Eastern Connecticut State University

Eastern honors American heroes on Veterans Day

DiSilvestro '11: "The desire to serve doesn't end when the uniform comes off"

by Kyle Berson '26

Willimantic, CT (11/11/2026) — Eastern Connecticut State University honored the nearly 20 million United States active and retired military personnel during its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. The event featured remarks from campus dignitaries and a keynote address by Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and Eastern alumnus Andrew DiSilvestro '11.

Willimantic's First Congregational Church Minister Paul Doyle, pastor at Eastern's Interfaith Campus Ministry, opened the ceremony: "We are who we are (as a nation) due in large part to those who gave their lives in service," he said.

Eastern President Karim Ismaili recognized that the family members of veterans and active service members share in that burden as well: "Service is rarely carried out by one person alone. ... A family shares in the time apart, the uncertainty, the transitions, and the sacrifices that come with that commitment."

Shifting to Eastern specifically, he drew parallels between the purpose of Veterans Day and the goals of higher education.

"Veterans Day asks us to pause and reflect on the meaning of service, and on the sacrifices made by those who have chosen to serve something larger than themselves," said Ismaili. "A university education challenges us to consider not only what we hope to accomplish in our own lives, but what responsibilities we have to one another, and to the communities of which we are a part."

Senior Michael Hemmings, a student leader and Marine recruit, introduced keynote speaker DiSilvestro, an Air Force veteran and CEO of AmeriTech Contracting. He described the 2011 Eastern alum as embodying "calm and confidence in the face of complexity."

"Coming back to this university is special," DiSilvestro began. "Returning on Veterans Day - the opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served this nation - brings a different kind of meaning."

He shared a moving story about a fellow service member and dear friend, Mike, whom DiSilvestro met in 2014 at UConn's Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, a transitional resource that helps veterans apply their skills to entrepreneurship and business ownership. DiSilvestro credited him as one of the most driven, resilient veterans he had ever met.

"The desire to serve doesn't end when the uniform comes off," DiSilvestro said. "After his service, Mike dedicated himself to protecting veteran benefits. If you've ever dealt with that system, you know it's not easy."

DiSilvestro described his friend's commitment to helping his fellow veterans fight denied claims, secure proper disability ratings, and navigate systems that often complicate veterans' access to health care and benefits. More importantly, Mike sought to ensure veterans didn't lose their sense of self.

"He wasn't fighting for disability ratings, but for dignity for those who served," said DiSilvestro.

While crusading for his brothers and sisters in arms, Mike struggled with mental health until his death in 2020.

"Sometimes the people fighting the hardest for others are the ones who need some help themselves," said DiSilvestro, noting that mental health struggles remain a prevalent challenge within the veteran community.

"I want his life, commitment, and service to others to define his legacy," he said. "The most meaningful mission you can ever undertake is one that improves the lives of others."

The veteran and CEO concluded with a call to the Eastern community.

"Continue creating opportunities for veterans to grow, lead, serve, and, most importantly, continue building a culture where they know they belong. We never know how much those connections might mean to someone," he said. "Mike's service mattered. His life mattered. His legacy deserves to live on in the actions we take."

Eastern's Veterans Day ceremony also featured a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the National Anthem by Eastern Chamber Singers.