Tony Verenna

Tony Verenna Army Interview

Bennett Rudge: [00:00:00] Hello. My name is Bennett Rudge, and I'm working on Brady Kondek's Eagle Project. What is your name?

Tony Verenna: [00:00:05] My name is Col. Tony Verenna.

Bennett Rudge: [00:00:08] What is or was your role in the military? Rank/responsibility?

Tony Verenna: [00:00:13] So I am an Army colonel. I'm still on active duty. I am currently assigned to the Army War College here at Carlisle Barracks. But I'm getting ready to retire here in a few weeks.

Weston Rudge: [00:00:27] When and why did you join the military?.

Tony Verenna: [00:00:30] Well, I joined the military because I went to West Point and I, I was recruited to wrestle and I wanted to serve our country at the end of the day. I just felt like it was a great opportunity for school, to wrestle, and to serve our country.

Bennett Rudge: [00:00:50] How are you associated with Cumberland County?

Tony Verenna: [00:00:53] So I was assigned as a student here at the Army War College in 2018 and 19. I graduated in 19, and I was fortunate to stay here after that one year of school and serve as faculty, and I've been here ever since and I love it here. I enjoy Bubble Town and everything that happens with it.

Bennett Rudge: [00:01:21] Have you served in any wars or conflicts?

Tony Verenna: [00:01:23] So I have, I've served in the ones that you hear about the most; Iraq, Afghanistan. But I wasn't there as long as other folks were. I spent a lot of time in Africa and also in South America. That's where I spent my time and a little bit of time in Korea.

Bennett Rudge: [00:01:41] What are some of your favorite memories?

Tony Verenna: [00:01:44] Some of my favorite memories are just being in those deployed areas, just talking and being around the soldiers and getting to know them and their families and and then helping them succeed in life. That's just the that's the best thing about being a leader in the military, is helping young soldiers succeed and then seeing them actually succeed.

Weston Rudge: [00:02:05] What is one piece of advice you'd give to the younger generation?

Tony Verenna: [00:02:09] Never give up, okay? Literally never give up. And just keep driving forward. Even if you have a setback, you can overcome it. In an instant. Just at the Bubbler football game last night we had a guy who had a penalty and the very next play, he overcame that penalty and ended up not letting the other team score. So let's just keep driving forward, and never quit and winning matters, all right, winning matters.

Bennett Rudge: [00:02:43] Is there anything else you would like to share?

Tony Verenna: [00:02:46] No, I think you guys are doing awesome. You did a great job today. Very mature. And go Army beat Navy. We always beat Navy and go bubblers. All right. That's good.

Bennett Rudge: [00:03:02] Thank you so much for your time.

Tony Verenna: [00:03:03] Alrighty, thanks guys.