November 12, 2016
Students’ phone calls fill alumni-veterans with gratitude
BY MARIE FLEGO ’14 & ’16G
November is a month known for its focus on giving thanks. Not only do we gather with friends and family to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, but we also take the time to express our gratitude towards the men and women who have defended our freedom.
As highlighted largely in the centennial film The Promise of Providence, co-produced by Mike Leonard ’70, ’00Hon., ’93P, ’95P, ’00P, & ’07P and Mary Kay Wall ’13P, ’15P, ’18P, & ’20P, PC has a rich history of military service to the United States. The men and women who have served diligently over time have left behind a strong spirit of patriotism for the College’s U.S. Army ROTC Patriot Battalion, including its current cadets.
With this sense of appreciation, approximately 25 members of the Patriot Battalion joined nearly 35 members of the Student Alumni Association (SAA) to place phone calls of gratitude to PC alumni who have served in the military, including those who are graduates of PC’s ROTC Program. Veterans first received postcards of thanks, and on Nov. 10, the day before Veterans Day, cadets and SAA members made approximately 800 individual calls.
One of the callers, Tim Trocchio ’17, a cadet in his final year at PC, was heard chatting away with many alumni who served in the military and who share a love of both PC and the United States. Trocchio’s conversation with Richard Gray ’69 was a reminder of why he made the decision to join the Army, he said. Gray talked openly about his time served in Vietnam but was eager to hear more about Trocchio’s experience as a cadet. Both ended the conversation feeling proud of what they represent and in awe of the bond of the PC family.
Amanda Piechota ’19, an SAA member, had a similar experience with a fellow Friar she called. What started off as a simple thank you to Peter Bortolan ’60 turned into a 20-minute conversation about bravery, loyalty, and, of course, a mutual love of PC. Bortolan was not only one of the first students to live in Raymond Hall but was also a member of the Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He recalled in detail receiving a call on the red phone in his office to inform him of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a day in history that few Americans will forget.
Their conversation also had a much lighter side. Bortolan recalled sneaking out of his St. Joe’s dorm window to meet his buddies at Bradley Café. He was extremely pleased to hear that the residence hall is still up and running.
While these students and others were intending to be the ones to express their thanks, they were oftentimes on the receiving end of gratitude. Getting a call from current students made the day of many of our brave veterans, and they graciously shared these feelings of appreciation with them. SAA member Jamie Russo ’17 was humbled by the outpouring of gratitude that James O’Leary, Esq. ’63 & ’97P felt after taking the call.
Not only did he feel honored to receive the phone call from Jamie, but he also talked about the ROTC Veterans Day Ceremony that took place in St. Dominic Chapel on Nov. 9. The program was filled with prayer, reflection, and immense appreciation for the sacrifice made by all who served and continue to serve our great country. O’Leary said he could truly feel just how much PC appreciates the service of its men and women, both past and present.
