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Hometown Hero: Kari Mickinkle

United States Marine Corps veteran and Syracuse University employee Kari Mickinkle was born in Syracuse, New York, raised in Sandy Creek, and resides in Chittenango with her two golden retrievers – Koda and Hooper.

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On Veterans Day, We Are At Our Best When We Share Their Stories

For many Americans, Veterans Day serves as a once-a-year opportunity to recognize the tiny minority who volunteer, on behalf of the many, to serve the cause of our nation’s defense. Today there will be ceremonies, speeches, free coffee, and maybe a sale at your favorite store. If you sense that my words are tinted with a bit of cynicism regarding what’s become of our annual Veterans Day traditions, you’re right.

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Packing for the Future: A Marine Supply Specialist’s Transition to College Life

One of the greatest capabilities that exist within the U.S. military is the global logistics system that allows everything from large military transport vehicles to personal hygiene items to move around the world in a timely manner, even to some of the most austere and remote environments on the planet. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Leonel Aviles ’26, or “Leo” as his friends call him, once served as a critical component in that global supply chain before coming to Syracuse University to pursue higher education.

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Hometown Hero: Mike Frasciello

United States Air Force Veteran, Syracuse University alum, and Syracuse University’s Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Michael J. Frasciello was born in Union City, New Jersey, grew up in Hopatcong, New Jersey, and today calls Clay, New York home. Mike’s family drove his propensity to serve our nation having a grandfather and two of his brothers serve in World War II, and two other uncles serve in World War II and Korea. His family’s military service also included six of his brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, eight nephews, and one niece who have served or are currently serving. Mike’s amazing wife, Helen, is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant after serving 30 years of active, reserve, and guard service.

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Hometown Hero: David Ladd

United States Army Veteran, Syracuse University alum and employee, David Ladd, was born in Los Angeles, California, raised in Hazel Park, Michigan, and currently lives in Buffalo, New York. After David graduated from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1986 as an 11 Bravo, Infantryman, and was stationed with 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment – The Rakassans – in Fort Clayton, Panama. Davide conducted regional missions in Central and South America, including Bolivia to support one of the earliest missions to fight the war on drugs.

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