I don’t know about you but being in college is a lot for me between trying to juggle school with my social life. So imagine juggling school, a social life, and ROTC? Seems impossible but Junior Phil Pastrone proved that one wrong. He even had time to sit down with me and shed some light on the guy behind the uniform.Â
Name
Phil Pastrone
Home State
Massachusettes
Year
Junior
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Spirit Animal
It would have to be a tiger because they are powerful
Relationship Status
Single
CUA Involvement
I am on a 4 year scholarship with Army ROTC, sprinter for track and field, and I am going on a spring break mission trip to Jamaica
2 Truths and a Lie (Keep reading to find the answer!)
   1. I have been on an airplane 87 times.
   2. I have never been outside the country.
   3. I have almost been eaten by a shark
Favorite Part of DC
The Jefferson Memorial by the tidal pool because of the gorgeous scenery.
What is ROTC?
ROTC stands for Reserves Officers’ Training Corps. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays we do early morning PT (Physical Training). Once a month we go to Virginia for field training where we practice military training and we sleep in the field or the woods at night. That can get cold and painful. When I graduate, I will be a second Lieutenant, as an officer in the army.
Why did you want to go to CUA and do ROTC instead of just joining the army?
I think the ROTC program is a great way to combine the traditional college experience with an opportunity to serve the country.
Why the Army and not a different branch?
All my life, I have liked the Army and they also offered me a full scholarship.
When did you know you wanted to join the Army?
When I was applying to colleges during my senior year of high school.
Why did you pick CUA?
I was able to do ROTC while also living in DC. Also, my older sister also goes here and loves it here so IÂ had already been to CUA and knew what it was like.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to be an officer in the army reserves and then get a job as a sales engineer. I like the Maryland area a lot but I am not opposed to going to the West coast like Southern California.
Most people associate the army with death and violence which contradicts the catholic faith. Why did you chose such a Catholic school while also choosing the army?
I didn’t join for the violence, I joined for the service of the country and to defend the values of the US. The army does its duty to protect the US, it is not just violence. I view my service in the army as a way to protect and defend the citezens and to serve the values of the US.Â
Well there you go, the guy behind the uniform. Now for the big reveal on what is the truth and what is a lie……..NUMBER 2. Phil has been out of the country. Thought number 3 was the lie? Better hit him up for that shark story. :)
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