Meet Our Scholars
Zack Brooks - Cronus Scholar 2022
Zack enlisted in the us army in 2018 and after successfully completing the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program served in the 2nd ranger battalion. Zack has deployed to afghanistan, earned the combat infantryman badge, and completed both airborne and ranger schools.
Zack’s goal as a ranger alumnus is to show others that anything is possible through the cultivation of a community - “attitude, achievement, and leadership are all 110% contagious.”
Zack is currently attending Michigan State University and also an avid endurance athlete.
“Everything I do going forward in life has a purpose because of my time with the 2nd Ranger Battalion. One can not walk down those hallways, see all the fallen brothers, and not want to be the best version of themselves, it's impossible.”
Jon Swedborg - Cronus Scholar 2022
Jon commissioned as an infantry officer in 2012, and has served in various units across the army - including the 10th Mountain Division and 82nd airborne division. Jon has deployed to afghanistan multiple times, where he earned the combat infantryman badge. jon has also completed airborne school, ranger school, pathfinder, air assault, and jumpmaster (sr rated), and has also earned the expert infantryman badge.
Jon’s goal as a cronus scholar is to support the veteran community by providing legal services to help navigate the veteran healthcare network. Jon said “unless you have lived it, no one understands the closeness one can develop with others who come from different backgrounds with almost nothing in common but military service”, and it is his intent to further that feeling of camaraderie as he transitions to law school.
jon currently attends the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University.
“I believe that all people are entitled to a healthy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. While all people are entitled to these things, that does not mean that they will always receive them. I intend to use my future JD and my future skillset to ensure that our brothers and sisters receive the healthcare and benefits that they are entitled to.”
“It is therefore vital that service members share their experiences and impart their appreciation to the rest of society so that we can communicate. Military service members need to set the example for others to follow and serve as a beacon of light in an otherwise dim and chaotic realm."
Nicholas Lee - Cronus Scholar 2021
Nicholas enlisted into the US Army in 2014. Nicholas served as a Practical Nurse, deploying to Syria in 2017 and earned the Combat Medical Badge. While serving in the United States Army, Nicholas completed Airborne School, as well as earning his Italian Jump Wings.
Nicholas is motivated by a calling to serve, supporting others, and the fundamentals learned while serving in the military: improving your surrounding environment.
Nicholas attends Mission College and upon graduation will work as a BSN in Palo Alto, California.
“[Military Service] means to serve, to help, to assist, and to sacrifice. It means that even after your contract obligation, military service is still a life long and continuous process.”
Devin Slaughter - Cronus Scholar 2021
Devin enlisted in the US Army in 2018 and after successfully completing the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion. Devin has deployed to afghanistan and has also earned the combat infantryman badge, and completed both airborne and ranger school.
Devin epitomizes what service in the ranger regiment means: a commitment to something greater with a mission that never ends.
Devin currently attends Montana State university.
“Being a Ranger is something that will always be a part of me. The self discipline, leadership and calm demeanor in chaotic situations are all attributes that will remain with me for life.”
Anthony Allen - Cronus Scholar 2021
Anthony enlisted in the US Army in 2017 and after successfully completing the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program served in the 1st Ranger Battalion. Anthony has deployed to afghanistan and has earned the combat infantryman badge, Expert infantryman badge, and also completed both airborne and ranger school.
While serving as a weapons team leader in afghanistan, anthony was entrusted with a significant level of responsibility, operating independently on several missions as a result of his maturity and capability to conquer adversity.
Anthony currently attends the University of Colorado at Boulder.
“I will take the skills I have learned from the Ranger Regiment into my next career and ensure my service makes a positive impact on my community, as I know my fellow Rangers will.”
Jonathan Frew - Cronus Class 2020
Jonathan enlisted into the US Navy in 2004. He went to SFAS and underwent SFQC in 2012 and was assigned to 19th SFG. He has deployed multiple times to Afghanistan and has earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
He currently attends Columbia University.
Jonathan is passionate about building networks and supporting Veterans entering into higher education.
“A member of the community who does more not because they were more skilled or gifted, but because it was necessary.”
Brad Carney - Cronus Scholar 2020
Brad initially enlisted into the US Army in 2007 as a 13F. He served in the 82nd until 2011. He re-enlisted into the US Army under an Option 40 contract in 2012 as a 13F and was assigned to D Co 3/75 at Ft Benning, GA. He has deployed once to Iraq and has earned the Army Commendation Medal with 1 OLC and Parachutist Badge.
He currently attends Dartmouth University and is enrolled at Harvard Law School.
Brad is passionate about serving Veterans and their families, especially in assisting with legal services.
“I plan to continue to serve as a mentor to Rangers and veterans alike as they navigate college and law school admissions.”
Nicholas Nolan - Cronus Scholar 2020
Nicholas enlisted into the US Army in 2017 as an 11B. After OSUT, he was assigned to the 1-506 "Red Currahee" at Fort Campbell, KY. He has deployed once to Iraq, and has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal with C device, Air Assault Badge, and Expert Infantry Badge.
He currently attends Prairie View A&M as part of the Green to Gold program. He plans on branching Infantry.
Nick is passionate about returning back to the force and mentoring and developing future generations of warriors.
“I have to improve the organizations and communities that have meant so much to me and shaped me…”
Rachel Gruber - Cronus Scholar 2019
Rachel Gruber is a 2011 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. She commissioned as a Quartermaster officer after graduation and was assigned to 3rd STB, 3-101 at Ft Campbell, Kentucky. She has deployed once to Afghanistan, and has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with one OLC, Combat Action Badge, and Air Assault badge.
Rachel currently attends college where she is working on completing her nursing degree and specializing in critical care. She plans on working at the VA Medical Center with the hopes of giving back to fellow Veterans in their time of need.
Rachel is passionate about serving her fellow Veterans and families and advocating for their health.
“I am grateful for a universal life lesson my military service gave me - when something becomes difficult, you must grit your teeth and see it through.”
Mitchell Piwowar - Cronus Scholar 2019
Mitchell Piwowar enlisted in the US Army in 2014 with an Option 40 contract. After he completed OSUT at Ft Benning, Airborne, and RASP, Mitchell was assigned to C Co, 1/75 at Hunter Army Airfield, GA. He has deployed three times to Afghanistan and has been awarded the Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger tab, and Airborne badge.
Mitchell currently attends college where he is majoring in Biochemistry. He intends to attend Physicians Assistant (PA) school where he hopes to return to Regiment and serve as a civilian PA.
Mitchell is passionate about helping fellow Veterans transition from military service and to help dispel some of the misconceptions that Veterans face amongst civilians.
“We can take care of each other just like we always have and help create a stronger, smarter, and more diverse class of Ranger scholars.”
Eric Gross - Cronus Scholar 2019
Eric Gross enlisted in the US Army in 2012 with an Option 40 contract. After completing Basic, AIT, Airborne, and RASP, Eric was assigned to D Co 3/75 at Ft Benning, GA. He has deployed to Afghanistan once and to Korea once. He has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Airborne badge.
Eric has been accepted to a Master Gunsmithing program where he intends to marry his passion for firearms into continuing to serve fellow Veterans by giving them an outlet and community after separating from service.
Eric is passionate about creating bonds and relationships with other Veterans, especially in an outdoor setting, as they transition into civilian life.
“… we have the chance to radiate what we have learned to those around us who are wavering on their own path”