
Pete Boll – M.A. Library and Information Studies (1994), Head of Monograph Acquisitions, Memorial Library
Having received my master’s degree in library and information studies from the UW in 1994, I was well into my professional library career when I enlisted in the Navy Reserve in 2000. In 2005 I received a commission as a Supply Corps officer and have been serving ever since. Supply Corps officers are the supply chain professional logisticians of the Navy. Most of my service has been supporting the INDOPACOM region in Japan and Korea, traveling there many times for exercises and support. I was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2008-09 as part of the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group. Currently, I am the Commanding Officer of a Defense Logistics Agency Joint unit based at Robins AFB in Warner Robins Georgia. The job I have now at UW was my dream job for many years. For the last 7 years, I’ve been lucky to lead the library acquisitions unit I worked with as a graduate student assistant over 30 years ago. I’m a native of Sun Prairie, WI and my wife Jennifer and I live in Cottage Grove, WI. We have two children aged 20 and 16. My hobbies include reading historical non-fiction, road biking, and working out at the gym.
Nick Brennan – B.S. Mechanical Engineering (2025)
F-16 Hydraulic Mechanic – Served in Poland, Japan, Korea, & Afghanistan
Zach Gerras – M.S. Urban and Regional Planning
Zach Gerras is a first-year grad student at UW-Madison, where he’s pursuing a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on disaster mitigation and economic recovery, alongside a certificate in Spatial Technologies. Before returning to school, Zach served six years in the U.S. Army as a CBRN Specialist, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His military service included collaborating with NGOs and civilian partners to support local communities, which shaped his commitment to resilient planning and community support.
Originally from a mix of places across Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Turkey, Zach has always been drawn to both exploration and service. He earned his undergrad degree in Organizational Psychology with a minor in Anthropology from Kutztown University in 2016. Outside the classroom, you’ll likely find him rock climbing or hiking—two favorite ways he stays active and connected to the outdoors. Zach’s family has been his anchor throughout his journey, encouraging him from his Army days to his time now at UW-Madison, where he’s eager to make a positive impact.
Amber Kirkpatrick – TBSN, Nursing (2025)
I joined the National Guard when I was 17 in 2002, the soonest I could after 9/11! While in AIT I met my husband who was from Arizona, but moved to Wisconsin to be with me after training. I’ve spent a lot of time on army bases and I got to help with hurricane Katrina relief efforts. By 2008 I had my first baby so I went into the reserves. I’m still tied to the military through my husband who is a SFC at Camp Douglas. We are raising two teenagers together, while I’m getting through undergrad school for nursing and working part-time as a surgical tech for UW. I’m very proud to say I’m a veteran and also proud to be a graduating nurse in 2025!
Brian Kline – M.B.A. (2014)
Originally from Oshkosh, Brian graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps. Brian served for 21 years in aviation and planning roles including combat operations over Kuwait and in Iraq. He earned an MBA from the Wisconsin School of Business and had spent the last seven years working on campus in the Natural Resources Institute. Go Navy! Semper Fidelis! On Wisconsin!
Linzy Laughhunn – M.S. Data Analytics (2026)
I served onboard USS John C. Stennis from 2008-2012. Prior to that time, I was in training for the job of becoming Nuclear Reactor Operator in Charleston, SC. Since leaving the military, I started my family and now have 3 beautiful daughters. I have been working, for the last several years, as a Technical Instructor for a healthcare company.
Andrew Ledoux – M.S. Manufacturing Systems Engineering (2025)
I left Milwaukee when I was 17 years old and spent the next 8 years in the Navy. I always dreamed of attending UW Madison and when I got an opportunity to enroll in a graduate program, I jumped as quickly as I could. I have a lot of family history at Madison and in my current profession of aerospace quality assurance, it felt like the perfect place to learn more about manufacturing and the skills needed to take my career to the next level. I am beyond proud to be a Badger.
Dustin Lewis – M.S. Counseling Psychology (2024)
Dustin Lewis commissioned through Air Force ROTC while receiving his Bachelor’s in Psychology at UW Madison in 2011. He served as an AC-130 navigator at Hurlburt Field, FL for 9 of his 11 years in service and deployed four times to Afghanistan. Dustin separated in 2022, moved back to Madison, and graduated with his Master’s in Counseling Psychology in 2024. Dustin is now a practicing LPC-IT in Madison and is passionate about working with veterans and all military-affiliated individuals. In his free time, Dustin enjoys traveling, anything outdoors, reading, playing music, and spending time with friends and family.
Cheyenne Mackai – B.S. Biochemistry (2028)
I spent 8.5 years in the Navy as a Machinest’s Mate (Nuclear), performing water chemistry and radiation monitoring on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower out of Norfolk, VA. I love to travel and visit parks, and my goal since moving back to WI is to visit every state park we have! I’m honored to have the ability to complete my degree at UW-Madison.
Ana Maria Moyer – SWAP Warehouse Supervisor, Verona Operations
Two weeks after graduating high school in San Diego, California, I joined the Army as a Supply Specialist in 2013. After completion of BCT in Oklahoma, and AIT in Virginia, I got stationed to Join Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, with the 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade. During my time, I assisted in developing a new supply inventory system, managed 10 million dollars’ worth of property, became certified in 3 ERP systems, and much more. While at JBLM, I met my husband, who was also serving at the time, and in 2018, we left and moved to Wisconsin. We have 3 kids, and I currently hold a Bachelor’s in Integrated Supply Chain Management from UW-Platteville, with hopes to receive a Master’s from UW-Madison.
Owen Olichwier – B.S. Wildlife Ecology (2027)
I served in the United States Army as an airborne infantryman. I served my time stationed at Fort Richardson, AK and Fort Bragg, NC. I was medically retired this year as a sergeant after six years and one deployment overseas.
Elizabeth Parizo – M.S. Data, Insights and Analytics
I served in the US Army Reserve as a specialist and was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. I am married and currently work at UW Health as a director of IS business relationship management. I received my undergrad at Georgia Southern University and also obtained my master’s of health services administration at Georgia Southern. I am currently enrolled in my second master’s program this time at UW for their master of data, insight, and analytics program. I love all things sports and you can often find me at badger games, Green Bay Packers games, or Milwaukee Bucks games. I’m so proud to work at UW Health and to be a current graduate student at UW Madison.
Eliza Rushlow – Doctor of Audiology (2028)
I enlisted in the Air National Guard during my senior year of high school and went to basic training right after graduation. While serving in the military, I also attended college. I have completed two separate deployments to Afghanistan and Qatar, and I have had the privilege of traveling to Germany and Hawaii on shorter trips. I graduated from UW-Madison in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Currently, I am enrolled in the Doctor of Audiology program at UW-Madison. In my free time, I enjoy exploring various city and state parks with my dog and attending Badger football games.
Lorraine Schwager – FP&M Physical Plant Operations & Maintenance Technical Training Program Manager
Retired Navy Electronics Technician Chief. Served in Sicily, Hawaii, California, Maine, Illinois. Completed two deployments to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. Served during the Liberation of Kuwait. Pre-commissioned and served onboard an Aegis Class Destroyer (Women were disqualified in combat when I joined in 1984). Trained Coast Guard Cutter crew members and training teams in Anti-Terrorism after 9/11.
Mira Tcherneva – B.S. Nursing (2025)
SSgt in the U.S. Air Force, currently serving as a Quality Assurance Inspector specializing in F-35A Lightning II aircraft. Previously, I worked as a crew chief on F-16 Fighting Falcons, deploying to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. At UW-Madison, I am a second-year nursing student, passionate about critical care and psychiatric/ mental health. I’m actively involved in clinical rotations at the VA Hospital and volunteer with community organizations like the March of Dimes and Women United Way of Dane County. Outside of school and service, I enjoy outdoor activities like running, puzzling, traveling, and spending time with my family/ friends.
Frank Torres – B.S. Mechanical Engineering (2026)
Hi, I was part of VFA 94 and did 2 deployments aboard the Nimitz. I’ve been at UW for a semester now and so far really like it. I like building vintage race cars and bikes and I’m pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.
Thi Tran – B.S. Biochemistry (2026)
I enjoy working with the Wisconsin Air National Guard while being a full-time student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as both roles provide me with valuable lessons, opportunities to meet amazing people, and unique experiences! I feel fortunate to have these dual roles, as they allow me not only to give back to the Madison community but also to provide financial stability for my family.
George Vondriska – B.S. Anthropology (2025)
I have been in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for six years as a Crash Fire Rescue Technician. Upon completion of my degree in Anthropology I plan on pursuing archaeological fieldwork and research.
Jacob Warner – B.S. Biological Systems Engineering
I was stationed on the USS Nimitz, homeported in Bremerton, WA, as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment. I worked as a steam catapult operator/maintainer, having deployed 2020-2021 and 2022-2023. I went to Monona Grove HS, and I’m back in Madison now studying BSE. I’m involved in ASABE, Red Cross Club, and I work as a research assistant at the Agricultural Engineering Lab. I’m grateful to be close to my family and starting a new chapter at UW.
Maggie Zabinski – Verification Specialist in the Office Of Student Financial Aid
I really enjoyed my time in the service. I knew that college and a desk job was not what I wanted right out of high school. The Air Force provided me with so many opportunities to work a job that I would never have on the civilian side, I worked with explosives. On the flight line every day around the fighter jets too was super exciting. I had planned on making the military a career but needed to get out after learning of a hearing disability. I have been with the Office of Student Financial Aid for about 8 years. Helping the students through the financial aid process is really rewarding, especially when I get to assist our active-duty military and veterans along with the military-connected students. When not at work I enjoy hanging with my dog and hiking in the state parks around Wisconsin. Camping and traveling are very high on the priority list each year along with grilling and spending time with friends and family. My favorite holiday is Halloween and that keeps me busy all year round with planning and creating Halloween decorations.
Ruthie Zahm – Master of Social Work (2025)
The military has provided me with opportunities I could only dream of. They put me through my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree. They have given me opportunities to grow and change as a person. I am eternally grateful to our nation’s military for the life they have given me.