VICENZA, Italy – The graduation song Pomp & Circumstance filled Caserma Ederle’s Golden Lion conference center as 19 black-gowned college students filed in.
More than one graduate was wearing Army boots.
U.S. Army Garrison Italy hosted the April 17 ceremony to honor the academic achievement of community members who earned associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Dozens of friends and family members smile, cheered and took photos. The ceremony represented a lot of hard work, long hours and determination for those being recognized.
When Darius Hale, 28, left Franklin County, Virginia, to join the Army 10 years ago, crossing a stage with a degree was not on his mind. A chaplain’s assistant with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Hale assists with religious affairs and jumps out of planes. This keeps him busy.
“It’s been a really tough duty assignment, but with that challenge, I’ve also grown a lot,” Hale said.
Hale and his wife have two sons, ages four and eight. He volunteers, coaching youth football, track, soccer and basketball. Challenging job, husband and father and community volunteer – how does his fit in academics? His wife, who earned her master’s degree, inspired Hale to hit the books, he said.
“She’s really pushing me towards my education,” Hale said. “That’s really my strong drive behind why I am now getting my bachelor’s and then soon to be hopefully getting my masters.”
He found time during his busy days to study. Sometimes it was when the kids were at school, daycare or at night when they’re asleep.
Hale’s earned a bachelor’s degree in business and wants to now pursue his MBA. He’s thinking long term, so after he retires from the military, he might open his own business. With tuition assistance and other benefits, Soldiers can practically get their education for free, plus gain valuable certifications that last a lifetime, Hale tells fellow service members.
“This is just a no-brainer,” Hale said. “It’s just one of the best things you can do.”
During the ceremony, Jeremy Cates, a community member known for his performances in Soldiers Theatre productions, sang both the Italian and American anthems. Lt. Col. Robert Elkowitz, the garrison chaplain, offered a prayer.
The keynote speaker, Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, Deputy Commanding General, Southern European Task Force Africa, told the graduates that he began his academic career studying computer science at a community college. He spoke of the relevance of education. Plans and goals change, but pursuing education prepared him for unexpected opportunities, he said. Cederman encouraged graduates to also pursue personal goals, hobbies and interests that compliment education.
“Always have something to aim for,” Cederman said. “Your goal may change, it’s going to shift. If you always moving toward something it will drive the one, three and five-year plan.”
For one veteran April Bravo, 47, earning her associates degree is a step toward more college, she said. She spent 22 years in uniform and achieved the rank of master sergeant. Now a civilian pay technician at finance office, Bravo is focusing on her education.
While in uniform, she’d took classes and earned many course credits but never got her degree. Now she’s already looking toward her bachelors, speaking to her school advisor the day before the ceremony.
“This was my opportunity to put all those pieces of the puzzle together,” Bravo said. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to accomplish and there was that nagging voice in the back of my head to finish it.”
When you see dark-tan Army boots sticking out from under a black gown, it’s a reminder that this is not an average college graduation. Most of the Soldiers and family members earned their degrees while juggling Army life overseas, families and other commitments. When Bravo looked upon her fellow graduates, enjoying refreshments with family and friends after the ceremony, she saw camaraderie, pride and accomplishment.
“It’s very commendable for them,” Bravo said. “It’s huge success.”
Social Sharing