Their Stories: Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Spirit at Delaware State University

DSU Affiliation: Administrator
Military Connection: Veteran family member employed or enrolled at DSU
Military Rank: Staff Sergeant
Affiliation to Servicemember: Daughter

In honor of Veterans Day, we recognize Retired Staff Sergeant Albert Lee Ewing from Bartlett, Texas, who served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. Stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he fought in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. After 20 years in the Corps, Staff Sergeant Ewing continued to serve his country as a Quality Associate Specialist with the Department of Defense, dedicating 60 years in total. Proud father of Kamesia Ewing-House, AVP of Strategic Enrollment Management, he reflects on his service: “Although I experienced racial tensions during my early years in the military, I would do it all over again. Semper Fi, I love my country.”

DSU Affiliation: Staff
Military Connection: Veteran employed at DSU
Military Rank: Petty Officer First Class
Service Location: San Diego and Hawaii

My Story: I grew up in a small rural town in Maryland. I loved reading and developed a strong curiosity about life outside of my hometown. I joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and graduated from boot camp one week before my 18th birthday. And then my adventure began. My first duty station was in Meridian, MS where I attended school to be become a Personnelman, which is basically the equivalent of the job I have now in Human Resources. Once I finished there, I was off the meet my first ship which was docked in the Philippines. This was significant because it was the first naval ship that had female crewmembers. As you can imagine, it was quite the experience at a time where “political correctness” did not exist. Through my 20 years of service, I was stationed on three ships and four shore assignments; had three career fields: personnel, electrician and career counselor. I also had the privilege of traveling to many places. Australia, Guam, Hawaii, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Thailand, etc. to name a few of the countries visited. I spent the majority of my military career in San Diego, CA. and was blessed to retire at the tender age of 37.

How does the DSU motto “It All Matters,” resonate with your military experience or family story? I learned many things during my 20-year journey in the Navy. Honor, courage, friendship, teamwork, hard work, unselfishness, fortitude, tolerance, and loyalty are just a few of the traits that I came to value while serving. Still in my heart the most important thing I learned was that the United States of America, with all its flaws, is still the greatest country in the world. As an American patriot and military veteran, I am equally proud to have become part of the Delaware State University family because this institution encompasses and represents everything my brothers and sisters in arms fight for each and every day.

DSU Affiliation: Student
Military Connection: Veteran student at DSU
Military Rank: SPC
Service Location: 485th CBRN Battalion

My Story: I joined the U.S. Army Reserves at 17, driven by a deep commitment to service and a desire to make a difference beyond my local community. Serving in the military has allowed me to contribute to meaningful causes on a global scale, an experience that has strengthened my dedication to helping others. As the youngest of four siblings, I also carry the responsibility of caring for my mother, who battles dementia. My journey as a pre-dental student is motivated by the goal of building a stable future, both to provide for her and to make an impact in healthcare. The resilience I’ve developed in the military empowers me every step of the way on this path.

How does the DSU motto "It All Matters," resonate with your military experience or family story?   The Delaware State University motto, “It All Matters,” resonates deeply with my military experience and family story. In the military, I learned that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger mission-a value that has shaped how I approach my responsibilities at home and in my studies. Caring for my mother requires patience, strength, and empathy, qualities I’ve also developed through my service. Balancing my duties as a student on the pre-dental track with the demands of military life and family reminds me that every effort, every sacrifice, truly matters in the pursuit of a meaningful life and future.

DSU Affiliation: Student
Military Connection: Veteran student at DSU
Military Rank: Second Class Petty Officer
Service Location: NAS Oceana, NAS Coronado, Pearl Harbor

My Story: I proudly served in the US Navy from 2008-2016 as an Avionics Technician, both active duty and reserves, continuing my family’s tradition of military service. Both my mother (Army) and father (Air Force) served, as did my maternal and paternal grandfathers. Stationed at NAS Coronado and NAS Oceana, I was attached to the USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson, with the honor of participating in RIMPAC 2012 in Pearl Harbor, HI. I received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for my work on rescue relief efforts for US aircraft during Operation Tomodachi following the 2011 earthquake in Japan. My dedication earned me a meritorious promotion to Second Class. My current doctoral studies and research focus on veteran student success in education, inspired by my own journey transitioning from military to higher education.

How does the DSU motto “It All Matters,” resonate with your military experience or family story? The DSU motto, “It All Matters”, resonates deeply with my life, shaped by a family legacy of service. Raised by veteran parents, I absorbed small but powerful life lessons from how I present myself to the importance of supporting those around me. These values carried into my Navy service, where I took pride in maintaining aircraft for critical mission readiness during Operation Tomodachi. I led a recovery mission that returned millions in equipment to the fleet. My parents’ lessons in camaraderie became my commitment to looking out for fellow sailors, especially in times of need. Today, the same attention to detail and sense of purpose guides my research, as each action becomes part of a greater mission to support veterans in their educational journeys.