MCC Daily Tribune

Student Veteran Profile: Angela Granger

This week, we're honoring two of our student veterans by sharing their stories in the Daily Trib. Each feature highlights their service and personal journey. Join us in celebrating these remarkable students — and all who have served — as we honor the commitment and sacrifice of those in uniform.

Branch: I served in the United States Army National Guard. My first job was a transportation specialist. I did that for 6 years. Then I retrained as a light-wheeled mechanic. I remained in that job skill for 10.5 years and medically retired as a Senior Mechanic.
Date of Service: I served 16.5 years until I had to medically retire.
Stationed/Active Duty: I was deployed in 2008-2009 to Baghdad, Iraq, and Al Kut, Iraq. I was also deployed to help with Hurricane Sandy and to Buffalo for the Blizzard. I did all my weekend drills in Rochester unless we had to travel to drill elsewhere.

What motivated you to join the military?

What motivated me at the time to join the military was an extra paycheck every month, because back when I had my bachelor's, I was only making $8.42 an hour, and that just wasn't paying the bills. I also wanted to travel and see the world without paying for it, so I thought joining the Army National Guard would be a good fit. I love helping people, and I got to do plenty of that throughout my service.

Are there parts of your military experience that help you as a student? If yes, explain.

I think the military has helped me as a student because it teaches you structure and accountability.

What challenges have you faced as a student-veteran?

The challenge I face as a student-veteran is the fact that I am a single parent trying to juggle many different things while being a full-time student. I encountered a work injury, which made me have to change career paths. I have a BA degree that I received in 2003 from the University at Buffalo, so being out of school since then has really been a shock at trying to adjust to being a student again, but with more outside responsibilities as well.

What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?

Veterans Day to me means having the privilege to be a part of a select group of people who decided to put their life on the line for the better good of the people of this country. Not everyone understands the choice and commitment it takes to make that decision. Unfortunately, every Veteran has a story and has lost people close to them that they have served with. So, on Veterans Day, I don't like to think about what I did for the country, but all the other people who served, whose lives were cut short because of their sacrifice or struggles once they got back from a deployment.

What are your goals after graduation?

My goal after graduation is to hopefully find a career in HVAC, putting me in a position to eventually be able to do side work while being a NYS Licensed Home Inspector and Realtor.

Photo Caption:Angela Granger wearing a black shirt with her arms crossed as she smiles at the camera.

Attached Files:
Angela Granger.JPG

Courtney Weimar
Community Relations
11/12/2025