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MCC Daily Tribune

Student Veteran Profile: Sam Interlichia

Veterans Day is observed on November 11 every year, regardless of the day it falls on. The Department of Veterans Affairs says the eleventh day of the eleventh month was chosen to celebrate Veterans Day because it was when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

MCC thanks all of our veterans, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni, for their service. To show our gratitude, we are profiling four student veterans this week, leading up to Veterans Day next week.  Today, we profile Sam Interlichia. 

  • Branch: United States Marine Corps
  • Active Duty: November 29, 2015 to July 19, 2023 
  • Stationed: 8th Communications Battalion, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Amphibious Communications Detachment with Expeditionary Strike Group 3.

Why did you join the military?

I joined the Marine Corps for a myriad of reasons. Having just graduated high school, I knew I wasn't ready for college. I didn't know what I would pursue, and I knew I wasn't ready to continue being a student. Hurting for money and a lifestyle change, I joined the Corps to make something of myself and to test the very limits of my capabilities. Coming from a military family, I was drawn like a moth to a flame to how challenging boot camp alone would be. I didn't want a desk job, nor did I want to take the easy path; I wanted to push myself to achieve what only .01% of the population can say they have and I checked that one off my bucket list.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

I could write a paragraph about the respect and admiration Veterans Day seeks to foster towards those like me who've served, but in all honesty, I don't see it that way. I didn't serve in the Corps to attain respect and admiration from others, but to attain that within myself. To me, Veterans Day is just another. I don't want to limit myself to just one day to give respect to others who've served, but practice a constant paying of respect every day of my life. For me, true respect lies in the smallest of moments: in reaching out to fellow veterans, supporting causes that help those who've served, or simply carrying forward the lessons learned during my time in the service. I think it's important to remember that for many, the sacrifices and struggles don't end when they hang up their uniform. That’s why I strive to practice a constant paying of respect, to live my life in a way that honors their ongoing resilience and contributions every day of my life.

What are your future plans?

My passion has always been to help others in any way I can. Doubled with my fascination for Psychology, I am currently studying Human Services so that I can work in a helping capacity to provide aid to others in need. My long-term goal is to work my way to a master's degree and PhD and to work as a psychiatrist. I have a long way to go, but I'm enjoying every second of the journey!

Photo Caption:

  • Sam Interlichia, standing in military camouflage, holding a hard helmet and military-issued long gun strapped to the front of his body and pointed downward.  

Attached Files:
Student Veteran - Sam Interlichia .jpg

Veronica Chiesi Brown
Community Relations
11/04/2024