Sarah Werner, Ph.D. candidate, Biological Sciences, Mellon College of Science

Service: Cryptological Technician, Interpretive, Navy, 2005-2011

As someone who served, what does Veterans Day mean to you?

"Veterans Day is a day of reflection, pride, love, happiness and sorrow for me. I am sorry that there ever is war in the world, and for all the pain that war, and humanity, causes. However, I am proud of serving my country, of performing my civic duty and having been part of something greater than me. For six years of my life, I gave myself to my country. Living a life of service is the most loving and selfless thing a person can do, and it was an honor to do that. Additionally, that provides a different, complex perspective that is deeper than words. I marvel that I had the honor and privilege to serve my country."

Louis McCauley, Director of Facilities for Housing Services

Service: E 4, Corpsman with a specialized Marine Division, Navy, 1979-1984

What is an unexpected lesson you learned during your time in the military?

"Respect for all others. Coming from a suburban area, there were not very many cultural differences. During my service I got to meet many different people from all over the world. It was truly the best part of the experience."

Dave Lubovinsky, Manager of Information Systems, Student Affairs IT

Service: Staff Sergeant, Air Force-Air Force Intelligence Agency, active duty 1981-1985, active reserves 1985-1993

Did your time in the military influence what you're doing now?

"Yes, very much so. Because of my work at the National Security Agency, I was exposed to technology not yet available to the private sector, and this interested me greatly. I've always been a big advocate of technology and security, and how it carries over from the military to private businesses over time."

Mike Schneider, Director of Facilities, Student Affairs

Service: Captain (0-6), Coast Guard, 1989-2014

The 100th anniversary of Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) is this year. What does it mean to you to be a part of this tradition?

"[It means] a legacy of the many that have gone before and will come after to serve our country."

Chris Zeise, Director of Admissions & Alumni Relations, Integrated Innovation Institute

Service: Sergeant, Air Force, 1984-1990

As someone who has served, what does Veterans Day mean to you?

"For Veterans Day, I honor and remember all of the men and women who served and who are still serving and making continual sacrifices so we may all live in a free country. I sincerely hope that the values our country were founded upon, and that are protected every day by brave military men and women, will be coveted and respected by our government officials."

Steven Crews, Ph.D. Candidate, Mechanical Engineering

Service: Major, Army since May 2003 (still active duty)

As someone who has served, what does Vetarans Day mean to you?

"Veterans Day reminds me of the friends that I have lost in combat and the families that endure the hardships alongside their service member. Although I was the one that volunteered to serve our nation, my wife and kids must change jobs and schools and say goodbye to friends every 1-3 years when we move, as well as continue life at home while I'm training or deployed. When I think of service, I think of the sacrifices of the support team behind every military member."

Jeffrey Frank, Security Officer, CMU Police Department

Service: Boatswain Mate 3rd Class E-4, United States Navy, Active Duty 1987-1990, Reserve Duty, 1990-1995

Did your time in the military influence what you're doing now? How?

"Yes, I continue to this day to apply myself at my work place. I give 110 percent. I will help out where I can to better myself and the department, and help out my fellow workers."

Matthew Marsteller, Principal Librarian, Engineering & Science, Interior Communication Electrician

Service: First Class (Nuclear Trained), United States Navy, 1978-1984

Why did you join the military?

"I was faced with very few alternatives. I was a good student in high school, especially in science and math. I wanted to do something meaningful and was looking at all branches of the military. Then, I saw a recruiting film narrated by none other than William Shatner — Underway on Nuclear Power. The rest is history."

Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon for your civilian career?

I became a science librarian for my civilian career. Coming to Carnegie Mellon was almost too much to ask for. This is a happening place for engineering and science! I'm working at the same place that Clarence Zener worked — for Navy electrians, that is cool beyond words!

Leon Mickens, III, Police Officer, CMU Police Department

Service: Sergeant, Marine Corps, 1987-1993

The 100th anniversary of Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) is this year. What does it mean to you to be a part of this tradition?

"It is a special day for sure, but 10 November 1775 [and celebrating] the 243rd USMC birthday has a more special meaning to me...Semper Fi."

Read more Mickens and his service to the U.S. and CMU.

Donald Campbell, Police Officer, CMU Police Department

Serivce: Specialist 4, Army, 1974-1976

The 100th anniversary of Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) is this year. What does it mean to you to be a part of this tradition?

"It just makes you realize how many people have served their country. Some did because they were drafted, some volunteered (same as me), but we all knew that we live in a country that most people around the world would like to live in. We are truly blessed."

Quinn Hagerty, Lab Technician, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Service: Corporal, Marine Corps, 2003-2008

Tell us about your deployments and any interesting stories you would like to share.

"While in Iraq, I worked on-base security at Baghdad International Airport for the poll workers during their elections in 2005. I just remember the citizens beind so happy to be doing this work and being eager for these elections. I remember them being so grateful to the other Marines and me for being there to help them get to the polling stations across their nation. This was just something that made me feel good."

Read more about Haggerty's service to the U.S. and CMU.