Three of Central New York’s most prominent champions for veterans, including Syracuse University Chancellor J. Michael Haynie, were honored May 28 at Madison County Distillery in Cazenovia, as WCNY launched its first “Mission: Honor Our Heroes”—an event raising funds to keep local veterans’ stories on the air.
syracuse
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.
Continue ReadingSyracuse 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.