Camaraderie and Service: Wentworth Honors Its Veterans
Photos by Eric Roe and Matthew Conde
“Today’s veterans are well-adjusted, highly trained, experienced leaders. They’ve received years of technical training and they’ve gone on to perform jobs that require them to make critical decisions and find innovative solutions, most often under austere conditions. They’ve seen distant parts of our world, which has given them a unique understanding and appreciation for what is the United States experiment.” -- Colonel David J. Johnson
Tales of bravery, lighthearted memories of friends, and names of impactful professors were shared in Watson Auditorium as varying generations gathered for Wentworth Institute of Technology’s 14th Annual Veterans Luncheon.
Among those present was Colonel David Johnson. A master air battle manager who has commanded both airborne and ground air control squadrons, he entered the Air Force in 1989 after earning an Associate of Engineering degree from Wentworth in 1985 and a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology in 1987. He is also the 2020 Wentworth Alumni Association recipient of the Alumni Leadership award.
As keynote speaker, Johnson recalled the group of close friends he met in his first year as a student and the vast benefits he received through co-ops and hands-on learning.
“Wentworth labs allowed us to test out theories in a real way and learn that it’s okay to fail,” he said. “’I took those ideas into my career; if my team fails at something, as long as we learn from it, that’s time and resource well spent.”
The luncheon began with the posting of the colors by the Boston University Air Force Cadets and Northeastern University ROTC. Members of the Colleges of the Fenway choir performed the National Anthem, while the Pledge of Allegiance was led by retired U.S. Navy Captain Mike Price, the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manager at Commodore Builders, the Gold Sponsor for the luncheon.
“I hope you find a few moments [on Veterans Day] to remember the men and women who guarantee our freedoms,” Johnson said.
Finding Guidance
Student speaker Gregory Lovejoy, Construction Management ’22, is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendelton in San Diego where he served as an aviation ordinance man. But retiring from the military came with some challenges, he related.
“No matter how many years you’ve served, we all encounter similar adversities when we return into civilian life,” he said. “Finding task and purpose once again can be a daunting task.”
Lovejoy struggled with his mental health as well as physical disabilities, but Wentworth provided free counseling services, and covered other medical co-pays. His professors also provided additional mentoring, tutoring, and guidance to help him overcome obstacles.
“I learned quickly to accept that reaching out for help was not a sign of weakness, but it was a sign of strength,” said Lovejoy. “Wentworth played a large role in my reintegration into civilian life.”
Lovejoy also commends the creation of the Military Connected Students office, the Wentworth Veterans Club, and amenities like the Veterans Lounge.
“I’m very proud of the veteran community here at Wentworth and the Colleges of the Fenway,” he said. “The camaraderie and brotherhood that is fostered in this tight-knit community has given me my bearing once again.”
New Initiatives
Michael Siegel is the personification of Wentworth’s commitment to Veterans. The university’s first director of Military Connected Services, he has helped usher in several initiatives while keeping an eye toward Wentworth history. Serving as emcee of the luncheon, he noted Wentworth’s strong connection to the military over the years, including its time as a formal training school for the Army and Navy during both World Wars.
“I have always associated Veterans Day with community and camaraderie, both of which I miss most about my time in the service. But fortunately, I have found them here at Wentworth,” Siegel said.
Siegel, a U.S. Army and Army National Guard Veteran of 21 years, also spoke of his excitement for future projects. His office is improving upon data collection related to Wentworth’s Military community, and a CHERBEC Foundation grant will allow them to create an oral history project to gather stories and preserve them for generations to come.
Wentworth’s Commitment
“As many of you know, Inclusive Excellence is paramount among our endeavors here at Wentworth and part of that entails fostering an inclusive environment for our military members,” President Mark Thompson said to those gathered at the luncheon. “We’re committed to providing the resources and support that will best help them on a path to future success when building their civilian lives.”
Thompson acknowledged Veterans in attendance to great applause. He also recognized John Magnarelli for his support of the John Heinstadt Memorial Scholarship, as well as this year’s recipient, Ronnie Kitaka.
“For all of us, recognizing the debt that we owe to our veterans is a lifelong mission, an obligation, and a privilege,” Thompson said. “We're committed to actively and thoughtfully supporting our Military-connected community and we are grateful for the partners who help us achieve this important work.”
