Angela Dawn Lesko

Hometown: Altoona, PA

PSU Connection: Employee

School: College of Engineering

Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering

Position: Educational Program Associate

Memorable moment in your Penn State career: It is very hard to select only one memorable moment.  Each day is a new adventure in helping our students achieve their dreams.  I am very lucky to have found my way here.

Active Duty or Veteran: Veteran

Branch: Air Force

Rank: MSgt

Rate/MOS: 8R000 – Enlisted Accessions Recruiter

Where/when did you serve: RAF Upper Heyford, England, RAF Mildenhall, England, Elmendorf AFB, AK, Wooster, OH., Randolph AFB, TX; 1992 – 2013

Awards: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 3 oak leaf clusters, AF Organizational Excellence Award, AF Good Conduct Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with 1 service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, AF Overseas Ribbon Long with 2 oak leaf clusters, AF Longevity, Service with 4 oak leaf clusters, AF Recruiter Ribbon, USAF PME Graduation Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster, AF Training Ribbon, NATO Medal

What was your favorite military assignment/duty station and why? My first assignment was by far my favorite. I was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford in England. This was my first time away from home, my family, and friends. I explored Europe, made new friends, and realized that I wanted to make this my career. There is something special about being part of something that is bigger than you, maybe this is why I love working at Penn State. I enjoy helping others and in my own small way shaping a brighter future.

Angela Dawn Lesko, Air Force MSgt (ret), works in the College of Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering as an Educational Program Associate. She is married to her best friend and together they have 4 children. Two are currently serving in the United States Air Force and two are students at Penn State.  Angela’s career has allowed her to travel all over Europe and the US.  She is happy her travels brought her to Penn State.