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Syracuse ROTC | Where Are They Now?

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.

Hometown Hero: Devon Hubbard

United States Army Captain Devon Hubbard hails from Chicago, Illinois. In 2016, Captain Hubbard was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Corps from Mercyhurst University.

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Hometown Hero: Mackenzie Kirsch

U.S. Army Second Lieutenant Mackenzie Kirsch was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. In 2024, she graduated as the valedictorian of The New Mexico Military Institute. Mackenzie was commissioned from the Early Commissioning Program as a Second Lieutenant in the Vermont Army National Guard, where she is currently serving in the Judge Advocate General Corps office. As a cadet at the New Mexico Military Institute, she served as the Regimental Provost Marshal, Battalion Operations Officer, Battalion Adjutant, and was on the Ranger Challenge Team. Her proudest achievements in the Army include completing the Norwegian Ruck march with her unit and being honored as a Distinguished Military Graduate.

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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.

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Hometown 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.

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