Honoring our team members who put service above self

Every November, Arizona State University (ASU) honors the active military members and veterans who put service above self during Salute to Service. 

“Having served myself, I am deeply familiar with the immense sacrifices made by service members and their families,” shared Dr. Chris Howard, executive vice president and chief operating officer at ASU.

Howard is a decorated retired US Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel who served as a helicopter pilot and intelligence officer for the elite Joint Special Operations Command. In 2003, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. 

Many staff members at ASU Enterprise Technology represent this sacrifice through their own service stories. This Monday, Nov. 11, is Veteran's Day, and we have an opportunity to learn from their bravery, dedication, and selflessness.

Today, Jesse DeFer is an engineer and chapter lead for orchestration engineering. However, he carries with him the experience of a US Army sergeant who completed two deployments in active war zones. When reflecting on what he learned about himself during his service, he answered, “Patience and perspective on what is important.”

And while each veteran story is unique, putting service above self is a central and constant theme. 

Senior Cybersecurity Operations Engineer Andrew Jones is a veteran of the US Marine Corps who completed two combat tours to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom over his four years in active duty. “I served in the military to be part of a greater purpose, dedicated to protecting our freedom and helping those in need,” he shared. “It was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and stand alongside others who shared the same commitment.”

Ali Abdel-Fattah is a senior information security analyst on our cybersecurity risk and analysis team. With 13 years of experience in the US Army, Abdel-Fattah reflects on his service as an honor and privilege, better preparing him for life: “Experiencing a different world perspective has taught me tolerance and patience to an extent that no corporate environment could hope to match.”

Cybersecurity Specialist Melvin Torres Pereira enlisted in the US Marine Corps in high school and spent 12 years there. Service is part of Torres Pereira's family history, as his father and two brothers also served: “Serving in the military is an individual choice.” 

Torres Pereira, who chose to re-enlist, reflects on what drives him: “I like to help more now than before. We only have so much time, and we can make better use of it by helping others.

Today, Justin McCoy is a manager for space success with Learning Experience. During his service with the US Army, McCoy was deployed twice in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Reflecting on his experience, McCoy’s sentiment is shared by all team members: “I'm honored to have served my country.”

It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that we honor these individuals and all those who have served.