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.

The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Ulrick Brice as UConn’s Veteran of the Month.  Rick was recently promoted to Battalion Commander for Recruiting and Retention for the Connecticut Army National Guard and he has more than 28 years of military service. He started as an enlisted Soldier and in all his roles he ensures Soldiers are fully supported—both at home and while deployed.

One of the most impactful moments in his career came during his deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield (OSS). That environment tested his leadership in real time. Rick watched individual soldiers step up, grow in confidence, and take ownership.  It reinforced that leadership is not just about accomplishing the mission; it is about developing people and building teams capable of overcoming any challenge.

At UConn, Rick was focused on sharpening his strategic thinking and expanding his knowledge of marketing and business. His goal is to position himself for a transition into executive leadership following his military career. He has always been intentional about applying what he learns in real time, whether through projects connected to the Hartford community or by developing his own entrepreneurial ventures.

Rick has especially valued the diversity of perspectives in the classroom. Engaging with professionals from a wide range of industries has challenged his thinking and pushed him to grow. He has also appreciated opportunities to connect his academic work with real-world impact, especially through projects that engage with the local community. In May, Rick completed his coursework and graduated with an MBA degree. Congratulations to Rick!

Rick’s advice to fellow students is to fully lean into the academic experience. He says, “Don’t just show up for class; engage, ask questions, and build relationships; your military background brings discipline, leadership, and perspective that add real value in the classroom, so don’t hesitate to speak up and contribute.”  Rick also emphasizes that it’s important to stay open and learn from others: “You’ll be surrounded by people with different experiences and ways of thinking, and that’s where a lot of growth happens; Be intentional about connecting what you’re learning to your future goals so you can make the most of your time on campus.”

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.

The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Rhiannon Trunzo as UConn’s Veteran of the Month.  Rhiannon is a senior member of the VA Work Study Team in addition to being the President of the UConn Chapter of the SVA (Student Veterans of America).  She was recently awarded the Willis N. Hawley Student Leadership Award here at UConn, which recognizes a student veteran (or Guard/Reservist) who has made significant contributions to the University community through leadership and service during their tenure as a student and demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness and actively advocating for veteran’s issues at the University. 

In addition to pursuing her undergraduate degree, Rhiannon has also been serving in the Connecticut Army National Guard.  She originally enlisted as a flute player in the Rhode Island National Guard 88th Army Band in April 2021, then transferred to the 102d CT Army National Guard Band to come to UConn in September 2022.  She has been a great role model for her fellow students, juggling her time between her responsibilities as a UConn student, National Guard member, VA Work Study team member, and prominent leader of UConn’s SVA Chapter.  Through her roles with the SVA and with her VA Work Study position, Rhiannon is an integral part of the UConn community, particularly with military and veteran students on-campus.  She has gone above and beyond to assist, coach, and advocate for her fellow students, particularly when they’re going through a tough time while at UConn.  Through her leadership roles with the SVA Rhiannon has been a prominent part of creating many opportunities for students to connect with each other and form vital supportive relationships. 

It is with great joy to see Rhiannon graduating with her undergraduate degree from UConn in May, and to see her pursuing an advanced degree to further her efforts to assist her fellow veterans and service members as a practicing clinical psychologist.  We wish her the best in all her future endeavors, but she will be missed here at UConn. Congratulations Rhiannon!

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.