Phillip Paddock ’19 BRANCH: U.S. Air Force B.S. in Emergency Services graduate Phillip Paddock found a new way to serve his country after his time in the Air Force. After serving in the USAF for seven years, he decided to separate from the military and focus on his civilian career. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree and completing an internship with the Collier County Emergency Management Department in Florida, he began his career in the Department of Homeland Security as a Program Analyst in the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office in Washington, D.C. “Government is where the action is,” Paddock said. “It’s how I could continue to serve the people in a way you can’t in the private sector.” He now works in the Requirements Division and manages stakeholders in eight different programs within the CWMD office.
Kelcey Kocer ’18, ’21 BRANCH: U.S. Navy
B.S. in Unmanned Systems Applications (BSUSA) student Kelcey Kocer joined the U.S. Navy at 17 as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate. During her service, she earned her A.S. in Aeronautics in 2018, and then decided to switch directions and pursue the BSUSA. Since her father works with unmanned systems, the program had always been in the back of her mind. After spending six years in the Navy and having children, she decided to end her enlistment to focus on her education. Kocer enjoys the freedom and flexibility that comes with taking online classes. By choosing her own pace with coursework, she is able to balance the other parts of her life with being a student. “When it comes to being a full-time mother, student and worker, utilizing your support such as family, friends and co-workers can benefit a lot,” she said.
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