Dave Miller
Facilities management, sophomore
Branch: Army
Why did you decide to serve?
“I actually come from a military background. My dad, grandpa and cousins served, it’s what my family does. I joined in 2003 and I always wanted to do it.”
What impact does that experience have on your life now?
“It does give you a different outlook on life completely. It makes you mature among a lot of your friends. You’re a different person when you leave. Your responsibility increases. You kind of hope that being good at one thing makes you good at another – such as being a good soldier makes you a good student.”
Kevin Hill
Welding, sophomore
Branch: Marine Corps
Why did you decide to serve?
“There are really so many reasons. I felt the duty — like it was something I should do. My dad was in the army; I joined the Marines. The school benefits are a reason – they pay for your college. There’s the physical fitness; it improves your health. I was anti-social in high school. Joining the Marines brought me out of my shell.”
What impact does that experience have on your life now?
“The biggest one: It taught me how to deal with people, network a lot and college.”
Steven Schijanow
Automotive engineering, senior
Branch: Navy
Why did you decide to serve?
“It’s a super beneficial experience. It benefits me in a lot of areas that I’m not even aware of. If I didn’t serve, I would be dead or in jail.”
What impact does that experience have on your life now?
“It opens up a lot more opportunities, such as help with college and social networking. It opened up the opportunity to be in this group and help others, help in the Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans. It brings more job opportunities. The stories are the biggest benefit. It’s something I’m going to have for the rest of my life – it’s just crazy, old stories. It’s a big old chunk of experience to follow.
Bob Mester
HVAC, sophomore
Branch: Navy
Why did you decide to serve?
“It was arbitrary duties. My friend’s father suggested I join the military. The reason I joined the Navy was because they were the only ones open around lunchtime. They were real proud of it. I did 10 years in Japan.”
What impact does that experience have on your life now?
“It’s got everything to do with it. There is nothing it hasn’t affected. When I first tried to go to college, I wasn’t focused. The military helped me to focus. I spent 10 years overseas and I worked for a government contractor. There isn’t one part of my adult life that hasn’t been affected by it. It teaches you to take a bad situation and make the best of it.”
Curtis Smalligan
Criminal justice, sophomore
Branch: Marine Corps
Why did you decide to serve?
“Family tradition. At the time, I didn’t have enough to pay my bills. It was either move back in with my parents or serve. I chose to serve – it was a chance to serve my country and be a part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to be unselfish and there’s economic stability.
What impact does that experience have on your life now?
“More self-discipline, more responsibility. I’m more focused. I can effectively manage my time. I wash my clothes on a regular basis and put them away instead of leaving them laying all over the floor. I’m a lot more focused on stuff. You get a better grasp. A lot of veterans are taking 15 or more credit hours. We can handle that. There’s the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, the VA Home, the network that’s out there for support. Veterans can always talk to each other and have a respect for each other no matter what branch they served in. It’s a good way to break the ice. “
Aaron Jackowski
Pre-pharmacy, sophomore
Branch: Marine Corps.
Why did you decide to serve?
“I just wanted to make a difference as soon as possible. I enlisted when I was 17. I’ve always wanted to be a Marine since grade school.”
What impact does that experience have on your life now?
“It opens up a lot of opportunities. I became a lot more focused and a lot more responsible.”
Luke Nelson
Electrical/electronics engineering technology, sophomore
Branch: Navy
Why did you decide to serve?
“Shortly after 9/11, I felt compelled to do it at the time; I always had an urge to serve.”
What impact does that experience have on your life now?
“Being in the Navy Nuclear Power Program, I learned a lot of different ways to study effectively and think about life in general.”