After commissioning into the U.S. Air Force through Syracuse University’s Reserve Officer Training Program, 2nd Lt. Daniel Egert is putting satellites and people into orbit.
Every time a rocket blasts off in Florida, 2nd Lt. Daniel Egert ’19 is doing his job. As a space operations officer assigned to the 45th Range Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Egert is part of a team that helps to ensure a successful liftoff.
As a cadet in Syracuse University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps—the longest continuous program of its kind in the country—Egert found out he was assigned to space operations before graduation. He wasn’t sure what to expect but he loves it. He also enjoys being just a short drive from his hometown of Ocala, but he misses Syracuse. “It has a great downtown area, and you can walk everywhere. It’s just fantastic,” he says.
Being away from campus has also cemented his perception of Syracuse’s commitment to be the “Best Place for Veterans™.” “When you’re out in the world and you talk to other people about their school experiences as military-connected students, you realize Syracuse really is that good,” Egert says. He looks forward to visiting campus when he’s not on duty preparing for the next planned missions and SpaceX launches or resupplying the International Space Station. “I love what I’m doing now, and I loved Syracuse University. And to be able to go from one high point to the next high point, I mean, you can’t ask for anything else.”