A Syracuse University alum and historic figure for the Syracuse City School District, was recently added to the list of the University’s Notable Veteran Alumni. Sidney L. Johnson ’59, G’65, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is now among 18 other influential members who have graduated from Syracuse University and have made a substantial impact during or after their military service.
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Hometown Hero: Rear Admiral John Okon
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!
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.
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.
Hometown Hero: Mike and Colleen Drum
Mike Drum’s and Colleen Shuster’s amazing journey to Syracuse University began with both serving in the United States Marine Corps. Mike was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, and he enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve as an Infantry Rifleman in July 2010 following his high school graduation.
Orange Pride Fuels Jordan Nuber’s ’19 Path From Syracuse to Japan
Jordan Nuber ’19 is stationed in Okinawa, Japan, more than 7,400 miles away from Syracuse University. Even though he’s more than half a world away from his alma mater, the impact Syracuse University had on Nuber is profound.
Newhouse Military Photojournalism Program Graduate Reflects on His Photos from Ground Zero
Preston Keres, a graduate from the S.I. Newhouse Public School of Communications Military Photojournalism Program, woke up on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001 expecting a normal work week. After turning on the TV, he and fellow Seaman Jim Watson witnessed the 9/11 attacks like most people did. Their workweek was going to be anything but normal.
Veterans from the Global War on Terror reflect on their transition to Higher Ed on the eve of 9/11 anniversary
Charlie Poag has a photo on his wall from his time serving in Afghanistan. It isn’t of tanks or of troops or of a memorable fire fight from his tour there. It is of a small Afghani boy of maybe three or four sitting on the ground with his grandfather leaning over him. The boy is distraught as soldiers search his family’s home, but the toddler is intrigued by a large chocolate bar that the elderly man is helping him open.
Army ROTC Alumni Reflect on 20th Anniversary of 9/11
hanksville, PA. Since that day in 2001, men and women across the country answered the call to serve – including Syracuse University Army ROTC cadets. While some were already in the service when 9/11, and some joined the service after, both have telling stories and reflections to share as we look back on that tragic day and the Global War on Terrorism.
You Don’t Surrender: Journal and Memoirs of Don Waful, a World War II POW
Lieutenant Donald R Waful ’37, G’39 kept a journal during part of the “3 Christmases and 3 birthdays” he spent behind enemy lines. Captured by the German army and held captive from 1942-44, Waful recorded details of daily life, diversions the prisoners employed to pass the time, and his burgeoning love for Cassie, the enlisted nurse he’d become engaged to weeks before his capture.Lieutenant Donald R Waful ’37, G’39 kept a journal during part of the “3 Christmases and 3 birthdays” he spent behind enemy lines. Captured by the German army and held captive from 1942-44, Waful recorded details of daily life, diversions the prisoners employed to pass the time, and his burgeoning love for Cassie, the enlisted nurse he’d become engaged to weeks before his capture.