An Independence Day Thank-you

To The Veterans in our Fire Science Program

To all our Veterans; the faculty, staff, alumni and students of the NJCU Fire Science Program send out a huge

Thank you!

Thank-you for your devoted commitment, personal sacrifices and service in protecting us, the citizens of this great country, as well as, those in need from other countries around the world.

As the Fourth of July is nearly upon us and we celebrate the liberties of our freedom and independence, we wish to especially recognize the students of our Fire Science Program who are currently serving and have previously served in the United States Armed Forces. We wish to thank them for their selfless efforts and dedication, the sacrifices they have made in the past and those which they continue to make each and every day.

We would like to recognize the following United States Armed Service Personnel and Veterans in the NJCU Fire Science Program:

And, our most recently admitted student; Firefighter Marco Miranda of the Paterson Fire Department.

In honor of all our veterans, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight the achievements of two of our students Mark Scheider and Jarrett Milligan who have returned from active duty and are now continuing their education.

Entering the U.S. Marine Corps in July 1999, Mark Scheider served five years in the military earning the rank of Corporal. He spent three years as a Satellite Communications Operator and two years as a Marine Security Guard. As a Marine Security Guard, he was stationed in U.S. Embassy’s throughout the world including; Italy, Yemen and Cypress. Although for security reasons he was unable to speak of his experiences, he did say he favored being a Marine Security Guard, and the responsibilities that came with that position.

Mark now a senior in the fire science program transferred to NJCU in January of 2010. When Mark returned home he entered college, but then after a while, he decided to take some time off from his studies. However, when the changes to the G.I. Bill were instituted, he decided it was time to return and earn his degree, so, to NJCU he came. Mark totes a busy schedule, full-time college student and a full-time position as a Diplomatic Security Officer for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.

Mark’s goal was to study fire science and found that at NJCU, he would receive the education that would benefit him his entire life. He understood the importance of being informed. He stated that “Education is very important. You don’t want to limit yourself in life. You want to be more marketable and it doesn’t matter how old you are. You need to get a college degree.” And to the veterans he adds, “Use the G.I. Bill, you deserve it!” Through Mark’s diligence and commitment he is planning on graduating in May 2012.

When Mark finds time between his college studies and work, he enjoys spending it with his beautiful girlfriend Melissa of three and a half years.

Damage Controlman, 2^nd Class Petty Officer, Jarrett Milligan of the U.S. Navy spent six and a half years with the Navy beginning in March of 2000. Milligan’s first four years were spent stationed in Mississippi on the USS Yorktown; a guided missile cruiser. Their mission… counter narcotics task force and public relations through U.S. naval training of military personnel in the countries of Central and South America. After his four years on the USS Yorktown, Milligan’s next assignment led him to Newport, Rhode Island where he became a Firefighter Instructor for the Officer Training Command. There he instructed classes on fire, flooding, and chemical warfare as it related to the navy’s fleet.

Once returning to civilian life and working in the construction field for a short while, Jarrett decided to return to college to study fire science. Studying fire science was an easy decision; he was around the fire service all his life. Jarrett grew up with volunteer and career fire service personnel such as his dad, uncles and cousins, and then while in the Navy, he was a naval firefighter instructor and finally, Jarrett a 13 year volunteer of the Carlstadt Fire Department presently holds the position of Deputy Chief. So in the summer of 2010, Jarrett was back in the classroom, but this time, not as an instructor but as a student!

Milligan, a senior in the fire science program, stated that he knew he needed to be competitive in the job market, and wanted the ability to be able to advance. Earning his bachelor’s degree would be his next step to accomplishing his goal. “I want to be able to continue to be promoted where ever I work, whether it be in fire service or construction. I want to be able to understand the field of fire science to the best of my ability. My ultimate goal is to be able to go back to teaching fire science, but this time on the collegiate level.” Milligan’s advice to students is to “stick with the books, and use common sense. School is important; stay focused and as they say in the navy, be a “hard charger” (take the lead and run with it)!

When Jarrett is not at work or studying, he spends time with his wife Jen of two years, and their adorable ten month old daughter Quinn.

Both Mark and Jarrett are graduates of Becton High School in East Rutherford. Although graduating in high school a year apart, their lives have paralleled. They are both dedicated and committed to serving others to the best of their abilities. They served our country in the armed forces and are now pursuing the education they know is essential to continue their life’s commitment to serving others!