Bonnie.

Stephanie Primeaux

Being a busy mom, a full-time student and a part-time NASA intern, has not stopped Navy veteran, Stephanie Primeaux from pursuing her dream to work on a Mars project. The recent recipient of a SoldierStrong Scholarship valued at $2,500 per semester, awarded to a female veteran at Old Dominion University, with the highest GPA in a STEM discipline, the mechanical engineering student may be well on her way.

Mitchell Forbes

Mitch Forbes was born in McAllen, TX and raised in Arlington, TX. He joined the Army in 2012 and was assigned to 10th Mtn Div (3BCT 2-87IN) as an 11B Infantryman. Mitch deployed to Logar Province, Afghanistan in 2013. In April 2014, his platoon was ambushed and Mitch was wounded by enemy small arms fire. Mitch underwent dozens of surgical procedures while recovering at Walter Reed Military Medical Center at Bethesda. After being medically retired, Mitch earned a BA in Policy Studies from Syracuse University. He returned to Syracuse’s Maxwell School where he is currently an EMPA candidate.

Christopher Tonsmeire

Chris Tonsmeire began his military career after his freshman year of college, enlisting in the US Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer assigned to the 841st Combat Engineer Battalion (Wheeled). Shortly after his enlistment the events of September 11th, 2001 changed his education plans. Chris received a conditional release from the US Army Reserves to enter active duty as a Special Forces Recruit. After re-classing Infantry he attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection and completed the “Q” Course at Fort Bragg. He was assigned to ODA 785 of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) with whom he served two combat tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his second tour he was wounded in action and was unable to remain an active member of Special Forces. In 2009 he separated from the military to continue his education. Awards from his time in the military include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Mikel Rodriguez

The Master of Science in Foreign Service Program is delighted to announce the 2017 SoldierStrong Scholarship Recipient, Navy Lieutenant Mikel Rodriguez. Mikel, a Naval Academy graduate, has a warfare designation of Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Officer, and has over 3 years of international experience including deployments to Afghanistan.

Mikel is the third recipient of this endowed, partial-tuition scholarship designated for a U.S. veteran enrolled in the MSFS program. The scholarship was established in 2015 under the leadership of SoldierStrong cofounder and Chairman of the Board Chris Meek. We had the opportunity to speak with Mikel, and for him to share his journey that brought him to MSFS.

Jordan Kooiman

Jordan Kooiman was a Gunners Mate and Coxswain in the Navy Riverine Squadrons where he did two tours to Iraq in ’08-’09 and ’10. He is a native of Wisconsin and after honorably discharging from the Navy, he attended Bethel University in St. Paul, MN for undergraduate studies and the University of Florida where he received a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After completing his clinical rotations at the James Haley VA in Tampa and Walter Reed Military Medical Center, he realized helping veteran and active duty military with physical rehabilitation was the path for him. Jordan currently works as a Physical Therapist in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area working with a variety of patients, including a large population of veterans.

Michael White

Michael White was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Michael began attending the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2007 after graduating from high school. At West Point Michael was a member of the Parachute Team, and commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 2011. After completing Ranger School Michael was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. Shortly after arriving to Fort Campbell in 2012, Michael deployed to Afghanistan where he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader. Michael was selected to serve as the Mortar Platoon Leader after returning to Fort Campbell. In 2014 Michael deployed to Kuwait as his Battalion’s Logistics Officer.

Michael was selected to represent the 101st Airborne Division in the 2016 Best Ranger Competition, prior to separating from service. Of 50 two-man teams to begin the competition Michael is proud to be one of only 23 to finish the competition.

Michael is now pursuing a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Michael plans to use his degree to begin a career in international development so he can bring sustainable economic development to post-conflict states.

Jordan Robinson

Robinson served in the Marine Corps from 2008­‐2014 where she was a Marine Security Guard Staff Sergeant (E6) at American embassies in Mozambique, Austria, and Cuba. Her primary work involved the protection of classified material vital to national security. Prior to that Robinson was a satellite communications technician, responsible for the repair and maintenance of equipment in direct support of OEF and OIF. During her service, Robinson received numerous accolades to include Non‐Commissioned Officer of the Quarter for Communications Squadron 38 as well as promoted to Assistant Detachment Commander of the Marines in Vienna, Austria.

Robinson most recently served as the Student Veterans Organization President and was responsible for the progress and oversight of the organization through initiatives designed to inform, inspire, and integrate both veterans and military dependents. During her tenure as president, some of her accomplishments include organizing the Student Veterans Ball as well as serving as emcee in the Veterans Day ceremony at Hendricks Chapel.

Robinson is currently a student at Syracuse University pursing her graduate degree in Public Diplomacy: a dual masters program in both international relations and public relations through the Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Her dream is to become a Foreign Service Officer in the Department of State serving at embassies across the globe.

Salvatore DeMarco

Salvatore DeMarco

Captain Samuel L. Orlan, US Army, Ret.

Samuel L. Orlan was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Commack, NY. He is a 2008 graduate of Norwich University, the Military College of Vermont. As a ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate, he commissioned as an Army Second Lieutenant in the Armor Branch. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, KY. Sam deployed with 1-75 CAV in 2010 as a Scout Platoon Leader to the Zhari District of Kandahar, Afghanistan. After being wounded-in-action, Sam transitioned to the role of Assistant Operations Officer where he served as his unit’s Liaison Officer to higher headquarters. Following the deployment, Sam continued to serve as the primary Assistant Operations Officer until he assumed duties as the Squadron Intelligence Officer.

Sam medically retired as a Captain in 2013. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Norwich University. He currently resides in Syracuse, NY where he is a graduate student at Syracuse University pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Security Studies at the Institute of National Security and Counterterrorism. He plans on returning to public service upon graduation.

Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, U.S. Army

Antonieta Rico served in the U.S. Army for more than six years as a military journalist/ public affairs soldier. She joined the Army in October 2001 and her first duty station was at Fort Drum, N.Y., where she enjoyed the warm weather and proximity to New York City, just like her recruiter promised her. Climb to Glory! She was also stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., where she deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007 with the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. During her tour in Iraq, she spent almost a year embedding with infantry troops and other Army units during combat operations, helping to tell the stories of soldiers serving their country in war.

She left the Army in 2008 to pursue her degree and graduated magna cum laude from George Mason University in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. She has interned at National Geographic Magazine and has worked as the deputy news editor at Army Times and at Navy Times, where she also covered the Coast Guard beat.

Antonieta is a proud Army wife and mother to two wonderful kids. She currently volunteers as a Basic Adult Literacy tutor for the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia and also volunteers for American Women Veterans, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of servicewomen, veterans and their families.” She recently ran the Marine Corps Marathon and enjoys spending her free time with her family or hanging out at a coffee shop reading.

Josh Collins

Air Force veteran deployed in support of operation Iraqi freedom 2006 injured from an IED blast July 2006. Some Awards and Decs. Of mine are Purple Heart, army commendation, Air Force combat action badge, meritorious unit award, humanitarian service, air expeditionary service ribbon with gold border. I am a avid outdoorsman and am currently majoring in psychology to assist veterans who suffer like myself from PTSD. I hope to be there to help them and reach out to them to let them know they are not alone.

Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson was born and raised in Granite Bay, California. He is the youngest of three children to loving parents, Ron and Vicki Thompson. He was a successful varsity athlete and became an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America before graduating from Granite Bay High School in 2002. Michael went to the University of California at Davis on a track and field scholarship before transferring to Arizona State University, the alma mater of a hero of his, Pat Tillman. At ASU, Michael played on the varsity football team while studying Political Science and International Relations. Michael graduated from Arizona State in 2006, but was unfulfilled by the career prospects that followed. With a strong patriotic spirit and urge to serve his country, Michael decided to follow in his grandfathers’ footsteps and enlist in the Navy.

Michael relishes his decision to forgo a commission due to the experience he shared with fellow members of Riverine Squadron One, a river warfare combat unit. After a deployment to Iraq and sustaining serious injuries during small boat operations, Michael was eventually honorably discharged. Ironically, however, it was during his medical review board process that he realized his true passion—to serve disabled veterans transitioning back into civilian life.

At this time, Michael is finishing his Master of Public Administration degree at Old Dominion University, and acting as the Graduate Assistant for Veterans and Distance Learners with Disabilities in the Office of Educational Accessibility there. He will continue on at ODU to complete his Master of Business Administration degree beginning in January 2015. Michael plans to use his degrees to follow his dream of supporting disabled veterans, starting with the establishment and servitude of his brainchild, Student Veteran House Inc.

When he isn’t serving his community through volunteering at farm markets or mentoring young athletes, Michael can be found on his paddleboard or beach cruiser in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he lives with his fiancée.

Jesse Campion

Jesse Campion is third year dual degree candidate at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Law. He is earning both a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctor degree. Jesse is also pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Study in Security Studies from the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism. His interests include national security law and policy, U.S. intelligence, counterterrorism, Middle East policy, and veterans’ rights.

After graduation, he hopes to serve either the US Government’s intelligence or military community. Prior to studying at Syracuse University, Jesse served in the United States Army as an infantry officer. During his time in service, Jesse deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he led soldiers under counterinsurgency operations (COIN) to ensure a seamless transition of responsibility to the Iraqi Security Forces. Additionally, Jesse has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Airborne Parachutist Badge, and Army Commendation Medal.

Following his honorable discharge from military service, Jesse served the needs of severely wounded veterans with Wounded Warrior Project in San Antonio, TX. At Syracuse University, Jesse is a graduate research assistant for Professor David M. Crane at the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism. Furthermore, he is president of the Student Association on Terrorism and Security Analysis, associate editor for the Journal on Terrorism and Security Analysis, and previously served as a graduate assistant for National Security Studies at the Maxwell School. In the summer of 2013, Jesse served as a legal intern for the US Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Chief Counsel. At DHS, he supported Immigration & Customs Enforcement attorneys with legal issues related to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Last summer, Jesse served as a legislative legal fellow at the US Senate with the Office of US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. On Senator Gillibrand’s defense legislative team, Jesse assisted staff by analyzing military sexual assault and family entitlement issues to help support efforts associated with the Senate Armed Services Committee and National Defense Authorization Act for FY15.In his spare time, Jesse enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with his wife. He is also studying Arabic.