Student sends supplies to troops

‌

Photo provided

Angelena Russo, a 92A specialist for the U.S. Army, packages goods and ships it to military bases.

Angelena Russo, a fourth-year computer engineer technology student, makes sure troops get the food and equipment they need. As a 92A specialist, she manages warehouse inventory and distributes goods. She is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve 490^th Quartermaster Co. in Rochester. The Syracuse, N.Y., native is also the director of the College Activities Board at RIT.

Question: What brought you to RIT?
Answer: When I toured campus, it was Humans vs. Zombies week and I thought it was great. I enjoyed watching the battles because it looked like so much fun. I also liked how accepting RIT is to all walks of life.

Q: Why did you choose to major in computer engineering technology?
A: The major is very hands-on. You get to work with physical objects and see how things connect to each other. I learn a lot easier participating in something rather than just thinking about theory.

Q: What inspired you to join the Army Reserve?
A: I have always wanted to join since I was 12 years old. I had to do a school project on other countries and how people are treated. Being so young, the project changed me. From then on, I knew I wanted to help people and protect our country when I grew up. My cousin is also an Army ranger. His passion for joining made me want to look into it more. So after fall quarter of my freshman year, I decided to take a year off and completed basic training and advanced individual training for my job.

Q: What is a 92A specialist?
A: A 92A is an automated logistical specialist. My platoon is in charge of dealing with the warehouse so we issue out goods like food, ammo and uniforms. We track all the goods and make sure each different platoon, unit or company gets what they need. One weekend of every month I go to my unit to learn how to deliver goods in an effective way for when we are deployed. Every year we also are required to train at a base for two to three weeks.

Q: What is the biggest takeaway from your job?
A: The biggest thing I learned is nothing can happen without a team. As an individual you can do a lot, but it’s more powerful when you have a team working together. We get the job done faster and more efficiently.

Q: What does Veterans Day mean to you?
A: When I think of Veterans Day, I think of people who have been deployed and given their time within all branches of the military. It’s also about paying respects to veterans who have passed away in battle or not.

Q: Will you be attending the Veterans Day breakfast at RIT?
A: Yes, this will be my first year attending the breakfast. In the future, I would really like to help plan the event during my last two years at RIT.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories at RIT?
A: The memory that comes to mind is when I was a part of the Spring Fest committee because I had to think about students and what would bring people of all genres to the events. Seeing those ideas come to life and everybody so excited about it was the best thing that I have done here so far.

Q: As you get closer to graduation, what are your plans?
A: I have three more years left in my Army contract and at that point I will determine if I want to continue on or pursue another career.

Traci Turner compiles “Student Spotlight” for University News. Contact her at trt6538@rit.edu with suggestions.