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By Steve Seepersaud

November 15, 2018

��ñ�� was ranked #69 out of 1820 schools in the "Best for Vets" , making it one of the most veteran-friendly colleges in the nation. To honor our veterans this Veterans Day, we are featuring a few of our alumni who have graciously shared their stories with us. They take time to reflect on why they enlisted, what they accomplished and what Veterans Day means to them.

Robert Klein ’67

I completed my undergraduate degree requirements and was immediately drafted into the Army. There wasn't anything ��ñ�� or any other institution could have done to prepare me for my time in Vietnam. I had studied the war as a political science major, and knew the reasoning behind it was flawed. I was trained as an interrogator and an intelligence analyst. Fortunately, I never had to interrogate. I survived the experience and felt saddened for the loss of life and devastation of that needless war. It is great to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by veterans and their families on Veterans Day. However, it is shameful how we and our elected leaders fail to fully recognize the conditions veterans deal with as a result of their wartime experiences and fund the services and supports required.

Robert Posner ’77, MD

I joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from ��ñ��, entering a scholarship program for people accepted into medical school. I attended SUNY Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, and being a state school, tuition was not very high compared to private schools. However, I wanted to join the military, not only to avoid encumbering loans for medical school but, more importantly, to serve the country. My grandparents were immigrants from Europe and avoided annihilation during World War II by coming to our great country. The United States welcomed my grandparents and allowed them the freedom to work and practice their religion. My parents were born here and my father served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Veterans from all eras of our country are responsible for helping preserve the freedom and opportunity that our great nation offers. The very best way for me to say “thanks” was to serve in the military. My time at ��ñ�� not only prepared me for being accepted into medical school, but also helped me understand the importance of giving back.

Sue Ellen Sweeney, MS '88

I actually was in the Navy before I pursued my master’s degree in nursing at ��ñ��. The Navy helped me fund my education, with a version of the GI Bill, which I am very grateful for! I joined the military after I had my bachelor’s degree in nursing, partly to “see the world," have life experiences outside of Minnesota where I grew up, work in a large teaching hospital, and serve and support the military.

As a young graduate nurse, I had challenging and growing experiences. I was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital [Walter Reed National Military Medical Center] on the surgical unit. My area was the receiving unit for casualties from the bombing at Beirut, Lebanon, and from the conflict in Grenada. I learned the sacrifice some military men and women have made in the service of our country and will never take this for granted. I had the privilege of caring for all rates and ranks of military personnel, active duty and retired. For me, honoring all who have served is the meaning of Veterans Day. Military service requires devotion and sacrifice. I brought this experience to ��ñ��.

My study in the graduate program helped me to integrate all I had learned in my nursing career in the Navy and provided me with the theoretical knowledge base to build the rest of my career and my life! I am proud to say I was able to serve with confidence in many capacities as a master’s-prepared RN in varied settings in the communities where I have lived. Currently, I am guiding people in transforming their lives as a life coach and life mastery consultant, feeling inspired and empowered by all of the educators, leaders and mentors who have contributed to my learning and growth.

Casey Mangels '15

I joined the Navy right out of high school in 2008 as a steelworker with the Seabees. I was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One in Gulfport, Miss., and completed a 10-month deployment on the island of Diego Garcia. My squad and I completed multiple projects on the island including a 2,280 square foot, 20-room berthing facility for ships. Upon the completion of my active duty contract, I used my skills acquired from the Navy to work as a carpenter’s assistant for a local master carpenter. During this time, I was taking night classes at Westchester Community College with the ultimate goal of transferring to ��ñ��. This goal was met in the spring of 2012 when I received my acceptance letter.

My geology degree from ��ñ�� and prior military experience have opened many doors for me, and I’ve combined knowledge gained from my education with the technical skills developed in the Navy. I work as an environmental compliance manager for an asphalt products manufacturing and engineering firm. I’m always cognizant of the opportunities I’ve been given and strive to do my best in any situation, as anything less would be doing a disservice to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans Day, to me, is a day to honor those who have gone before me and will continue to go into the unknown, without political agenda, in the defense of all of our freedoms.

��ñ�� was ranked 69 out of 1820 schools in the "Best for Vets" , making it one of the most veteran-friendly