Rutgers—Camden student veterans honored at medal ceremony

The Camden County Board of Commissioners, in collaboration with Rutgers—Camden, recently hosted the Camden County Medal Ceremony.

The event formally recognized the students, faculty and staff who are Camden County residents and have served in the U.S. armed forces or as first responders, according to a press release.

Julio Dagand, a College of Arts and Sciences sophomore at the Camden campus, served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years.

At the ceremony, Dagand was awarded the Camden County Military Service Medal, which recognizes veterans of any branch and war, and the Camden County War on Terror Medal, awarded to those who enlisted during the War on Terror.

Randall Petronko, a student at Rutgers Law School, was also awarded the Camden County Military Service Medal and the Camden County War on Terror Medal.

Petronko served in the U.S. Navy for more than four years. His grandfather, a World War II Navy veteran who fought at Normandy Beach during D-Day, inspired him to serve.

Dagand shared his experience in the military and how it has shaped him as a person with The Daily Targum.

"I doubted myself a lot and even faced a lot of doubt from others. Despite the odds, I managed to pull myself together and make it through and complete my five years," he said. "I wouldn't be as confident or resilient as I am today if it wasn't for the Marine Corps."

Dagand's military occupational specialty, or assigned job role, required a year-long training period, which extended his contract from the typical four years of active duty to five years.

When he returned home to New Jersey, Dagand took a short break to recuperate after his service before starting at Rutgers.

"I'd always heard of Rutgers growing up, hearing that it was 'our state university,' and as a proud Jersey boy, I was at first drawn to that sort of title," Dagand said. "When I investigated further, I found ... the Rutgers—Camden campus very appealing to me."

To veterans considering college, Dagand stressed the importance of utilizing educational benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Rutgers—Camden Office of Military & Veterans Affairs also offers support and guidance for veterans on campus, helping them transition to academic and professional life.

Petronko also gave advice to veterans entering higher education institutions.

"Embrace the things that make (veterans) different from the rest of the student body. Most professors and students appreciate what we bring to conversations because of our experiences," Petronko said.

After completing his bachelor's in Public Policy at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Petronko decided that getting a law degree was best for him to assist fellow veterans.

"Over the years, I have experienced many struggles with the VA, and I have met many other veterans still fighting for their benefits," he said. "I have already accepted a post-graduation position at Morgan & Morgan in their Veterans' Benefits practice area representing veterans who have been denied their benefits."

Petronko chose to attend law school at Rutgers—Camden due to the clinical programs offered on the Camden campus, particularly the Veteran's Clinic.

"Being acknowledged is extremely humbling," Petronko said. "Events like this are (a) huge reminder of how my decision impacted so many people I’ve never met."