In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, MSOE is highlighting a few student veterans to showcase how their experience in the service influences the way they navigate classes at MSOE. MSOE was named the No. 1 University in the Midwest for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report (2027). The university is proud to offer many resources for current military, veterans and veteran dependents, including the Student Veterans Organization, the Veterans Lounge, priority registration, a Raider Shop discount, veteran parking spaces, Student Accessibility Services and Veteran’s Education Benefits. Veterans bring unique perspectives to the classroom and are valued members of the MSOE community. Meet some of the student veterans on campus:

Tony Arcilla
United States Navy
Architectural Engineering

What were your roles and responsibilities in the service?
I served in the U.S. Navy starting July 23, 2004 for 20 years, retiring Aug. 31, 2024. I had multiple roles and responsibilities throughout my time such as project electrician, convoy security driver/gunner, squad leader, shop supervisor, safety manager, telecommunications technician, generator mechanic, facilities manager and department chief.

What skillsets did you learn in the service that you apply to your coursework at MSOE?
The main skillset that I use every day at MSOE is communication. I have worked with many different individuals coming from multiple backgrounds. Strength in diversity is real, as realizing that everyone is different and utilizing each other’s differences to achieve a common goal is the key to succeeding in anything.

What resources does MSOE offer for veterans that you utilize/value most?
I believe that the most important resource MSOE offers to veterans is the Student Veterans Organization, as not all schools have it. We help each other in multiple facets of our lives. First education, but also professional and personal matters from helping one another find an internship/job to finishing up our VA claims.

Why did you choose to major in architectural engineering at MSOE?
I chose MSOE because I grew up in Milwaukee and I was moving back to Milwaukee after 20 years of living all over the world. I was an electrician for my Naval career which led me to major in architectural engineering with a specialization in electrical.

What is your favorite part of MSOE?
My favorite part of MSOE is inclusion as there is something for every person, veteran or not, at MSOE.

Do you have a job/internship?
I am currently interning at HGA as an electrical engineering student intern.

Are you involved in any clubs/orgs at MSOE?
I am a member of the Student Veterans Organization.

 Robert Makinster
United States Marine Corps
Construction Management

What were your roles and responsibilities in the service?
I served in the United States Marine Corps for just over 4 years. I was stationed in Yuma, Arizona with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371. I was a motor vehicle operator and trained to drive and operate a 7-ton truck that was coupled with a 5,000-gallon fuel trailer. We would fuel and support the needs of all variations of aircraft in the Navy and Marine Corps.

What skillsets did you learn in the service that you apply to your coursework at MSOE?
As a marine, we are trained to lead from the very beginning. This leadership placed me in roles where presenting to higher ups was a daily task. As a construction management major, we are required to be able to present in a professional manor, and my experiences in the marines prepared me greatly by prompting confidence and presenting relevant material in a clear way.

What resources does MSOE offer for veterans that you utilize/value most?
MSOE offers several resources to veterans; an early registration date allows veterans to stay on track with their graduation path by being able to get into sought after classes. The university gives veterans space to meet and study with the Veterans Lounge; the lounge offers a great place to work on homework away from the bustle of others and offers a private space to take calls and conduct interviews.

Why did you choose to major in construction management at MSOE?
I chose to major in construction management due to my strong interest in the construction industry and allow for my leadership skills to come to the forefront. MSOE was the perfect option because of its veteran resources and course selection that will readily prepare me for a worthy career after graduation.

What is your favorite part of MSOE?
My favorite part of MSOE is the size. As someone who likes to get to know people, it makes it easy to create connections with teachers and peers. Being able to have classes with the same students helps with studying and projects, and having the same professors makes it easy to ask and receive help when needed.

Are you involved in any clubs/orgs at MSOE?
I am currently the vice president of the Student Veterans Organization here at MSOE. We are an organization that is comprised of veterans, national guard, reservists and members of ROTC. We have monthly meetings where we build camaraderie amongst ourselves, create study groups, and have speakers talk about what benefits veterans are offered.

Justin Wagner
United States Marine Corps
Mechanical Engineering

What were your roles and responsibilities in the service?
I served in the Maring Corps for five years. I was in signals intelligence, so we did collection and analysis of radio signals. We did a lot of data analysis to provide intel to guys on the front lines.

What skillsets did you learn in the service that you apply to your coursework at MSOE?
Persistence, dedication, leadership and problem solving.

What resources does MSOE offer for veterans that you utilize/value most?
Student Veterans Organization, Student Accessibility Services and support from Angela Moureau. On top of all the work Angela does with the other students who aren’t vets, she has selflessly become the contact point for most of the vets here on campus. Most schools have some sort of Veteran Service Officer who strictly deals with the veteran community, at MSOE we do not, and Angela has gone out of her way to provide as much support as she can.

Why did you choose to major in mechanical engineering at MSOE?
I chose this major because I was previously in industrial work and loved to try to make things run better and create new designs.

What is your favorite part of MSOE?
The small class sizes and great professors.

Are you involved in any clubs/orgs at MSOE?
I am president of the Student Veterans Organization.