Military Insider: Graduates 2023

Samantha Furin

Master of Arts in History

Active-Duty in the United States Navy

God has plans for all of us; faith in him will lead us down the path to success!

I always wanted to teach at the collegiate level, but I put those dreams to the wayside when I joined the U.S. Navy. It wasn’t until I decided that I would not make a career in the armed forces that I decided to further my education. Liberty University was my first and only choice, and I am blessed and grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete my degree at such an honorable institution. Because of my time and experience at Liberty University, I am prepared to apply to various History Ph.D. programs upon completing my contract with the Navy. I highly value my education, and every institution that has given me the opportunity to learn.

Kevin Syracuse

Bachelor of Science in Apologetics

United States Army

Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and be whom He has called you to be in Christ!

God led me to Liberty University after a massive storm in my life. I had lost everything, and my eyes were opened to my sin. I cried out to God to save me one night while attempting suicide. He saved me, and I promised to serve him authentically without returning to the world. I’m a retired, and disabled combat veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. I received the Purple Heart from injuries sustained during my second tour in Afghanistan. I felt God leading me to study the Bible, and decided to work towards my associate degree in biblical studies. About halfway through, I felt a strong conviction to learn how to defend the Christian faith, which lead me to my Bachelor of Science in Apologetics. God transformed my life, and he does keep his promise of working all things for our good!

Sherrilyn Rice

Doctorate Strategic of Leadership

United States Army

A little progress each day adds up to big results.

My journey to graduation has been long and hard, but I don’t regret a thing. The classes were challenging, and I had many sleepless nights writing papers, but I know I was not on this journey alone. Every day I had to rely on my faith in God to see me through. As a full-time student, mother, and military spouse who was working full time, it was a challenge, but knowing there is a greater purpose enabled me to continue to graduation. I wanted to influence my son never to give up on his dreams, work hard, and keep God first so that he can have any career he chooses.

Eric Loranger

Bachelor of Science Military Studies: International Security

Active-Duty in the United States Navy

Stay disciplined in completing school; it will pay off. Don’t stop.

My goal has been to become an officer in the Navy since I graduated from high school in 2015. In 2019, I began my journey with Liberty while on active duty in the Navy. Taking courses while in the military and part of it through a global pandemic was no easy task. There were so many things happening to deter my advancement in school. Through all the struggles, I was able to keep my head down and grind to the end. The payoff was great, as I am now awaiting a selection to go to Officer Candidate School with the Navy.

Navin Bhatia

Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness: Fitness and Performance

United States Navy

Success is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to overcome challenges. Embrace the journey, stay focused on your goals, and keep moving forward. You have what it takes to succeed.

As an active-duty member of the USN, my journey to graduation was far from easy. In addition to the rigors of military life, I had to balance my educational pursuits with my demanding duties as a Naval Aircrewman/Aviation Rescue Swimmer. During my academic journey, I was deployed six times, which made it challenging to keep up with school and maintain a consistent study routine. Sometimes I felt like taking a semester off, but I knew that earning my degree was essential to achieving my personal and professional goals. I had to dig deep and rely on my discipline, determination, and support from loved ones to stay on track.
Despite the challenges, I refused to let my deployments and demanding military schedule hold me back. I took advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, even when it meant sacrificing my free time and weekends. Finally, after years of hard work and dedication, I reached my goal and earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It was a moment of great pride and satisfaction, knowing I had accomplished something many people deemed impossible.
My journey to graduation taught me that anything is possible if you dare to pursue it. It taught me the importance of perseverance, discipline, and relying on my support system. Most importantly, it showed me that even in the face of adversity, I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

Robert Walters

Master of Public Administration

United States Army (Ret)

Continue to drive forward just as you did in the military, knowing that you will achieve your goals with God’s grace and strength.

I joined the Army shortly after high school, intending on four years of the service and returning to civilian life. Instead, I encountered a purpose bigger than myself and continued for over 20 years. I’ve been through numerous assignments and two combat deployments to Afghanistan as a flight paramedic. I also worked as a Firefighter and Fire Captain/Paramedic for over 20 years. These careers have stressed lifelong learning and a continual need for more understanding of leadership and service. These influences have driven me to complete a Master’s in Public Administration through Liberty and have provided many possibilities for servant leadership as a Christian in public service. I anticipate God will continue to place me in opportunities to serve others with the education he has provided for me.