Service & Community: Reflecting on Veterans Day at Yale SOM

Arriving at Yale SOM after more than a decade in the Navy has been a profound transition. At first, the change felt stark—a shift not only in pace but in purpose. What I had left behind was a rhythm of camaraderie, a bond forged through shared missions and an unshakable trust.

But here at Yale SOM, I found a ready lifeline in the Veterans Club, a gathering of people from diverse paths who share that same sense of commitment and resilience. Weekly coffee chats and quiet conversations revealed a kinship that reminded me why communities like ours matter. SOM has done more than welcome us; the school has amplified our voices and integrated the veteran experience into its fabric, making us not just seen but valued. Through frequent events across the broader Yale veteran community, dedicated recruiting opportunities, and classroom discussions that welcome our insights on everything from leadership to problem-solving, our perspectives echo across the school, enriching its community.

The academic experience at Yale has been both humbling and illuminating. In classrooms filled with some of the brightest minds from around the world, I’ve engaged in discussions that broaden my perspective and challenge my understanding of leadership, finance, and strategy. Learning here is not merely a pursuit of knowledge; it’s an immersion into a world of possibilities I hadn’t fully explored before. Each encounter with professors, industry leaders, and fellow students feels like a door swinging open, unveiling paths that lead to any possibility I can envision.

For me, Veterans Day transcends an obligation to remember our troops. It’s a day that embodies sacrifice—an appreciation for those who served their country, of lives cut short on foreign soil, and of teammates who carry wounds, visible or unseen. For veterans, the cost of service is often measured not just in years but in parts of themselves that are forever altered. But there’s also a quieter, often unspoken sacrifice borne by families. Children grow up with an empty chair at the dinner table; spouses bear the weight of solo parenthood and long silences. My own wife has shouldered this role during my deployments, embodying the resilience that military life so often demands of those who serve alongside us. Their steadfast courage is also a story that must be honored.

As I stand within these halls, surrounded by a community that understands and uplifts, I am deeply grateful. Yale SOM has given me a space to honor my profession, explore new ambitions, and remain connected to the legacy of those who serve. On Veterans Day, we honor every veteran’s sacrifice—remembering those we’ve lost, supporting those who continue to serve, and celebrating the strength that binds our community.