IMG_0121Staff Sergeant Joseph DiGirolamo (United States Marine Corps) and his family were in attendance at Syracuse University’s Sept. 19th football game against the Central Michigan Chippewas.  At every home game, the Syracuse University Athletics Department and the Office for Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) honor a “Hometown Hero” and their family, recognizing their service and sacrifice to our nation and the Central New York community.

SSGT DiGirolamo enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 2004 as a military photojournalist.  Throughout his eleven years of photojournalism, SSGT DiGirolamo has traveled extensively and captured some amazing photos.  He is currently a student in the Military Photojournalism Program at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

SSGT DiGirolamo has received numerous accolades for his achievements in photojournalism.  While working at the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Albany, New York, he was named “Marketing Public Affairs Marine of the Year.”  Additionally, he has served as an instructor at the Defense Information School in Fort Meade, Maryland where he was recognized for outstanding leadership.  Most recently, SSGT DiGirolamo led a public affairs team that provided extensive coverage of the relief efforts following Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

IMG_0123Staff Sergeant DiGirolamo’s proudest military moment was in 2006 when he deployed with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  During that time he was able to witness and document the incredible heart, grit, and bravery of his fellow Marine infantrymen.

SSGT DiGirolamo was accompanied on the field by his wife, Amy, and daughters, Kaylee and Skylar.