Service

U.S. Air Force

I spent seven years with the Air Force and had many positive experiences. During my first tour, I had the opportunity to conduct missile analysis and train fighter pilots on weapons tactics as an AIM-9 SME. From then on, I changed roles to government contracting to gain more business-oriented skills, providing me the opportunity to interface with multiple force support disciplines and broker a variety of contract support deals. I also had a short tour in Afghanistan. 

Describe Your BC Experience

During my time at BC, I was witness to the creation of the Student Veterans Association by fellow graduate students and was glad to be a supporting member. Since joining Deloitte, I have led Deloitte hiring from the Boston area, including Boston College as a target school, and provided additional review/mentorship of BC veteran candidates as they pursue consulting. Finally, I also continue to support the local FourBlock chapter that assists veterans, including BC students, in transitioning, familiarizing and networking with various companies, and ultimately applying for and securing new roles.

Service

U.S. Navy

I served for 43 years as a pediatrician, epidemiologist, and preventive medicine officer in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), and then in the U.S. Naval Reserve and the New York Naval Militia.  I have done tours all over the world, including London, Singapore, Korea, Ghana, El Salvador, and Nigeria, where I participated in the Global Campaign for the Eradication of Smallpox.

Describe Your BC Experience

I am just beginning to engage with the veterans community at BC, and it is exciting to meet others who have served and get to know their contributions to the University.

Service

U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

I served for seven years on active duty and the balance of 21 years in the Marine Corps Reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. My service included work as a combat engineer and with motor transport and logistics. I am a veteran of the Beirut Multinational Peacekeeping Force (1983-84) and a veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, MCAS Cherry Point, NC (1991)

Describe Your BC Experience

The BC Community, and in particular the veteran's community, is a powerful network of talented and accomplished people who stand ready to help others who have served and who believe in all that Boston College taught us about being people for others.

Through my membership on the BC Veterans Alumni Network, I have routinely leveraged my experiences in career counseling and human resources with BC veteran alumni who may be transitioning from active service, or simply interested in understanding their next best civilian career move.

Service

US Marine Corps

I am a US Marine Corps veteran and served for 20 years as a Commissioned Officer in the USMC/USMCR. In the Active Component, I most recently served as an Operations Research Analyst in the Pentagon helping the Marine Corps make resource allocation decisions. In the Reserve Component, I served as a workforce transition consultant in the Marine For Life program and also served as a Regimental Staff Officer of a 4000+ member Reserve infantry regiment. In 2015, I founded The Summit Project, a living memorial that has fundamentally changed the way the citizens of Maine pay tribute to their post 9/11 fallen heroes.

Describe Your BC Experience

It's a true honor to serve on the BCVAN Executive Committee and serve our communities and each other as BC veteran alum. It was also a very special privilege to serve as the Student Veteran Association President and Chair of the BC Veterans Advisory Group during my time as a student at BC. We are really proud of the work we did to increase yellow ribbon funding for student veterans at BC, secure the first-ever student veteran lounge and set the groundwork for a full-time veteran resource officer for our student veterans. We also had a great partnership with BC athletics and were able to spotlight our real military veterans during sporting events so everyone could recognize the service and sacrifice they made, along with their families. It's been so great to see student veteran numbers rise across undergrad and grad programs and from all service branches, and to see BC become a veteran-friendly school across many metrics.

Service

U.S. Army

Some of the highlights of my military service include serving as an Infantry Platoon Leader with the 1st Cavalry Division in Mosul, Iraq during OIF 08-09, Detachment Leader in III Corps Long Range Surveillance Company and Executive Officer of HHT, 2-38 CAV in RC South during OEF 11-12, Infantry Company Commander in the 101st Airborne Division in RC East during OEF 14, Company Commander in the 4th Ranger Training Battalion, and Battalion Commander of 2-310th in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Describe Your BC Experience

The Boston College community values the experience veterans bring to the campus and classroom. I enjoy the many in-person networking events held by BC veteran organizations as an opportunity to reconnect with fellow veterans and classmates.

Service

U.S. Marine Corps

I served as 0311 Infantry Team Leader in the Marines and really relate to Ernest Hemingway’s statement that “there’s nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

Describe your BC Experience

At BC I found immense potential for self betterment. BC supports student veterans by providing a setting in which every employee is willing to work with and help student veterans, from advisors to professors. Everyone is on board with the same goal in mind: to help veterans succeed.

Service

U.S. Air National Guard

I served in the Air National Guard from 1999-2009 as a Weapons Loader on A-10's, with several deployments to the middle east including Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Describe Your BC Experience

I have seen a strong progression from the BC Community to engage with and honor the sacrifices of our veterans. There is also a deep drive to understand the experiences of those who have served in order to connect and offer support where needed.

Service

U.S. Army

In three tours of duty (1978-1985) I served in a series of increasing command and staff assignments as a Tactical Intelligence Officer. First, serving in the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, I was a Platoon Leader in the Regiment’s combat surveillance unit. Next, I was stationed in Germany with the 3d Infantry Division and served as a staff officer supporting the Second Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Following that assignment, I was promoted to Captain and made Company Commander of the Division’s 82-man combat surveillance company. My final assignment was serving at the Pentagon in an interagency strategic intelligence position.

Describe Your BC Experience

I am the Faculty Advisor of the Student Veterans Association and very excited to be part of the organization. When I reflect on my transition from being a soldier to a civilian, I now realize how much I was on my own in terms of advice, mentoring and resources. The Veterans Association is targeting these exact areas by helping student veterans in their transition to a successful career outside of the military. I enjoy working with veterans as they begin the same journey I took.

Service

U.S. Navy, JAG Corps

I served on active duty in the Navy JAG Corps for six years. As a JAG I had the privilege of supporting our warfighters who keep us safe, day in and day out. Specifically, I served as a staff judge advocate advising commanders on various legal issues, including rules of engagement, administrative law, and ethics. I also had the honor of defending sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen as a defense counsel when they needed guidance in disciplinary or criminal matters. I also represented the United States as a military prosecutor in two separate tours.

Describe Your BC Experience

The BC veteran community has been great in providing a network of like-minded persons and opportunities to serve the greater BC community. When I was transitioning out of active duty, the members of BCVAN were vital in providing me with potential job opportunities and directing me to senior people who were willing to share their experience and advice. I currently serve as a member of BCVAN's executive committee.

Service

U.S. Army National Guard

I serve as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army National Guard. Currently, I am the Deputy State Chaplain in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I've deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and several domestic response operations. My most recent domestic operations are Operation COVID-19 Mitigation & Response and Operation Capitol Response. 

Describe Your BC Experience

I am a past member of the BCVAN’s (BC Veteran Alumni Network) Executive Board. Connecting with Veteran alumni who joined the service independent of Boston College is a joyous endeavor. I also enjoy being able to connect with students who are discerning a call to military service without having to postpone their civilian aspirations. My friends across the university, and my colleagues in Campus Ministry, and University Mission and Ministry are incredibly supportive of my service to God and Country.

Service

U.S. Army National Guard

I joined the Army National Guard after high school and worked as an intelligence analyst for the government.

Describe Your BC Experience

The Woods College worked for me because I got to attend high quality, small classes taught by incredible professors while I kept working during the day. It made a BC degree possible when I thought I could never have one. 

Service

U.S. Air Force

I spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as a security forces leader stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming and was assigned to guard nuclear missiles.

Describe Your BC Experience

Being a nontraditional-aged student, I felt at home with my fellow student veterans. We were able to relate to and rely on each other as we started our post-military life. I couldn’t be more grateful for the support of fellow veterans and the veteran network at BC.

Service

U.S. Air Force

I served on active duty from 2012-2015 at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL, in the 6th Medical Group. As a Primary Care Manager in the Medical Group, I served as Disaster Team Chief and held various clinical leadership roles. I also represented the Air Force in the All Armed Forces Tournament of the All Air Force Volleyball Team.

Describe Your BC Experience

It has been amazing to witness BC veteran support grow over the past several years. The various networking events from BCVAN throughout the year truly help to bring the community together and create a new sense of community on campus.

Service

U.S. Air Force

My grandmother was a member of the Navy WAVES in WWII and my father was an army infantry radioman in Vietnam. It was because of them that I enlisted in the Air Force at age 20. I was a utilities systems journeyman, which is a fancy term for ‘plumber,’ and a Rapid Runway Repair team leader in a rapidly-deployable worldwide support Prime BEEF (Base Engineer Emergency Force) squadron. I owe a debt of gratitude to my superiors who instilled resourcefulness, integrity, leadership and a never-give-up attitude in me during those years.

Describe Your BC Experience

I completed the fulltime DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice) program, concentrating in the AGNP track (Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner) and the Apprenticeship for College Teaching certificate program at BC and the post-graduate Military and Veteran Health Care certificate program at University of Colorado. I chose Boston College for my graduate studies because I needed to be surrounded by a community of people with the same values. Although I am not Catholic, I still relish time within St. Ignatius Church where I can reflect deeply about who I am, how I want to live my life and how I want to use my talents for the greater good. Boston College lives up to its national reputation of providing graduate students with the tools it takes to turn their potential into a tangible skillset.

Service

U.S. Marine Corps

I served in the Infantry of the United States Marine Corps from 2005 to 2013. Tours of duty included Fallujah, Iraq in 2005 and Jalalabad, Afghanistan in 2011.

Describe Your BC Experience

I've gained a lot of value out of the veteran community at Boston College, both personally and professionally. The support BC shows its veterans, students and alumni, provides the opportunity to build out a broad professional network. As a Co-Chair of the BCVAN, I now tend to engage with our veteran community at BC more personally and look for ways to help make connections that will be mutually beneficial to our members.

Service

U.S. Coast Guard Reserves

Describe Your BC Experience

Being employed full time, the Woods College has really provided a platform to complete my education while developing professionally. Balancing a full time job and a full time class load can be challenging, but with Woods, classes are timed with consideration so I can continue to learn and complete my studies.

Service

U.S. Navy

I served 33 years in the United States Navy as a Supply Corps Officer. Highlights include three ship assignments (aircraft carrier, guided missile frigate and an amphibious assault ship), Washington D.C. / Pentagon tours, and three assignments as a Flag Officer (two in Command) providing supply chain, logistics and financial management business services to all Navy ships, submarines and Navy / Marine Corps aircraft.

Describe Your BC Experience

I serve as a member of the BC Veterans Alumni Network (BCVAN) Executive Committee and I have been gratified to see a wide array of support initiatives for BC veterans and ROTC students from the BC community.

Service

U.S. Marine Corps

I joined the Marine Corps when I graduated from high school and served for six years, including a deployment to Al Anbar Province, Iraq/OIF 2007.

Describe Your BC Experience

At BC, my past experiences and unique perspectives have been both appreciated and vital to my academic achievement.

Service

U.S. Army

I was an Army Officer (CPT). I served six years as an active duty Army Officer as part of the Armor and Signal communities. I spent a majority of my six years at Fort Riley, KS with the 1st Infantry Division. I participated in three rotational deployments to South Korea and Eastern Europe. A highlight of my service was serving as an Aide-de-Camp to a General Officer.

Describe Your BC Experience

The Boston College Veteran Community is an extremely close knit group and the school has made improvements over the past two year to emphasize benefits for Veterans. The greatest impact I have felt has been the increase of Yellow Ribbon funding which creates an expense-free learning experience for those who qualify.

Service

U.S. Navy Reserve

I graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a B.S. in Marine Engineering and United States Coast Guard Third Assistant Marine Engineer's license. Upon graduation, I was commissioned into the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Strategic Sealift Officer. Before attending Boston College, I spent five years working at sea as a marine engineer and several years on active duty stationed in Norfolk, VA, on a headquarters staff.

Describe Your BC Experience

I chose an MBA because I wanted to gain business acumen that would complement my engineering and military background. The Boston College MBA stood out to me due to its tight-knit community, global recognition, and rigorous academics. Boston College offers an ideal environment for self-reflection and career transition. All members of the greater B.C. community ranging from students, faculty, staff, and alumni welcomed me as a whole person, not just as a veteran. Time and time again, I have found the community support networks to be strong, and faculty and staff willing to accommodate me as transitioning student veteran and a Navy Reserve officer.

Service

U.S. Coast Guard

As Petty Officer Second Class I served as a maritime search and rescue coxswain and icebreaking ship engineer.

Describe Your BC Experience

Clubs such as the Student Veteran Organization and the Collegiate Warrior Athlete Initiative make BC's campus an easy place to find fellow veterans. Each semester I've shared classes with Army, Marine Corps, and Navy veterans. Our countless experiences bring a unique perspective to the classroom.

Service:
 U.S. Air Force

I was a crew chief on F-16’s, based in South Korea and then in the 480th Fighter Squadron in Spangdahlem, Germany, tasked with being the Global Response Force during my time there.Describe

Your BC Experience:
At Boston College I have enjoyed talking to other veterans on campus because we can relate to things outside of school. I have also engaged with other vets during the football tailgates and other campus events.

Service

U.S. Marines

I was a Communication Strategy and Operations Officer, and something that stands out is my deployment to support the Marine Rotational Force - Darwin.  I received last minute temporary active duty orders to work in Australia’s Northern Territory for six months to support the local communication requirements. It was a life-changing experience because of the friendships I made there and overcoming the leadership challenges I had to navigate in a host country with its own sets of norms and rules.

Describe Your BC Experience

The BC community supports student veterans in so countless ways. We have a dedicated lounge to hang out and study with other veterans. I personally have met so many other students outside of my program because of us.

Service

U.S. Marines

As a AV-8B Harrier Pilot in VMA-331 I served in the 2nd MARDIV in 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment as the Adjutant and a Forward Air Controller, deployed to WestPac and was an advance jet flight instructor in the Naval Air Training Command.

Describe Your BC Experience

I am co-chair of the BCVAN.  We offer several ways for veteran alumni to connect including Wreaths Across America, Veteran's Day Remembrance Ceremony, Networking events and more.

Service

U.S. Air Force

As Security Forces I was deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. While I was stateside, I was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, CA & Cheyenne Mountain Air Base, CO.  I was a certified Army Combat LifeSaver. Aside from my normal Security Forces duties, I was on the bike patrol unit, assisted in the investigations unit, and did a lot of work with military working dogs.

Describe Your BC Experience

The BC community does a great job of supporting veterans. From the memorial by the Burns Library, to the programs combining athletes and veterans, to veterans events on campus, it is easy to connect with other veterans and feel welcome here. I joined the CWAI program my first year here and met some great people. Stopping by the BC veteran tailgate when I can during home football games has also been a fun time and a great way to meet other veterans within the BC community.

Service

U.S. Navy

As an Air Traffic Controller, I deployed globally aboard the USS Tripoli, including its commissioning in Pensacola, FL, a homeport shift around South America, and a maiden deployment to the South China Sea.

Describe Your BC Experience

BC offers tremendous support to its veteran community. Being a Yellow Ribbon school means tuition differences are covered beyond the GI Bill, which takes a huge weight off your shoulders. Having 10% to 20% of my class comprised of veterans builds a great sense of community right away. Between BC sponsoring the MBA Veterans Conference and hosting veteran tailgates every football season, where you get to meet alumni across generations, you feel taken care of here.

Service

U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force

As a Chaplain, I Deployed on the USS Enterprise, USS Iwo Jima, USS John C. Stennis, and served with the USCG in Kodiak, AK.

Describe Your BC Experience

The BC community supports veterans by providing opportunities to gather together and support one another.

Service

U.S. Air Force

I am a logistics readiness officer, and was deployed during the 12-Day War.

Describe Your BC Experience

BC has felt like a welcome environment for veterans and military personnel since the day that I was admitted. Faculty, professors, and classmates all attended my promotion ceremony last Spring, reaffirming the school’s commitment to the military community. The veteran network at school has been instrumental in helping everyone feel supported through the job search and overall transition from military to academic life.

Service

U.S. Marines

I am in Civil Affairs, and had a combat deployment to Iraq – OIR.

Describe Your BC Experience

The veteran community at BC has truly been the highlight of my experience here. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in helping veterans like me transition into college life and succeed both during and after graduation. The connections and opportunities they have provided have been invaluable, bringing together a strong and supportive community of veterans.

Service

U.S. Army

As military police, I assisted in the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. I also deployed three times to Afghanistan and Iraq, where I helped train local law enforcement. As military intelligence, I worked in Cyberspace intelligence at the NSA and space/cyberspace intelligence for the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force.

Describe Your BC Experience

The Student Veterans Association (SVA) helped me in returning to academia. The organization helped me know what resources are available for veterans, who I should contact, and what to expect. It's truly a caring community that wants to see veterans succeed.

Service

U.S. Army

As a combat medic I worked in the emergency department at Womack Army Medical Center on Fort Liberty, North Carolina. On Thanksgiving of 2021, I met President Biden during his visit to Fort Liberty to meet with Service members and their families. I was part of the team that administered COVID tests for attendees and staff.

Describe Your BC Experience

The Student Veterans Association (SVA) is a wonderful group of veterans that has helped me connect with other students who have similar backgrounds. They have provided me with a sense of community and belonging that is very similar to what I had in the Army, and that I missed terribly since my time in service ended. Through the SVA, I was able to meet the only other student veteran in the nursing program and now I have a friend and study partner for the rest of the program which has been invaluable.

Service

U.S. Army

As an infantry officer, two highlights from my time in service are leading Soldiers in an Arctic Airborne Infantry Unit in Alaska, and honoring our nation’s fallen in Arlington National Cemetery with the Old Guard.

Describe Your BC Experience

The BC Law Student Veterans Association provided me with the support I needed to ease my transition from the profession of arms to the legal profession. The mentorship program gave me the tools I needed to succeed as a fresh law student and helped me build a valuable network of veterans in Boston’s legal field.

Service

U.S. Coast Guard

As a Cutterman and Finance Officer, I've served 11 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, including six years at sea. Most recently, I was the Commanding Officer of USCGC Bernard Webber, a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter homeported in Miami, where I led a crew responsible for drug interdiction, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. Commanding a cutter and leading a dedicated crew through complex, high-stakes missions has been the highlight of my military service.

Describe Your BC Experience

The veteran community at Boston College has been a great source of support and connection.  As an active-duty Coast Guard officer, I enjoy connecting with other veterans, sharing experiences, and learning from people who have taken different paths after military service.  It's a community built on service, leadership, and helping one another succeed, and I'm grateful to be a part of it.

Service

U.S. Marines

As an infantry assaultman, I served in various ground combat roles in Iraq & Afghanistan, special systems & tactics, and as an officer candidate instructor.

Describe Your BC Experience

BC is the opportunity of a lifetime, squeeze every drop and never forget who brought you.

Service

U.S. Army

I was a 25Q (Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator/Maintainer) in the U.S. Army, with deployments to Honduras, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Describe Your BC Experience

Community is a big part of the military life as well all know. The constant interactions were always there in the military. With Mike and other veterans at BC, it's clear to see that they desire close community and to grow and support each other as we all adjust to not being what we previously were.