The Stalwart Battalion at Syracuse University can trace its roots back to the earliest days of Syracuse University’s historic commitment to veterans. During World War I the Student Army Training Corps, which was the precursor to today’s Reserve Officer Training Corps, began educating students for crucial roles in military service.
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Hometown Hero: Leonel Aviles ’26
United States Marine Corps veteran and Syracuse University student veterans Leonel Aviles was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Leo joined the United States Marine Corps in 2017, just two weeks after graduating high school. He attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina and completed Supply and Warehouse Specialist training at Camp Gilbert H. Johnson, North Carolina. As a Supply and Warehouse Specialist, Leo was responsible for keeping Marines equipped with all their equipment required to train and operate each day.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Alexis Stanley
United States Air Force Technical Sergeant Alexis Stanley is from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and she enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 2015.
Hometown Hero: Tom Caruso and Josh Keefe
United States Navy Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Tom Caruso and United States Marine Corps Major (Maj) Josh Keefe both graduated from Syracuse University College of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree and a master’s in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 2014.
Hometown Hero: Tania Gonzalez
After four years on active duty at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, she joined the U.S. Army Reserves as a 37F Psychological Operations Sergeant.
Hometown Hero: Cristian Bestul
United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Cristian Bestul hails from San Bernadino, California, and he enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 21st, 2014, as a Combat Cameraman.
Hometown Hero: Uma Lama
Uma Lama was born in Nepal and has been a resident of New York City since 2013. In 2018, she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Alexa Hernandez
United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Alexa Hernandez was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Staff Sergeant Hernandez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in November 2016, and she completed Marine Recruit Training at Parris Island, South Carolina in 2017.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Dr. Ken Marfilius ’07
Dr. Ken Marfilius is a United States Air Force veteran, proud Syracuse University alumnus, and former Syracuse University student-athlete. Dr. Marfilius graduated from Syracuse University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2007. He was also a student-athlete on the rowing team for all four years.
OVMA 10 Year Celebration: Military-Connected Alumni
In this video, hear from military veterans who have studied at Syracuse University. U.S. Marine Corps veterans Katy Quartaro ’18, G’20; and Kevin Lee ’18; as well as U.S. Air Force veteran Stacy Pearsall, MVJ ’05, all share their experiences with the impactful programming and services offered by Syracuse University and the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.
Continue ReadingWhy Veterans Choose Syracuse University
Syracuse University has built a national reputation as one of the top institutions for veterans—and for good reason. With over 1,000 veterans and military-affiliated students, the University offers dedicated academic and career resources, a thriving campus community and a culture of respect, service and excellence. Here are seven reasons why Syracuse University is a leader in supporting military-connected students.
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