Mike and Colleen Drum’s amazing journey to Syracuse University began with both serving in the United States Marine Corps. Mike was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, and he enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve as an Infantry Rifleman in July 2010 following his high school graduation.
He completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, and job training at the School of Infantry in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Over his six years of service in the Marine Corps Reserves, Mike served as a Rifleman, Scout, and Scout Squad Leader with Echo Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division based in Syracuse, New York.
Mike earned the non-commissioned officer rank of Sergeant, and previously acquired the rank of Corporal with meritorious honors. He attributes the proudest moments of his military service to representing the United States with his fellow Marines and sailors during training operations and cultural exercises in the Kingdom of Morocco (2015) and South Africa (2011).
Colleen Drum is from Detroit, Michigan, and enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17 as a Field Radio Operator. During her four years on active duty from 2003-2007, Colleen served with the 3rd Marine Division Combat Assault Battalion, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing MWSS 373, and a combat deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2006, Colleen earned the Naval Achievement Award for exemplary service during a combat deployment to Iraq for 100% mission readiness. The proudest moment of Colleen’s military career is having had the privilege to serve beside and meet the bravest women and men in the United States. Marine Corps camaraderie is truly unmatched!
After transitioning out of military service, Mike and Colleen’s paths collided at Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, where they were both employed, met, and married on September 2nd of this year.
Today, Mike and Colleen still work at Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Mike is the National Program Manager for Onward to Opportunity, and Colleen is the Onward to Opportunity Installation Manager at Fort Drum, New York.