Recognizing the service, contributions, and sacrifices of our veteran and military service men and women, the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award—established by generous donors Peter and Sarah Beshar—supports the educational pursuits and aspirations of John Jay veteran and military students. We sat down with recipients of the scholarship to learn more about how their military service has shaped their lives and how this scholarship will impact their continued path to success.
Winning a scholarship for many students can be the difference between being laser focused on their classes or being distracted by the demand of having to work a job, or two, in order to pay for tuition. For John Jay graduate student Eric Bardales ’21, a Specialist/E4 and Infantryman in the New York Army National Guard, receiving the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award provides financial relief while earning his master’s degree in Criminal Justice with an Advanced Certificate in Terrorism Studies. “Without the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award I would be forced to use my G.I. Bill housing stipend to pay for my tuition and I’d have to find other means of income to support myself during this time,” says Bardales. “The Beshar Scholars Military Service Award virtually eliminates the cost of this semester at John Jay, giving me the privilege and opportunity to focus all my efforts on my studies.” We spoke with Bardales to learn more about his role in the military and how the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award brings him closer to his future goals.
“Without the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award I would be forced to use my G.I. Bill housing stipend to pay for my tuition and I’d have to find other means of income to support myself during this time.” —Eric Bardales
What drew you to joining the military?
I chose to enlist in the military after earning my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Albany in December 2018. While I was an undergraduate, I joined the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program and learned a great deal not only about the Army, but also about myself. Once I received my degree, I immediately enlisted with the New York Army National Guard where I’m now an Infantryman.
While serving in the New York Army National Guard, what’s a typical day like for you?
As a traditional National Guardsman, I’m not typically a full-time soldier. I take part in a monthly drill, where as an Infantryman, the training is oriented around combat readiness and the assurance the soldier is fit to fight. However, during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was notified that my unit would be activated. We were tasked with operating and manning Covid-19 test sites across New York City’s five boroughs and Long Island, New York. I was stationed in Staten Island and on a typical day I assisted law enforcement officers in issuing personal protective equipment to health care workers on the front lines. I also collected Covid-19 test samples to be transported to the laboratory.
Being in the military, what has been your biggest challenge? How have you overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge for me is maintaining my commitments outside of the military. With the Covid-19 activation and normal drill schedule, it’s been a challenge with balancing the credit load of graduate school along with the military. I’ve been able to overcome the challenge by improving my time management skills and working with professors when a conflict arrives.
How has the military impacted your life, your future goals, and your career aspirations?
The military helped shape the guiding principles of my life, keeping me focused and determined on completing any task that comes my way. It’s also taught me to recognize what’s truly important in life; and to appreciate the incredible support I receive from my family and friends. Regarding my career goals, it’s reinforced my desire to work in law enforcement. Since I was a kid, I wanted to be a law enforcement officer, just like my dad. My hope is to combine my military experience with my education and become a federal law enforcement officer. Currently, I’m in the selection process to be a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service.
“It’s great that there’s someone like Richard Pusateri at John Jay, who not only understands the struggles military and veteran students face, but also goes above and beyond in assisting them.”—Eric Bardales
As a military student at John Jay, how has the College supported you?
The support I’ve received at John Jay has been amazing. Richard Pusateri, Manager of the Office of Military and Veteran Services, has been really helpful, assisting me during the Covid-19 activation and utilizing my education benefits with the military. It’s great that there’s someone like Richard Pusateri at John Jay, who not only understands the struggles military and veteran students face, but also goes above and beyond in assisting them.
Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
I see myself working as a law enforcement officer and using my certificate in Terrorism Studies and what I’ve learned at John Jay to keep this country safe every day.
