United States Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) John Okon was born and raised in “the 315,” having grown up in Camillus, and he has bled orange his whole life. John attended the last game in both Manley Field House and Archibald Stadium, as well as the first game in the Carrier Dome. During high school, he worked for Syracuse University parking cars in the west lots of the Carrier Dome and at Manley Field House. John says while the money was good, it was the free ticket to see his ‘Orange’ that was the most valuable benefit!
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Veterans Day 2022 Profile – Adrian Byrne
The opportunity to travel the world is an enriching experience that many college students take advantage of through semester abroad programs every year. There are far fewer students who get to have that opportunity earlier in their education though. Adrian Byrne, a student veteran in the College of Law at Syracuse University, spent every other summer in his mother’s home country of Hungary. Eventually he would have the opportunity to study abroad in Holland for a year, an experience that would aid him in the travel-filled journey he would set out on after high school.
Veteran Day 2022 Profile – Jennifer Aquino
As a non-traditional student, Jennifer Aquino often finds herself in classes with other students who are much younger than she is. In fact, she has a teenage son who probably has more in common with her classmates than she does. Aquino also brings a far different experience to the classroom after she first left her home in Puerto Rico almost 20 years ago to join the U.S. Navy.
Veterans Day 2022 Profile – Dr. Jack Graver
The Great Depression often conjures images of long bread lines, sagebrush rolling over dusty farmlands baren from drought, and sprawling shantytowns full of families struggling through unemployment. For one Syracuse University professor with the College of Arts and Sciences, however, the era was a time where families often got together to support one another, and large pot-luck meals were served with other families in the community.
Student Veterans Visit the Big Apple to Connect With Industry Leaders
Student veterans recently traveled to New York City on a four-day trip sponsored by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). The 13 students weren’t going to make the standard tourist rounds the city is known for though. They were stepping through the doors of some of the most renowned corporations to gain a better understanding of the corporate world and network with representatives they may find themselves working alongside in the future.
Meet Tillman Scholar Natasha DeLeon
When Natasha DeLeon opted to join the military after high school, one of the reasons she decided to enlist was that she understood the value of an education. She was also well-aware there was a financial cost required to obtain it. While the G.I. Bill is a well-known educational benefit for military service, each branch of the military has unique benefits for servicemembers seeking to better themselves through higher education, and for DeLeon the educational benefits were among her top priorities in terms of what she was seeking.
Hometown Hero: Raul Rosique, Jr.
United States Navy veteran Raul Rosique was born in Delano, California, and raised in Richgrove, California. Raul shipped out to boot camp a few months after his high school graduation at age 18 in 2014. Raul’s enlistment was for five years, and he was set to be attached to a Nuclear Submarine as a Logistic Specialist. After completing logistical training in Mississippi and Submarine training in Connecticut, he received orders to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii which luckily ended up being his only duty station.
Syracuse University Student Chosen as First Micron Intern Hire From Syracuse Veteran Community
Savion Pollard ’25 joined the U.S. Navy as a 21-year-old looking to be part of something bigger than himself and inspire others. Pollard served for eight years, working as a nuclear electronics technician on nuclear submarines and training other sailors; it was a successful mission in service to others and his country.
Amanda Lalonde Discovers Passion For Helping Others
Amanda Lalonde ’23 isn’t your typical college student. And yet, she is. She takes a full course load, has an internship, is involved in several student organizations and is an orientation leader. But at the end of the day, she goes home to her husband and three children.
Hometown Hero: Richard M. Jones
United States Army Staff Sergeant (Retired) and three-time Syracuse University alum, Richard M. Jones, was born and raised in Utica, New York. Rich comes from a military family and his passion for service was inspired by their service. His paternal grandfather was a member of the 29th Infantry Division, one of the first soldiers to land at Omaha Beach.