The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Eduardo “Eddie” Langarica as UConn’s Veteran of the month.  In addition to his studies at UConn, Eddie also works in the main office for Veterans & Military Programs at UConn via VA Work Study.  He served in the Navy as a Sonar Technician Submarine for 5 years onboard U.S.S North Dakota (for one year) and U.S.S Hyman G, Rickover (for the remaining 4 years). Eddie shares that he analyzed all data both digitally and audially of all the sounds underwater, mechanically and biologically (Naturally) with the goal of assisting in navigation and intelligence gathering. One of the most memorable experiences he had was after a long shift during mid-watch (10pm – 6am), somewhere in the Atlantic ocean, they were allowed to have a “swim call” in the morning after his shift and that is where they temporarily float on the surface and swim in the ocean for a handful of hours as a crew. Eddie remembers being so cold inside the sub that when they opened the hatch and allowed the fresh warm air to come in, an incredible, most majestic sensation came to him. Full of warmth, most of the crew came topside and they all began to jump into the ocean and swim.  He remembers jumping off the side of the sub with a handful of others at the same time and they were all swimming in the middle of the ocean, all smiling, laughing and just enjoying their way of life. Eddie says he found himself thinking, “off all the things I could’ve done at 20 years old, I jumped off from a sub, swimming in the middle of the ocean with a whole crew of a wide range of stories to tell……insane!!”

Eddie’s primary goal at UConn has been a continuous effort in proving to himself, that he’s more capable of actually finishing school this time and not dropping out like the first time he went to school.  He shares that he’s been proving himself correct, because he’s now a senior almost done with his Bachelors and beginning to strive towards a masters degree.  An additional goal of Eddie’s is to remind and inspire others that life is full of wonders and vision/goals are all equally possible – we just need somebody to encourage us. The thing he most enjoys about being a UConn student is being a student surrounded by a diverse group of other students, all of which he can learn from and be inspired by….the pursuit of learning!  

Eddie’s advice to other students: “Regardless of whether you’re a first year, a fourth year, a graduate student or part of a military affiliated program, one thing we share the most is, we have all took part, will take part or know someone who’s taken part of the hardships of the military and all it’s stories that follow. The advice I give is, get involved, take part of any events, seek help or help others, don’t shy away, and work hard BUT enjoy the time you have! For at the end of the day, we’re alive, smile! Also, don’t let those salty mean-face vets at the veterans office scare you off, we want you all to receive the benefits and help you deserve!”

If you would like to nominate a student, faculty, or staff member for “Veteran of the Month,” please contact Nikki Eberly with the name of the person and reasons for your nomination.