November 11, 2024 was a special Veterans Day on the Onondaga Community College campus. As the accomplishments of Student Veterans were celebrated during a luncheon, OCC's Office of Veterans and Military Services was recognized for 50 years of service to Student Veterans.
Each Monday we highlight a successful student on our website. This Monday, which is also Veterans Day, we shine the Student Spotlight on one of our outstanding Student Veterans. We thank all Veterans on the Onondaga Community College campus for their service to our country.
Don Ariola is a survivor. The attacks of September 11 inspired him and his brother Brad to enlist in the United States Marine Corps on the same day. While serving overseas, he was exposed to combat. And before his final deployment in 2007, his father was killed in a car accident at age 47.
Gursewak Singh was working as a truck driver in his home country of India when he decided to immigrate to the United States and enlist in the U.S. Army. On November 7, after more than a year of service to our country, he was naturalized. "I'm proud to be an American soldier, and now an American citizen. In the military I learned the honor of unity, respect, and beauty. These same values are at the core of American citizenship. It is our responsibility to contribute positively to the community, uphold the law, and make a better future for all."
