Penn State Profiles of Service

Abigail F Raugh, Army, is currently serving in the PA National Guard. She has been in for a little over 2 years. Abigail completed basic training and AIT at Fort Benning Georgia, graduating with the coveted blue cord in February 2022. Abigail started her PSU journey at PSU Altoona and is currently at PSU Harrisburg finishing her undergrad degree. Abigail will graduate December 2022 majoring in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. 

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.

Ashley S. Cole, Air Force, is attending PSU Abington majoring in organizational leadership. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Ashley was accepted into Penn State out of high school, but experienced a difficult time of attending from her family. So she decided to join the Air Force to serve and to get foundations in life. Her decision to join the service caused a severance with her family. Even with the strain on family, Ashley knows and states "it was the right decision to join to this very day. It was the best decision of my life and I have no regrets." Ashley is scheduled to graduate in May 2023 majoring in organizational leadership.

Blake Converse, Navy, is currently serving as the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. The Converse family is a Penn State family.  He met his wife, Amy, while they were both undergraduates at Penn State and now their sons, Samuel and Ben, follow in their footsteps. Samuel graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and Ben is a current student majoring in physics.  Blake credits the work ethic he learned at Penn State with teaching him how to succeed, "I learned to work hard, keep your nose to the grindstone and never give up.”  He works with his counterpart in the Atlantic Fleet to set the vision and develop the concepts for how the U.S. submarine force will fight in the future; concepts including unmanned underwater vehicles, extended range torpedoes, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.  Blake is a 1987 mechanical engineering graduate.

Brendan J. Bagley, Army, has been married for 26 years to an awesome wife and they have two offspring.  His family is Penn State through and through with both kids attending Penn State and being part of the Blue Band.  Brendan is an IT Project Manager for Undergraduate Education and an adjunct instructor of leadership for Penn State's Smeal College of Business.  He is also a member of the PSU Military Appreciation Committee and a 10 year volunteer for Centre County PA Special Olympics Summer Games.

Calvin Firster, Air Force, served over six years in the Air Force traveling around the world. Calvin has been stationed from Texas to New Jersey and from the Republic of Korea to Italy. Calvin loved traveling around Europe during his time in Italy visiting sites and enjoying the food. He is now studying enterprise risk management here at Penn State.

Camilo Gomez, Marine Corps, is a current nursing student here at Penn State.  Camilo served as a bulk fuel specialist and later as a Marine Security Guard.  This allowed him to see the world including Mexico, Pakistan, and Greece.  Camilo is especially fond of this time in Greece were he was able to travel all over Europe. 

Charles V. Maurer​, Army, has been married to Jennifer Maurer (M.A., College of Education, May 2001) for nearly 20 years. Born and raised in Pottsville, PA, he and Jennifer currently reside in Smithfield, VA with their dog Rusty, a 90 pound German Shepherd, and 3 cats. Since being medically retired from the Army in 2017, Chuck has worked as a civilian attorney for the U.S. Navy.

Chioma Okoroafor, Marine Corps, spent five years on active duty serving as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer.  She spent time on both the west coast and east coast as well as internationally.  Chioma enjoyed her time in Okinawa, Japan learning the culture and working with her unit.  After leaving active duty, Chioma came to Penn State to further her education. She is a double major in Life Science in Psychology and Biology.  Chioma plans on graduating in 2022.

Chip Daniel Koons, Air Force, MSgt (ret), continues his service by volunteering time and talent working with Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) to complete military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Pennsylvania and other local cemeteries. This time and dedication makes him feel accomplished and worthwhile in life after serving in the military. Chip enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. The reward for the sacrifice of all those years of missing events. He also enjoys time on his motorcycle, serving with Patriot Guard Riders, and hiking in the wilderness. Chip currently works for Penn State Hershey.

Chris Sebora, Air Force, Lt Col (ret), was selected to be a C-130 Navigator. After his first assignment, Chris went on to teach at the Basic Navigator school helping students earn their wings. He held various assignments including staff assignments providing command and control to airlift operations across the globe.  Chris was assigned to Penn State teaching Air Force ROTC.  He fell in love with area and decided to stay.  Chris now works in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State.

Christopher M. Trupe, Navy, has been serving since 2002. He serves as a Chief Musician with the US Navy Band in Washington, D.C. Christopher is a proud Penn State graduate and enjoyed his time marching in the Penn State Blue Band.

Dale Watson, Army, COL (ret), served thirty years on active duty in the United States Army. As an Army Aviator, he flew the Longbow Apache Attack Helicopter and served in various leadership and staff positions from platoon leader through Squadron Commander. His overseas deployments included multiple tours to Iraq and one tour to Bosnia in support of the Dayton Peace Accords. His last assignment was at the United States Army War College as the Chair for the Department of Command Leadership and Management. His time at the War College inspired his passion for teaching and education, which allowed him to transition into academia at Penn State University. Dale currently teaches team dynamics, leadership, organizational behavior, and organizational change topics at Penn State Harrisburg's School of Business and Penn State World Campus' MBA program.

David Keith Furchner, Navy, Commander (ret), is a 1972 Penn State graduate majoring in speech communications. David was stationed in Norfolk, VA and various reserve unites in the Northeastern region. He directed Naval Reserve Intelligence units tasked with providing direct intelligence support to forces within the U.S. Atlantic Command in the form of current situation analysis, collection management and long-range assessments and threat estimates. He currently works at Penn State as the Director, Education Alliance - Business to Business, Military and Federal Government Sectors at Penn State University, World Campus. The Furchner family is a Penn State family. David met his wife at Penn State; all three grown children are Smeal College of Business Graduates; one son was on the Penn State Lacrosse team; and he is an avid Nittany Lion Club member.

Devon Michael Francke, Army, was born in State College, PA and continues to serve his neighborhood, state, and country. Devon is currently serving in the PA National Guard as well as a volunteer firefighter. He also loves his university where he is a current student majoring in secondary education. He played on the club lacrosse team and is a member of the university conduct hearing board. Devon loves anything related to outdoors, sports and exercising.

Don Welch, Army, Colonel (ret), served 25-years in service followed by several roles in the civilian realm.  His last position before leaving the Army was chief information officer and professor of computer science at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Some of his other assignments include tours of duty with the Army’s counter-terrorist unit Delta Force, and service as the senior human resources manager for the Army’s uniformed information technology workforce.  In civilian life, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Merit Network in Michigan, which provides networking, security and community services to member organizations; Chief Technology Officer at H-E-B, a retail/distribution/manufacturing company that operates in Texas and Mexico; and Chief Information Security Officer for the University of Michigan.

Edward C. Zayas, Jr., Army, is a proud Penn State and Penn State Army ROTC graduate. He received his Master of Science degree in Geological Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in May 2009 and received his Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law in 2015. He is a licensed professional geologist in the state of Tennessee and a member of the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society and the Penn State Alumni Association. Edward currently serves at the Assistant Director of Multicultural Outreach at Penn State.

Edward (Ed) L. Silverthorn, Marines and Army, began his service in the early 1990s in the United States Marine Corps as an 0331 (machine gunner). Shortly before 9/11, Ed enlisted in the US Army Reserve, deploying to Iraq in 2003 with the 401st Transportation Company from Battle Creek, Michigan. Ed was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained in an ambush in Tal Afar, Iraq. Upon redeployment, Ed transitioned to active duty, serving in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. Ed deployed again in 2006 to Afghanistan and a final time in 2009 to Iraq. An injury forced Ed to be medically evacuated from Balad, Iraq to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, and finally back to the United states late in 2009. Ed served his final two years in the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Fort Drum, while also finishing his bachelors degree from Penn State. Due to multiple injuries over several deployments, retirement was granted in 2011. Ed has five children and has been married to a fellow Penn State alum for 25 years. Following military service, Ed has finished multiple levels of graduate education and serves as a Vice President for a global industrial gas firm.

Erik Russell Wilson, Navy, spent time with the Marine Corps infantry as an emergency medical provider. Erik deployed to Iraq and served in the US embassy supporting the Marine Corps Security Guard.  After returning to 29 Palms, CA, Erik again deployed to Iraq, this time supporting the Iraqi Army by rendering aid to their combat casualties, as they pushed into Ramadi. He also served on rotating tactical recover of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) missions supporting US Central Command.  Erik out-processed from the Navy to continue his educational career at Penn State.

George R. Mastroianni, Army, LTC (ret), served as an US Army Research Psychologist, where he worked in a variety of biomedical laboratories and other military research settings. His research experience included aviation human factors, the effects of laser exposure on human vision and performance, modeling and simulation of human performance, and operational testing of new Army equipment. George worked as a Professor of Psychology at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO from 1997 until 2016, where he taught Biopsychology, Learning and Memory, Sensation and Perception, and Introduction to the Behavioral Sciences. He has published books, continues research, and hosts a blog. George currently teaches in the Master’s in the Psychology of Leadership program in the World Campus at the Pennsylvania State University.

Gerome Q. Banks, Air Force and Army, enlisted in the Air Force as a mechanic. While stationed on the island of Guam, Gerome was detailed out to the protocol office working directly for the commanding general of Andersen Air Force Base. In that role he managed all of the distinguished visits, ceremonies, and customs and courtesies. He separated from the Air Force then joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, then the Army Reserve and worked in number of career fields including, finance, logistics, and human resources. Gerome spent 16 years as an Airman and Soldier, both enlisted and commissioned. He also worked as a civil servant for the Department of Defense as a protocol officer and for various general officer levels of the Air Force and Army, culminating as the protocol program director for the Army Reserve. Gerome currently works as a Program Manager with the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State.

Gregory Francis Bond, USMC, LtCol (ret), is currently the Director of Military Education for Wold Campus at The Pennsylvania State University. Gregory comes from a family of Marines with his father and brother also serving. He credits his parents for instilling the values of integrity and service for making him a better leader. “Mission first and people always” is his mantra. Gregory spent 28 years in service spending time in over 20 countries while in service. His biggest reward was serving with young Marines with whom he still keeps in contact with to this day.

Gregory Robert Frailey​, Navy, Captain (ret.), entered Naval Service through a direct commission as a physician. The Health Professions Scholarship Program paved the way for him to achieve his dreams. Gregory extended his mandatory initial commitment of 3 years to 25 years because of his desire to serve the country and continue to support Naval Aviation. He is always happy to help anyone trying to make the decision about military service.

Heather Reesor​, Navy, initially joined the Navy due to the recession and not being able to find a job in her initial career field after graduation. It was during her time in the service that she realized her overall career goal was to become a registered nurse which is what she decided to do after her time in service. Heather used her GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program with Alvernia University to complete her studies. She currently works as a research compliance specialist with the Clinical Trials Office at Penn State Hershey.

Jacob L. Graham, Marine Corps, Colonel (ret), is a Professor of Practice at The Pennsylvania State University College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) and Director of the Red Cell Analytics Lab (RCAL). He has extensive operational experience at all levels of warfare (tactical to strategic). Jake has operated across the globe as an attack helicopter commander, mission commander and Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructor and has served in various other roles throughout his military career.  Of note, he served a 4-1/2 year White House flying tour piloting Presidents George H. W. Bush and William J. Clinton. He retired from the Office of the Secretary of the Navy where he was the President of the Naval Discharge Review Board.  His passion is writing and facilitating Analytic Decision Games, teaching analytic methods, and mentoring students. Jake teaches Security and Risk Analysis with a concentration on Intelligence Analysis and Modeling. He is married to Dr. Kim Graham, a Penn State Graduate and retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel. Together they have two children, Meghan, 25, a Penn State, and SRA graduate who lives in Washington, DC, and works as an Analyst. Brett, 22, is a recent college graduate and former UCONN football player.

James R. Joos, Army, COL (ret), spent 30 years of service in the Air Force and Army across active duty, national guard, and reserves. James was deployed to Baghdad Iraq during the first free election in the country during January 2005. He states "[t]he desire to see Iraqi people wanting to exercise their right to vote was inspiring, Several of my Soldiers were wounded and killed to ensure they could vote. I will never take our freedom to vote for granted after witnessing what Iraqis went through to vote." James' dedication to service led him to 26 years on the police force. He now works for Penn State Hazleton as a police officer after retiring from the City of Pottsville Police Department.

Jayson L. Zimmerman, Army, served as a combat medic. He was wounded in 2009 during a deployment to Afghanistan resulting in him becoming a bilateral below the knee amputee. He is now medically retired from the Army. Jayson is a Pennsylvania hometown hero now attending Penn State Scranton majoring in nursing.

Jennifer Bennie, Navy, was one of the first female Navy helicopter pilots. Her call sign was Yoko because she broke up the band of guys at the Squadron. Jennifer completed eight years of honorable service then went back to school with the GI Bill and earned her Masters Degree of History. She is married to a fellow Naval officer and they have three kids. Now she has a YouTube Channel that is an easy job to move every 2-3 years when they receive new orders with the Navy.

Jennifer L Lawrence, Air Force, enlisted in 1995 and was stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona and Aviano Air Base in Italy. She has worked at Penn State for 21 years. She is married and has a son, stepdaughter and stepson. Her son is currently serving in the Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer. Jennifer is currently serving as the Director of Alumni Relations for the Eberly College of Science.

Jennifer Suzanne Bennie, Navy, was one of the first female pilots in her Helicopter Squadron so her call sign was Yoko because she "broke up the band." She earned her Naval Aviator Wings three days after 9-11. She went to NYC after her winging to see ground zero before she deployed. "I walked up to a NYC cop who was standing by the viewer platform and asked him where I could get a NYPD patch. He said all the stores were closed now. I replied, darn it, I wanted to wear one my flight suit. He looked at me Flight suit? Are you a pilot? I said yes, a Navy pilot. I just got my wings and heading out to San Diego. I wanted to wear a NYPD patch on my shoulder. He just ripped it off his coat and said Wear this. I took it from him, shocked and thanked him. I wore it on every flight through 2 deployments to Iraq." She still has that patch.

Jesse Neyman, Army, has been serving for the past 12.5 years. He is currently stationed in Cincinnati, OH as the Training and Operations NCO for the 810TH QM CO. In 2017, Jesse deployed to Kuwait for 12 months in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. He loves continuing education, and is currently studying for B.S. Labor and Human Resources full time along side of his full time active duty service. Jesse hopes to retire from the military and then use his future degree from Penn State to further support/mentor veterans in the civilian workplace.

John Barlett, Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel (ret), served over 20 years in the military.  John is a born Penn Stater being from State College, graduating from Penn State, and returning to Penn State as an Air Force ROTC instructor, and now working in the College of Earth and Mineral Science.  John has many memorable moments from service from working with ROTC cadets to working with a 3-star general officer and most importantly marrying his wife.  John talks about his military service saying "[t]hose were some incredibly challenging and immensely rewarding years that certainly didn't seem like they would be when I was living through them".

Joseph John Rozman, Air Force, TSGT (ret), served 25 years and was honored to defend the country. He is married with four grandchildren. Joseph was injured in the line of duty while operating a tractor trailer. His journey has allowed him to meet incredible people including Gary Sinese while stationed at Manas Air Force Base and G. Gordan Liddy during his time at Penn State Beaver.

Joseph Y. Clark, Army, Colonel (ret), went through the military's medical school (Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences), became an Army flight surgeon, and subsequently did a residency in urology in the military (Joint Military Medical Command Urology Residency Program). He has had various military assignments and deployments, trekking across the globe. His last assignment, before retiring from the Army with 25 years of service, was Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii as the chief of the urology service. In civilian life, he worked for Geisinger Medical Center where he served as the program director for the urology residency program. Joseph now works in the Department of Urology here at Penn State College of Medicine as a urologist and urology residency program director.

Josh Park, Air Force, is enjoying his time in service.  Josh loves his Penn State family and is grateful for the opportunities he had while attending school.  He is both a 2014 and 2015 graduate with a Bachelors and Masters in Engineering Science and Mechanics.  Josh is a pilot for the Air Force and is currently flying UH-1N "Huey" helicopters at Andrews AFB, MD.  Josh also appreciates Penn State's commitment to Veterans.

Kevin Badie, Army, has been in the Army Reserves for 13 years, where he's done various jobs including law enforcement. The military helped Kevin with school and career goals that otherwise might have been out of his reach. He also serves as a police officer at the PSU Brandywine campus.

Kyle M. Larson, Marine Corps, spent four years in service, all with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines out of Camp Pendleton, CA.  Kyle rose up the ranks to become a squad leader and later a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival.  Kyle honored a promise he made his dad to someday go to college by coming to Penn State after separation from service.  Kyle is active at Penn State as the president of the Penn State Student Veteran's Organization, a trip leader for Outdoor Adventures, and a student sponsor for new student veterans.  He's major is labor and employment relations and he dreams of having a professional career in human resource management at a small-to-medium sized outdoor company.

Ling Rothrock, Army, has been a professor in the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Pennsylvania State University since 2002. He served on the faculty at the Biomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Department at Wright State University from 2000 to 2002. From 1995 to 2000, he served in the U.S. Army as an executive officer in a maintenance company, a logistics officer in support of an Air Defense Artillery brigade (PATRIOT), and a research scientist in the Army Research Laboratory.

Louis Anthony Berrena, Sr., Army, Sergeant Major (ret), is one of the finest men you will ever meet. He is guided by his love of his family, his country, and his God. Louis "Lou" and his first wife, Pat, raised eight children. Following Pat's death after 50 years of marriage, Lou met and married his second wife, Edie. They were married for 20 years before her passing in 2020. Between them, they shared 11 children and literally dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Pat Daugherty, owner of The Tavern Restaurant, worked for Lou while he was a student at Penn State. When Lou retired from Penn State, Pat asked Lou to be his bartender at The Tavern. Lou agreed to do it for one year but so enjoyed it that he stayed for 17 years, finally retiring for good when he turned 80 years old. Lou and Pat share a love of war history. In the summer of 1997, Pat took Lou and his son Matt (a now retired Army Sergeant Major) on a European tour of some of the battlefields where Lou had fought. They remain close friends to this day.

MacArthur Engstrand, Air Force, is an enthusiastic, passionate, and dedicated person. He is proud of his military service and accomplishments both in the Air Force and at Penn State. Now, as an Alumni, he hopes to continue to stay involved in the community through the Alumni Association and other volunteer opportunities.

Mark Caserta, Navy, had a very successful career in the Navy. He also participated in several athletic opportunities while serving. When he was stationed in Subic Bay, Phillipines, he won the Light Heavyweight Championship in boxing. The boxing match which was held on the USS Constellation. Mark also was the quarterback for the Apra Harbor Bulldogs football team while stationed in Guam, USA. This was a semi pro league with full equipment. He is currently the head softball coach at Penn State Brandywine. His time taught him about commitment, dedication, leadership, responsibility, maturity, all those vital intangibles he tries to instill into his softball players at Penn State Brandywine. Mark is proud that his players all graduate, mostly all of them with honors and are all doing great in the working world now.

Mark Roddy, Marine Corps, spent time in Okinawa Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. When Mark returned stateside, he was attached to the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, NC, G6 unit. There he spent time in SPAWAR (Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command) in Chesapeake, VA where he was recruited as the FSA (Functional Systems Administrator) in charge of training other units in the workings of ATLAS II. Mark has a wonderful wife that is a faculty member at Penn State and together they have a ten-year-old son. He is listed as an American with a disability, that is not service-related, and not only is he employed at Penn State, he goes to school here as well. Mark plans to graduate with a degree in Security and Risk Analysis (Cybersecurity).

Matthew Posner, Army, COL (ret), is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with specialty certification in sports medicine. Matthew retired from the Army after 26 years of service. Throughout his career, Matthew was assigned to Army posts throughout the country and overseas, where he utilized his advanced orthopedic sports medicine skills in the treatment of military personnel throughout the Department of Defense. He had several deployments to Afghanistan and other parts of the Middle East and Asia in support of various military operations including Operation Enduring Freedom. His last assignment in the Army was at the United States Military Academy, where he served as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery and was selected as the program director for the Sports Medicine Fellowship at West Point.

Michael T. Miller, Army, joined the Army National Guard on July 1st, 2003, and served until June 2020, being medically retired. He is proud to have served our country and is thankful to his family for the love and support they had given him while deployed. Michael is also thankful to his brothers and sisters that served alongside him for his17 years of service. He is also grateful to the men and women that have served and continue to serve today.

Michelle Espinoza, Marine Corps, has spent her entire collegiate career with Penn State, currently working on her Ph.D. Michelle is also a Marine Wife. Her Husband, Gerardo P. Espinoza, of almost 20 years retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant on 4 September 2020. Michelle gives thanks to God, Family and Friends for their support over the years and Penn State for exceptional support to military students both active duty and veteran.

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!

Nicholas D. McKee, Army, never mentioned serving in the military as a young adult.  Nicholas (NIck) sure had an interest in all things war and military as a child. He'd play with his Army men non-stop and LOVED history. His mom said "I shouldn't have been surprised when he told me, while home for Christmas, that he signed up."  Many parents can attest that hearing those words from your child, that they wanted to join the military, gives a parent mixed emotions. You're proud, but scared at the same time. Nick's mom said "you just don't let them see the scared part."  Nick has done very well in the Army, and plans on going back to Penn State via World Campus to continue his education in Homeland Security.

Paul April, Air Force, Lt Col (ret), completed an interesting and diverse career, having honorably served 24 years on active duty. Paul traveled extensively through some 42 foreign nations, including Russia (twice), Syria and Iran. He resided for extended periods in Thailand, Germany and Saudi Arabia. Accumulated a wealth of experience in cultural diversity and world affairs and developed a keen insight into military history and operations. Paul credits his Penn State degree for the successful, satisfying and rather unique career he has had. Paul gave back to Penn State, teaching undergraduate and associate degree general engineering courses and running the Student Advising Program as the College of Engineering Dean’s Representative at Penn State Altoona. Later he was hired on with BDM International (now, Northrop-Grumman) as the senior airframe and aircraft systems engineer on a U.S. Government F-15 Foreign Military Sales contract, Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).

Phillip L. Ealy, Army, MAJ (ret), is a Penn State graduate, current student, and works with the Clearinghouse for Military Readiness at Penn State. Phillip volunteers with the military appreciation committee and also with the PA Special Olympics Summer Games. He is proud of his family's long military tradition including his father and one of his sons, both in the Army. Phillip also enjoys working with the Penn State Blue Band.

R. Eric Bevevino, Navy, is a proud Nittany Lion, graduating from Penn State's Naval ROTC in 1990.  He spent 22 years on active duty and with the US Navy Reserves.  Eric started out as a Supply/Diving Officer on his first ship, the USS Preserver (ARS-8) and held various other leadership positions to include Assistant Chief of Staff for Training in a 130-person unit supporting Naval Forces Japan.  Eric is currently the Director of Heavy Duty National Accounts for Valvoline.

Rachel Nostrant, Marine Corps, spent five and a half years on active duty serving as a Middle Eastern Cryptologic Linguist. She was stationed on the west coast at Camp Pendleton, CA and in Monterey, CA, then deployed to North Africa and the Middle East. She loved spending her time hiking with friends and studying the Arabic language and culture. Rachel then came to Penn State to major in International Politics and Journalism. Rachel plans on graduating in 2021 and is currently applying to law school.

Rebecca Sarver, Army, served as a combat telecommunication center operator with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for seven years. Rebecca  completed her B.S. in Rehabilitation Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and then worked in the human services field in a variety of settings, including community mental health and traumatic brain injury. After completing her M.A. in Adult and Community Education she went on to hold leadership positions within several organizations, including a group home for juvenile girls and an advocacy program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. After spending 25 years in the field serving as a community educator and mentor, Rebecca returned to school to complete her Ph.D. in Administration and Leadership Studies/Sociology to pursue her lifelong goal of teaching in higher education. She currently works as the Program Coordinator and Assistant Teaching Professor for the Criminal Justice department at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.

Richard Earl Knepp, Air Force, Captain (ret.), enlisted in the Air Force in 1977. Richard was selected for the Airmen Education Commissioning Program in 1982 where he returned back home to attend Penn State University. He served as an astronautical engineer in the Air Force where he enjoyed his assignment in Colorado as the Chief of Mission Planning for the Global Positioning Satellite Program (GPS). Richard retired from the Air Force in 1997. He is Class of 1985 graduate with a BS in Aerospace Engineering.

Robert A. Gavlock, Army, is a Penn State graduate and works as the Facilities Coordinator for the Department of Chemistry. Robert spent time in the Army stationed at Fort Drum, NY and Camp Casey in South Korea. He enjoyed his time at Fort Drum where he learned valuable leadership skills from the leaders in his platoon. He has been working with Penn State for the last ten years. Robert graduated in 1996 majoring in Forest Science.

Robert Rabb, Army, LTC (ret), served 25 years in military service. He recently served at The Citadel in Charleston, SC as the Mechanical Engineering Department Head before joining Penn State. His last assignment in the military was at the Trans-Atlantic Division of the Army Corps of Engineers, assisting in the reconstruction effort in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, he worked with the Combined Forces Special Operations Command and served as an AFPAK Hand, embedded in the Ministry of Energy and Water where he helped the ministry coordinate $10 billion of energy projects. Robert currently serves as the Associate Dean for Education in the College of Engineering at Penn State.

Robert W. Kraft, Navy, Retired in 2012 reaching the rank of Commander after almost 23 years of service.  Robert spent time stationed all over the world as an intelligence officer.  He enjoys the friendships that were made during his time in the Navy. Robert is a 1989 graduate majoring in geography.

Ronald E. Miller, Army, SFC (ret), enlisted a year after high school. Ronald graduated Airborne School and Air Assault School. He was deployed multiple times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he received the Bronze Star Medal for Valor. He has been employed at Penn State with ARL since 2008. Ronald as been married to his wife Michele since 1988 and they have 3 basset hounds. His hobbies include working on his 1974 Plymouth Duster, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Sabino S. Metta, Marine Corps, is a hard working family man. His love for family, country, and Penn State is evident in his time in service and with his family. Sabino enjoys spending weekends experiencing the campus with his family and all it has to offer. He is a 2001 graduate majoring in kinesiology.

Scott Walther, Air Force, MSgt. (ret), had a tremendous career in the Air Force. His favorite duty assignment was at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base were the best part of his 10 years there was the birth of his two daughters, Olivia and Eirynn. Scott feels blessed to be able to be there for each of their births and through the majority of their young developmental years. While his other accomplishments are all achievements of a great career, his greatest achievement is becoming a father, a daddy, to his two beautiful daughters.

Steven Landry, Air Force, served for over eight years.  After leaving service, Steven was an aeronautics engineer for NASA, researching and developing air traffic control automation.  Steven later joined academia serving as associate department head at Purdue University.  He now comes to Penn State to be the department head of the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department in the College of Engineering.

Tiffany M. Roman, Army, is a proud veteran with a distinguished 19-year military service record, marked by my unwavering commitment to duty and service. Her service with the Army Reserves has been defined by adaptability, stepping into roles ranging from Chaplain's Assistant to Logistics Specialist and currently serving as a Paralegal with the esteemed 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division, stationed at Fort Moore, GA. This role underscores her dedication to supporting individuals, a value that has transcended from military career to her civilian life. Tiffany strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Tiffany's journey has been one of resilience, sacrifice, and triumph, and she is excited to continue making meaningful contributions to her community, family, and the causes that she holds close to her heart. She is a proud title of a single mother of two boys, Roman (8) and Dominic (7), who are the driving force behind her perseverance and the embodiment of the values she holds dear.

Timothy J. Blaine, Marine Corps, comes from a military family, however was the first Marine. He served for 11 years as a Correctional Specialist. Timothy met his wife while stationed in San Diego, CA and had their first born son in 2021. Upon leaving the Marine Corps, he moved to Arizona where I finished his associate's degree. Upon graduation, he knew he wanted to apply to his dream school, Penn State, for my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Timothy will graduate with his bachelor’s degree from Penn State World Campus after the fall semester on December 17, 2022.

William A. Parquette, Army, LTC (ret), is currently a Professor of Practice at The Pennsylvania State University. Prior to Penn State, William was the Chairman of the Foreign Denial and Deception Committee (FDDC) of the National Intelligence Council (NIC), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). William was full time faculty at the National Intelligence University (NIU) for thirteen years and was a senior manager at the at the National Intelligence Council (NIC) for the 11 years. He has 22 years’ experience in strategic intelligence, denial and deception operations, planning, analysis, and collection as an operator, educator and senior policy advisor. William has twenty-two years of active service including combat tours and 22 years’ experience as a program manager in the United States Government.