As we celebrate Veterans Day, we recognize the Lehigh alumni who have dedicated their careers to serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Whether currently serving or retired, we proudly salute their commitment and service!
Nicole Barela-Vess ’15
B.S. Natural Sciences
Captain, Operations Officer for a Motor Transport Battalion
Pennsylvania Army National Guard
I love being part of the National Guard because it offers me the chance to serve full-time or part-time while staying close to home and family. It gives me the flexibility to attend college and maintain my civilian career, all while providing great benefits and retirement for my family. Pennsylvania's National Guard is the third largest in the U.S., and I've seen firsthand how we’re actively mobilized for various missions, from responding to crises in D.C. to supporting operations overseas and helping with COVID-19 vaccinations in our communities.
The National Guard has given me incredible opportunities, from leading in various assignments to taking on increased responsibilities. It helped finance my education, allowing me to earn my Master's in Biomedical Science at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. I’ve served as a Medical Operations Officer during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a Company Commander, shaping a positive work culture. I also get to advocate for veterans and service members in higher education through my civilian career. What I love most about the Guard is the ability to serve while ensuring my family is taken care of, and the camaraderie with my fellow service members in a community rich in tradition and dedicated to our nation.
Greg Cameron ’96
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Colonel, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Capability Development
U.S. Air Force
The Air Force has provided countless opportunities for me to grow as a professional and an individual. It has been a privilege to serve our nation by wearing the Air Force uniform for 22 years. As a career acquisition officer, I’ve worked on complex nuclear weapon system programs that constitute the foundation of our nation’s security. I’ve lived in five different places, including twice in Washington, DC, and I deployed to the Middle East in 2010.
The Air Force mission and the people that conduct the mission are what make the Air Force great. The Air Force provides a unique opportunity to learn and lead alongside so many great American volunteers. I appreciate the structure and the opportunities for growth, development, and advancement. I don’t think there are two people whose career paths are the same. I encourage anyone interested in serving to reach out to a recruiter. The Air Force needs our best and brightest.
Keagan Casey ’24
B.S. International Relations, Economics
Second Lieutenant
U.S. Marines
The Marines are America's force of readiness, meaning we are the first ones to be deployed when conflict breaks out. A backbone to every Marine Corps officer is "ductus exemplo," a Latin phrase meaning "lead by example." We pride ourselves on holding ourselves and those around us to the highest standards because America cannot afford for us not to. The Marine Corps is also proud of its many traditions, and the community of Marines is ultimately what makes the Corps so great. Everywhere, Marines embody the motto, Semper Fidelis, which means "always faithful."
The Marine Corps will give me the opportunity to impact the lives of others positively and give back to America by protecting our freedom at all costs. As an officer, I will one day lead a platoon of Marines, where I will be the one in command. With such a demanding job comes extraordinary responsibility, but I am excited to be challenged every single day, see the world, and ultimately lead Marines.
I love the Marine Corps for so many reasons, but it ultimately comes down to the pride that comes with being a Marine. Once you earn your Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, you join an organization with a long tradition of excellence. Many have come before me and will come after me, but regardless of race or nationality, we all share a common bond to the Corps. The saying goes, "once a Marine, always a Marine," and no matter what your military occupational specialty is, you earn that title for the rest of your life.
Cynthia Izuno Macri ’79
B.S. Biology
Captain, Medical Corps (Retired)
U.S. Navy
I can’t even enumerate all the things that make the Navy great! It’s a very diverse, culturally rich environment where people from all over the country and the world come together to form cohesive, productive teams with a common purpose to serve our nation. As an all-volunteer force, we’re motivated for service, not profit, and no one person is bigger or better than the whole. The Navy has great traditions to celebrate, including our favorite slogan: “BEAT ARMY!” It’s sobering to think that on one day of the year we are bitter enemies, but on all the other days we are brothers and sisters in arms.
Being in the Navy has given me incredible opportunities. I am just a girl from rural Hawaii, a third-generation Japanese American who became a nationally known women’s cancer surgeon, vice president of a major U.S. medical school, and had the honor of advising top Navy officials. I’ve shaken hands with Senator Inouye, traveled the country to recruit young people to STEM careers, and even retired aboard the USS Makin Island. These experiences have shaped my life and allowed me to make meaningful contributions to both the Navy and my community.
I love the Navy’s history, traditions, and diversity of opportunities. Whether as a medical officer or in various other roles like SEALs or engineers, the possibilities are endless. Each position is vital to our mission, and everyone is integral to the success of the whole. The Navy truly fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, making it an extraordinary place to serve.
Russell Mallett IV ’17
B.S. Supply Chain Management
Captain/Naval Aviator
U.S. Marines
For the past four years, I have flown the CH-53E "Super Stallion," the premiere heavy-lift helicopter of the Marine Corps and one of the largest in the world. This helicopter's primary mission is assault support transport of heavy equipment, troops, and supplies, and it can lift cargo ranging from humanitarian aid to humvees and artillery pieces.
The Marine Corps differentiates itself through ethos, training, and tradition. Marines, both past and present, take pride in those who have come before us and the foundation they created. We do more with less and serve as this country's force in readiness. Whenever a crisis arises, the Marines will be there, whether for humanitarian support or military operations.
Serving in the Marine Corps has provided me with opportunities to grow professionally as a naval aviator and exposed me to new places and cultures that have broadened my worldview and shaped my perspective on foreign policy. Flying the CH-53E is a unique experience due to its size and immense power. My training and deployments have allowed me to be at the forefront of foreign policy, building relationships with allies, training future pilots, and representing our country's values.
What I love about the Marine Corps is the community. The Marines recruit hardworking, passionate, and persevering individuals, motivating me to be my best. Throughout my seven years, I’ve had incredible mentors and made lifelong friends, and the camaraderie with retired Marines reflects the deep bond and respect that is unique to this profession.
Christopher Silko ’98
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Lieutenant Colonel, Special Technical Operations Planner, European Command, Stuttgart, Germany
U.S. Air Force Reserves
After graduating from Lehigh in 1998, I moved to Alabama to work in engineering at a division of Bosch. However, after my cousin was killed in the World Trade Center on 9/11, I decided to put my engineering career on hold and joined the Air Force. I completed nearly two years of pilot training to become a C-130 airlift pilot and deployed five times to various locations, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout my career, I also served as an instructor and accumulated over nine years of active duty time, while working part-time as an instructor pilot and developing training programs for the Canadian and Italian Air Forces.
In 2014, I joined Delta Air Lines as a full-time pilot while also working in military planning at European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, focusing on projects related to Russia and Ukraine. What makes the USAF great is the motivation, energy, and drive of its people, along with the unique experience of flying combat missions as part of a cohesive team.
The Air Force has provided me with exceptional flight training and education, which helped me secure my dream job at Delta. I love the camaraderie and friendships that come from serving during wartime and deployments. There’s an intangible pride in being part of the greatest Air Force the world has ever seen.
Joseph Yankovich ’88
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Lead weapons integration engineer, F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office
U.S. Air Force
What makes the Air Force great is the phenomenal hard work and sacrifices from the volunteers that serve and the veterans who have served, including Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, civilian, and contractors. These dedicated individuals contribute to making the USAF the most scientifically and technologically advanced Air Force in the world.
During my 27 years of active duty (1988-2015), nine years as an Air Force civilian and support contractor (2015-present), and four years in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Lehigh (1984-1988), my family and I have received numerous outstanding opportunities and benefits. We’ve enjoyed multiple higher education degrees and technical training, as well as various challenging assignments that allowed us to live and travel throughout the world, experiencing different cultures and perspectives. Our time stationed across the USA and overseas in the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East has been invaluable, giving me the chance to lead and manage complex, technical, and diverse organizations.
What I love about the Air Force is the ability to continue leading and serving others with similar values. I appreciate working with high standards, facing technical challenges, and sharing common values in support of our United States services and our international partners' national security needs.
