The BOCES LoGuidice Center in Fredonia this week brought together current and former members of the military, students, and staff for a Veterans Day Social celebrating the service and contributions of local veterans. The event was coordinated by the Criminal Justice class under the guidance of instructor Jennie Alessi, with support from Culinary Arts students and instructor Chrissy Conklin, who helped provide refreshments for the gathering.
The program featured current and former members of the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army. Speakers shared personal stories about their military experiences, the lessons they carried into civilian life, and the lasting friendships and connections formed through service.
Among the guest speakers were:
- Jacob Schwab, a 2024 LoGuidice Criminal Justice graduate who joined the U.S. Navy. Schwab reflected on the friendships he has developed through military service and the experiences that have shaped him.
- Santiago Lopez spoke about the importance of the Air Force's core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and putting the mission ahead of individual differences.
- Raymond Warlikowski, a U.S. Navy veteran, shared stories from his time in the service, including his unexpected assignment to a reserve training ship in the Bronx, near where he grew up. After completing his Navy service, Warlikowski went on to a career in corrections. He encouraged students to consider the opportunities military service can provide, including the chance to develop valuable career skills.
- Kurt Gustafson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who now serves as a labor relations specialist at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, discussed his path to becoming a military attorney. After attending Jamestown Community College and the University at Buffalo, Gustafson earned his law degree from the University of Toledo and served as a judge advocate in the Marines.
- Joel Dolce, a 2024 graduate of the HVAC/R program at the Carrier Educational Center, shared his experiences in the U.S. Air Force. Now working in aircraft maintenance in South Carolina, Dolce explained how his technical background and military training have helped him develop professionally and personally.
- Kattya Morales, a U.S. Coast Guard recruiter and former Navy service member, discussed her time in the Navy and her decision to continue serving through the Coast Guard. She also shared how her experiences working in 911 communications and supporting law enforcement and emergency response efforts influenced her career path.
- Daniel McCarthy, a LoGuidice staff member and Army veteran, spoke about how military service helped make college possible for him. After graduating from high school, McCarthy joined the Army National Guard and participated in ROTC while attending college. He later attended Officer Candidate School and became a combat engineer.
Criminal Justice students also played an important role in the program, sharing written messages of appreciation for the veterans in attendance.
Photo by Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES
