Adam L’Episcopo will get to graduate this spring, but soon thereafter he may be headed to Iraq — again. L’Episcopo is a senior in the School of International Service and he has a remarkable story. He served four years in the Army, including 18 months in Iraq. While in Baghdad, he wrote AU an admissions essay from inside an armored combat vehicle. He wanted to study international relations and he knew SIS had one of the country’s best programs. In truth, he didn’t think he’d get in. He was wrong.
L’Episcopo arrived on campus last fall with enough credits to make him a senior this year. He was told he could graduate with the Class of 2010. Then, this past August, he got a call from his mother. Talking though her tears, she told L’Episcopo the Army had called him to serve again. He was to begin refresher training in early October and return to Iraq in the beginning of 2010. After everything he had done to get himself into college, his graduation would have to be postponed.
Determined to stay at AU, L’Episcopo took action. He drummed up student support on campus and got his senators to write letters petitioning the Army to grant him an exemption from deployment. He worked frantically for weeks. Last Thursday, the Army called him again. Much to his surprise, his wish had been granted. He’ll get to walk across the stage this spring after all.
L’Episcopo isn’t particularly political, but some of the students who advocated for have made some good suggestions for revisions to U.S. military policy on recalling inactive reserves. In fact, the executive director of the Student Veterans Association wants Congress to pass a bill that would end the practice of recalling inactive reserves altogether. We like this idea. We also appreciate that L’Episcopo has agreed to work with SVA and champion this cause. He has volunteered to sit before Congress, if necessary, and explain why the bill deserves passage. For our part, we support his efforts. There is no reason why a young person who returns from four years of Army service should have to ship off again two years later.
Hopefully, Adam L’Episcopo and his allies will win Congress over. His compelling personal story could help him make the case. But regardless of the future, AU can be proud to have L’Episcopo among its graduates this spring. He embodies the spirit of service that makes this school a special place.
