Nathan Zechman

Hometown: State College, PA

PSU Connection: Graduate, and Faculty/Staff

PSU Graduation Year: 2017

Degree Type: Bachelors, Masters

Major of Study: Kinesiology, Educational Leadership

Memorable moment in your Penn State career: Successfully student teaching Physical Education prior to graduating was a highlight that incorporated all the skills learned during all my undergrad courses.

Active Duty or Veteran: Veteran

Branch: Marine Corps

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Rate/MOS: Infantry

Where/when did you serve: Parris Island, SC, August 2002; Kaneohe Bay, HI, January 2003; 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, USS Essex, South Pacific, 2003; Afghanistan, Kunar Province, 2004-2006; Iraq, Habbaniya, Fallujah, Ramadi, 2008-2009

Awards: Combat Action Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

What was your favorite military assignment/duty station and why? Assault Climbers School, Special Operations Training Group, Camp Pendleton CA. An extremely challenging school spent with the best of the best Marines. Lead climbing in the mountains, using ice crampons and axes, and urban terrain experiences.

Nathan Zechman, Marine Corps, is a double Penn State graduate, with a bachelors and a masters degree in kinesiology and educational leadership respectively. Nathan spent time deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan during his time in service. He is now an Assistant Teaching Professor of Kinesiology at Penn State and is enjoying his service to the next generation of Nittany Lions!