Tyler Loennig
I am writing on behalf of our son, Tyler James Loennig, who is completing his Freshman year at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. He is enrolled in the Biology/Pre-Med program with dual eligibility in their Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. Tyler has always been a very active learner and strives to do his best in no matter what it is he is experiencing. This quality has afforded him the opportunity to be recognized within his class as someone who has studied very diligently to obtain a GPA of 3.94 his first semester of college. I have insight into the fact that this semester's GPA completing his Freshman year will equal or exceed that of the Fall semester.
Years ago, I was fortunate to be accepted into what was then the Army Student Nurse Program. I spent approximately four years of Active Duty following graduation from Nursing School as an RN in 1973. Upon completing my tour of Active Duty, I continued my career as an Active Reservist, retiring just shy of 30 years in the military. The military helped to finance my formal education and then continued to enhance my education by allowing me to recognize who I was and what I could be, by giving the support and exposure to self-strengthening experiences. I have always stressed to our son that doing the right thing, coupled with hard work and dedication, never fails a person. One of my favorite quips that I have reinforced often throughout his life is "Make you proud of you". I assured him that as a parent, I will always be proud of him and his accomplishments and contributions to this great nation and world. Education, to me, is multifaceted, whose power is not realized until a situation occurs that draws on its very essence. To me, education is measured in a way that outweighs the sum of its parts. The military is a model, a blueprint of sorts, that lends to the promotion of growth. By its very value system and existence, it offers all that contributes to a person's optimal use of time, talent and individuality.
At the same time it encourages team-work and pride when a task, often seemingly impossible to accomplish, is completed. In many ways, the military is an excellent role model of what it takes to parent. It is attentive to both the basic and expanded needs of each member of its family, providing encouragement, strength in numbers and support for diversity and individuality. It then takes these qualities and distributes them equally to those who show interest, self motivation, and commitment to a worthy cause. The power released by such an all inclusive system only allows each of its players to unfold into the knowledgeable, unselfish, confident and visionary members that is needed to both survive and succeed. In my lifetime, I can honestly say I have been blessed to have had the experiences that I have had, and thus the educational value the military has bestowed upon me.
I often reflect and try to imagine just what my life would have been like without it. With no way to really evaluate that query, I can only conclude with gratitude that I am who I am because of it. The military and its educational influence has provided me with attributes that have enhanced who I am and how I approach situations both personally and professionally. The day to day events that life deals each of us can be staggering at best. Our son, since the age of 11 has had to witness both of his parents be diagnosed with a very serious cancer and had to work through the anxieties and fears that can only be tackled on a child's level. I have to admit that he has done a awesome job of doing his part to attempt to understand and accept what he has been dealt. Through these times he has exhibited much courage, support and compassion while never losing sight of the fact that life does march on.
Even in the scariest of times he maintained his sense of humor and never took his eye off the ball. In his case, the "ball" was to give something back to the profession that helped his mom and dad to bear their crosses with hope and grace. His goal to be a physician is clearly a goal he is working hard to attain. It is his perseverance and eagerness to excel that has allowed me to be very proud of his educational excellence. Humbly, I believe that it is the gifts of my military experiences that have been shed upon him, allowing him to shine in his own light and energy. Thank you.
