RIT student, USMC veteran a judge in AEOP-sponsored youth pin design challenge honoring veterans

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who is now studying mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology attributes his involvement with RIT’s Veterans Club for allowing him the opportunities to learn more about campus and get involved in community activities – one which recently included being a judge in the We?Veterans Pin Design Challenge, sponsored by the Army Educational Outreach Program and Future Engineers. AEOP’s apprenticeships and fellowships division is housed at RIT’s K-12 University Center and administered on behalf of the U.S. Army.

“It was hard to pass on the distinctive connection I have as an engineering student and student veteran, to the Future Engineers’ pin design challenge,” he said. “Joining the Veterans Club at RIT has been a great opportunity for me to get involved in the school and the community. It has allowed me to participate as a judge in the in challenge, sponsored by two great programs (including) AEOP, which has a link to the K-12 center. Connecting with other veterans on campus has also helped me navigate life as a student, and given me trusted resources and advice I can count on.”

On Feb. 23, 20 finalists were announced through the We?Veterans Pin Design Challenge that were selected among thousands of submissions. The finalists’ designs will be featured at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. View the designs, here.

“The pins were all great, but the write-ups were truly the best part,” Faga said. “Reading their explanations of why they chose the colors and symbols they did, and the meaning behind it brought a smile to my face. It’s important to connect with the next generation to instill traits in them like honor, courage and commitment. These are the traits that are embodied by the men and women of the armed forces, and most of all, so we never forget freedom isn’t free.”

Winners will be announced April 4 that will include a trip for two to attend a Memorial Day event at the museum, in addition to a 3-D printer donated to an organization of the winner’s choice.

According to information from Future Engineers, fourth- through 12th-grade students across the country submitted a digital 3-D model of a wearable pin with a design meant to honor veterans. The design must have also included a description of the submitted work that were reviewed by judges who were service members and veterans. The Top 10 finalists of each grade level will get their pin designs printed and handed out to veterans who visit the museum. They will also each receive tangible models of their design and a $100 gift card to put toward more 3-D prints of their pin.

Faga served in the Marines from 2002 to 2015, and is an Iraq War veteran having served with Operation Enduring Freedom. He said he worked in aviation supporting the UH-1N Twin Huey and the AH-1W Super Cobra – “two of the most iconic helicopters in military aviation history.” He’s now a fourth-year engineering student at RIT and vice president of the Veterans Club.

The mission of RIT’s Veterans Club is to advocate for student veterans on campus, and provide assistance to student veterans and military-affiliated students looking to achieve success in higher educational goals while at RIT. The group volunteers at events on and off campus, including the Polar Plunge, Toys for Tots and Wreaths Across America. They have also partnered with the Veterans Club at Monroe Community College to support activities and events, and assisted the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 with its semi-annual memorial clean-up.

The Veterans Club is located at the Office of Veteran Student Success lounge in Building 400, Room 2040. To learn more about veteran and military-connected student services at RIT, visit the link, here.