Three Alumni Veterans Receive Veterans Affinity Challenge Coin at Veterans Appreciation Program
Three members of the Ƶ military community received the Alumni Association Veterans Affinity Challenge Coin in recognition of their achievements at Ƶ’s Veterans Appreciation Program.
Matt Zamosky received his Challenge Coin in person, while Eileen Brophy and Katherine Haile were recognized virtually.
Distinguished Alumnus Matt Zamosky earned his Ƶ degree after a 20-year career in the Air Force, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant in 2006. He works tirelessly to raise awareness of the benefits and services available to the military community as the Westmoreland County Director of Veterans Affairs; through his many volunteer guiding roles on nonprofit boards and professional associations that provide assistance and support for Pennsylvania veterans; and through his service in veterans organizations, including as a founding member of the Ƶ Veterans Affinity.
Distinguished Alumna Eileen Brophy was commissioned as an Army second lieutenant three years after graduating from Ƶ in 1971. She served in the Army’s Military Intelligence Branch for 22 years, specializing in progressive positions in tactical intelligence and counterintelligence. She was among the first women Army officers to work at the tactical field level in military intelligence. Her military awards include the Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
After graduating from Ƶ in 1974, Distinguished Alumna Katherine Haile enlisted in the Army and spent three years of active-duty service as a substance abuse counselor. She stayed the course for 37 years in government service, a career devoted to assisting service members with substance abuse issues as a counselor, treatment coordinator, clinical director and program manager. She also served in the Army Reserves for a decade and is the recipient of numerous Army commendations and awards, including the Superior Civilian Service Award. In fall 2020, she was selected to participate in “Operation HerStory”, the first all-female Honor Flight from Chicago, which paid tribute to 92 women veterans from all service branches during WWII, Korea, and the Vietnam War.
The event’s keynote speaker was Sarah Jo Wells, a two-time alumna of Ƶ University who studied art therapy at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She spoke about the various mental health issues service members often face and the ways that art therapy can help them. She has hopes of moving to the Navy base in Norfolk, Va., to work with active duty service members and their families.
As a Yellow Ribbon school, Ƶ provides extended financial aid to veterans and their dependents, and the university has consistently been named a Best College for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Ƶ University thanks Matt, Eileen, Katherine, and all veterans for their dedicated service to our country.
