Veterans of the Month

UConn’s Veteran of the Month – Seth Allen

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The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Seth Allen as UConn’s Veteran of the month.  Seth will be giving the keynote speech for UConn’s Annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which will take place on November 11th at 11:00a.m. by the Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial (Storrs).

Seth M. Allen is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel whose career has been defined by service, leadership, and a commitment to developing others. Over more than two decades of military service, he led Soldiers and organizations in complex operational environments during the Global War on Terror and earned numerous military awards, including three Bronze Star Medals. A graduate of U.S. Army Ranger School, he built his leadership philosophy on character, accountability, resilience, and service to others.

Before his military career, Seth served with the Mount Pleasant Police Department in South Carolina, where he worked as a Police Officer, Training Officer, Detective, and SWAT Team Marksman. His experiences in both law enforcement and the military shaped a lifelong dedication to public service and leadership development.

One of the most meaningful chapters of his career was serving as Professor of Military Science at the University of Connecticut, where he led the Army ROTC program and mentored more than 165 cadets annually. As an educator and mentor, he taught leadership, ethics, decision-making, and resilience while helping prepare future military officers and civic leaders.

Today, Seth continues his commitment to education as an Adjunct Faculty Member at CT State Community College, Tunxis, where he teaches College and Career Success courses focused on leadership, goal setting, career planning, and personal development. He also serves as Leadership Coach and Consultant of Arrowhead Leadership Consulting, providing leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and team-building programs for educational institutions, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector leaders.

Seth holds a Master of Science in Organizational Management and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at the University of Connecticut. His research interests focus on mentorship in higher education, organizational culture that develops aspiring professionals, and the development of high-performing leadership teams.

Dedicated to serving veterans and his community, Seth has served on both the Service Academy Advisory Board and the Veteran Advisory Commission for Congressman John Larson and currently serves on a municipal Veterans Affairs Advisory Commission (West Hartford, CT). Through his professional, academic, and community work, he remains committed to helping others grow as leaders and citizens.

Message to Students and Future Leaders: Seth believes leadership is not defined by rank, position, or title. Instead, leadership is measured by character, service, and the positive impact we make on the lives of others. His message to young people is simple: embrace challenges, serve with integrity, lead with purpose, and never underestimate your ability to make a difference.

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.

UConn’s Veteran of the Month – Eduardo Languarica

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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.

UConn’s Veteran of the Month – Alex Sayre

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The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Alex Sayre as UConn’s Veteran of the Month.  Alex has recently arrived to campus as an Active-Duty Infantry Officer serving as the new Department Head and Professor of Military Science for the Army ROTC Program at UConn.  Throughout his 16-year career, he has served in a variety of assignments, largely focused on preparing for an leading soldiers in combat.  He has also served as an advisor to foreign militaries, and experience that has given him a deep appreciation for the unique and challenging positions the Army provides.

Through his career, Alex has been amazed at the unique and challenging positions the Army puts soldiers in. Whether leading combat patrols in Afghanistan, advising our partners in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, or liaising with government agencies in D.C., the Army demands excellence and trusts its leaders to succeed. This is why ROTC training is so important.  Through ROTC, we are selecting and educating our future lieutenants in this academic setting, which is paramount to the success of our military and our nation.

Alex specifically sought this position at UConn because of the unique opportunity it provides to mentor the future leaders of our military.  The ROTC environment offers excellent training and leadership opportunities for our cadets, allowing them to grow and develop as students and leaders within the university setting.  As a former ROTC Cadet himself, Alex looks forward to seeing our cadets learn and grow through daily physical training, leadership labs, and field training exercises.

First, Alex conveys his appreciation for everyone at UConn who served/is serving in the military, since only a small fraction of our population service in the military and their contributions do not go unnoticed.  Next, he encourages all military and veteran students at UConn to use the skills and knowledge gained through their service for good across campus.  Whether that means serving in student organizations or simply helping other students in need, they can continue to make a positive impact.  Lastly, he says, “if you see me around campus, please stop and say hello!”

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.

UConn’s Student Veteran of the Month – Ulrick Brice

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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.

UConn’s Student Veteran of the Month – Rhiannon Trunzo

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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.

UConn’s Veteran of the Month – Justin Tomlinson

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The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Justin Tomlinson as UConn’s Veteran of the Month.  Justin Tomlinson is currently a POC cadet and he serves as the Physical Fitness Officer in the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Program at UConn.  He has the unique experience of having served in the Air Force as an enlisted service member, prior to joining UConn’s AFROTC program. His favorite Part of AFROTC is he gets the chance to continuously mentor young officer candidates and share his experiences from active duty. One of his most memorable experiences from serving in the Air Force on active duty was being one of the airmen to help plan and execute an airshow for his previous base in 2024.

Justin’s primary goals at UConn is not only to graduate, but to be an excellent scholar and cadet. He hopes to commission with his bachelor’s in economics and be selected as a contracting officer (which is also his previous enlisted AFSC – Contracting). He says he enjoys all the friends he’s made so far, whether through AFROTC or just being a student on campus. Additionally, the change of pace from active duty, the freedom, and being back home has made settling in and his time here at UConn so memorable.

Justin’s advice to military-affiliated students at UConn is: “to keep inspiring others and keep moving upwards and onwards, no matter how overwhelming school and/or family life can get, keep pushing towards your goals.  Being a non-traditional student with a different perspective, lifestyle, and responsibilities from your peers can be challenging and a great problem to have, but these differences can also serve as an inspiration to those around you.”

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

UConn’s Veteran of the Month – Jacob Johnson

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The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Jacob Johnson as UConn’s Veteran of the Month.  Jacob Johnson is a UConn student and he currently serves in the Reserves for the Marines where he is a staff officer at the Training and Education Command Headquarters (USMC). He commissioned in 2009 and served on active duty as a communications officer and a UH-1Y “Huey” pilot. It was through his military experience, that he gained an interest in how leadership and organizational context shape people’s experiences at work. In 2022 Jacob transitioned to the Reserves and started pursuing his PhD in Management and Entrepreneurship (Organizational Behavior) at UConn.

Among all of his experiences in the military, Jacob shares that deploying to Afghanistan in 2011-2012 was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. He shares that “Directly supporting American men and women in combat creates a special bond that he feels he cannot adequately put it into words.” Second, his experience flying, Jacob says: There’s a great lyric from the song Achilles’ Last Stand: “Oh, to ride the wind / To tread the air above the din”. To do so with a small crew, relying on one another for our lives and to complete the mission – flying helicopters in the Marines was an incredible experience. Last, and most importantly: the people. Jacob says a fellow Marine once told him that when you meet another Marine “it’s like you just fast-forwarded through the first two years of friendship.” He said that about 30 minutes after they met in a bar and had already decided we were friends. Marines are special.

Jacob has two main goals at UConn. First, to be a great husband and dad. He says that juggling those roles while keeping up in a PhD program is a never-ending challenge. And his second goal is to become an excellent scholar and teacher. He wants his research to have meaningful impact on managers in the real world, and he wants to positively impact students in the classroom. He acknowledges that he has a long way to go, but he feels he’s moving in that direction.

Jacob says the best part about being a graduate student at UConn is the support from his department (Boucher Management & Entrepreneurship Department, School of Business). The faculty are brilliant and eager to help doctoral students get better. Most of all, he’s grateful to have a fantastic advisor, Dr. John Mathieu. He says, “Many academics with distinguished publication records and shelves full of awards are content to rest on their laurels; not John; He always finds time to guide and mentor. I am lucky to work with and learn from him.”

Jacob advises other UConn students to “find something that captures your passion and chase it fearlessly.” He further shares: “Leaving active duty can be psychologically challenging; finding an idea, a problem, a career that really drives you can provide new meaning. And while you’re chasing that passion, ground yourself in your tribe. If you do not have a veteran or community of veterans in your life at UConn, the Veterans and Military Programs office is a great place to start. Finally, invest some of your time and energy in greater causes. One of the ways I stay connected to something bigger than myself is by volunteering with Veterans for All Voters (VAV). VAV is a nonpartisan organization whose mission is to break down partisanship via voting reforms and limiting the influence of money in politics.”

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

UConn’s Veteran of the Month – Heather Sandler

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The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Heather Sandler as UConn’s Veteran of the Month.  Heather Sandler is a UConn Alumna, Navy Veteran, and keynote speaker at UConn’s Annual Veterans Day Ceremony this year. Heather Sandler, MSW currently is a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She spent 2 years as a Management Analyst and Employment Coordinator. She previously was employed by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal as a Senior Constituent Liaison for Military and Veteran Affairs.

Mrs. Sandler enlisted and served on active duty in the United States Navy from 1995-2005 completing four deployments in ten years — two while on the USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 in support of Operation Southern Watch and two on the USS Harry Truman CVN-75 with Strike Fighter Squadron 37 in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She completed a shore duty rotation to VX-23, Naval Aircraft Test Squadron. During her final deployment on the USS Truman, she served as the night shift Quality Assurance Supervisor. Heather earned three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and three Navy Good Conduct medals during her ten-year enlistment and was honorably discharged in 2005 at the rank of Petty Officer First Class.

While working on the staff of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Mrs. Sandler provided advocacy and assistance to the Veterans and their families of CT with the Department of Defense, Department of Veteran Affairs, and National Personnel Records Center as well as several other government agencies. She serves as a member of the CT Women’s Veterans Network and served as one of Senator Blumenthal’s academy panelists, interviewing candidates for the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She is a member of Senator Christopher Murphy’s Veteran’s Advisory Council.

Heather was the first co-chair and founder of the CT Veterans Engagement Board with General Dan McHale (ret).

She is a past participant of the Veteran’s History Project and speaks to high school and college students regarding her time in the military and has spoken with Daria Sommers at a viewing of her film “Lioness” at Central Connecticut State University, Women in Film Festival. She speaks about her experiences as a woman serving our country and is a frequent speaker at colleges and universities on this topic.

Mrs. Sandler earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Social Services from Elmira College, Elmira, New York and her Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut, School of Social Work. This is where she completed work at the CT Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the CT Commission on Aging. She is a graduate of the Nancy Humpherys Campaign school and a prior presenter on training social workers to participate and run for political office.

Mrs. Sandler is a past participant in the Fisher House Fundraiser—Dancing with the Heros, and a volunteer at South Park Inn’s Veteran’s Drop-in Center. She was appointed to the Board of Trustees at the State Department of Veteran Affairs in 2019 by Governor Ned Lamont and continues to serve on the Board. Mrs. Sandler is in the Class of 2020 CT Veteran’s Hall of Fame.

Mrs. Sandler resides in Glastonbury with her husband Saul Sandler since 2006 and is the proud hockey mom of two boys, 18-year-old Joshua and 14-year-old Max. She is the daughter of United States Air Force Veteran, Paul Belanger, and the granddaughter of a United States Navy Veteran Raymond Belanger.

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

UConn’s Student Veteran of the Month – Zhiling Lin

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Zhiling Lin

The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Zhiling Lin as UConn’s Student Veteran of the Month.  Zhiling Lin is a cadet in the Air Force ROTC Program at UConn. Within Air Force ROTC, Zhiling is active in UConn’s Arnold Air Society, ensuring proper protocol is followed for our regional conclave where hundreds of cadets from across New England gather to select the next regional headquarters. Last year, Zhiling oversaw an event that brought together over 100 students and cadets from four states. She currently serves as the Color Guard Officer for the Cloutier Rifles Precision Drill Team, training cadets in color guard procedures and leading performances at UConn sporting events. She shares that she has personally participated in more than 15 color guard events, representing both UConn and the Air Force with pride. Beyond campus, Zhiling has helped regenerate the Flying Yankee Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association and currently serves as its Executive Vice President, working with regional and national leaders to strengthen the military–civilian bond through service projects. Recently, Zhiling led the UConn’s POW/MIA Remembrance Event, a 24-hour service run where participants carried the POW/MIA flag to honor those who never returned home. The event brought together 138 participants, including six marathon runners, and showcased the incredible energy and dedication of the UConn community.

Currently a junior, majoring in Mathematics – Actuarial Science, Zhiling’s primary goal is to graduate from UConn and commission as a U.S. Air Force officer, with the dream of becoming either a C-17 cargo pilot (11MX) or an Intelligence Officer (14N). Academically, Zhiling aims to deepen her knowledge, form close relationships with others, and, above all, fly. To support this dream, she has been awarded two Air Force ROTC scholarships for flight training, which have allowed her to log 21 flight hours toward earning her private pilot license. Zhiling plans to commission as Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in Spring 2027.

Zhiling values UConn’s welcoming environment, which fosters a strong sense of community and support as she pursues both academic and military goals. Advice Zhiling shares with fellow students is that “cognitive growth is not about sudden inspiration, it comes from consistent, deliberate practice. First, seek out high-quality information and challenge yourself to break free from information bubbles so you can reflect deeply. Second, force yourself to share what you learn through conversation or writing, because explaining ideas exposes gaps in understanding and sharpens thinking. Finally, create personal rituals for reflection, such as setting monthly topics for self-evaluation, to build steady progress over time. The goal of cognitive improvement is not to be superior to others, but to take fewer detours, avoid manipulation, and live with purpose. With steady input, thoughtful output, and intentional habits, you can achieve success in any career path.”

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

UConn’s Employee Veteran of the Month

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Roger Nadeau

The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Roger Nadeau as UConn’s Employee Veteran of the Month.  Roger served as an Aviation Electronics Technician, 2nd Class (AT2) from 2001-2006.  During his time in the military, he got to work on some of the most notable military aircraft in the world, F-14 Tomcats with squadron VF-101 Grim Reaper’s, F/A-18 Super Hornets with squadron VFA-106 Gladiator’s, and SH-60B Seahawk Helicopters with squadron HSL-44 Swamp Fox.  He was honored as VF-101 Plane Captain of the year and got to fly a T-34 plane. 

Roger was hired at UConn as a Power Plant Operator, and soon after as an Electronics Technician at the Cogeneration Plant.  He says that he has been able to do what he loves for nearly 20 years:  working with electronics, troubleshooting, programming, calibrating.  Nearly 8 years ago, Roger and one of his co-workers started UConn’s Metering Department where they design and build electronics that help monitor energy usage and collect data UConn.  Roger also programs graphical interfaces to allow us to see the data and report it so that everyone can see how efficient the university is doing, helping to achieve the University’s goals.

Roger’s advice to his colleagues and students on-campus, and in recognition of the recent Mental Health awareness month, and his own struggles through life, he says “that one way or another, we are all here, together, striving to make the best of our futures;  we all experience highs and lows in life, and at times we may need a helping hand to get back up.  Mental health can be debilitating at times, and sometimes we need to talk to someone about our struggles.  The tools you’ll get to help yourself, can very well lead you to helping someone else in need.”   

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