DA Alumni Heroes

"September 22, 2001 had a significant impact on my future. Although I always wanted to join the military, and as I learned of the unprecedented and deliberate attacks on our country, while sitting at basic training, my purpose became more clear. After hearing about the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, only 40 minutes from my home, family and community, I knew that I had to continue my training, giving more than 100 percent in everything, to be ready to serve my country and my Commander in Chief.

 Jeremy has also received the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, House of Representatives Citation for loyal and dedicated service to our commonwealth and our country. Jeremy has become an inspirational speaker to our youth in several school districts. He was the guest of honor at Derry Area High School's annual Homecoming Parade and football game, where he received special recognition in honor of all veterans. On Christmas 2003, Jeremy received the Flag of the United States of America with Certificate of Authenticity from the men and officers of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment for his dedicated service and sacrifices. This flag was flown over our nation's capitol on September 11, 2003 at the request of Honorable Saxby Chambliss, United States Senator.

Terry started his career as a third generation photographer in his family's portrait business in Latrobe, PA. He earned a Photographic Science degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, where he graduated Cum Laude. Terry also has a Master of Photography degree with the prestigious Professional Photographers of America Association and has received many professional awards. When the United Nations needed a group portrait for their historic Millennium Peace Summit, they selected Terry as the photographer based on his experience when he made a similar photograph for the UN's 50th Anniversary. For a brief 30 minutes, Terry had the unique privilege to be in the command of many of the most powerful leaders of the World.

1994 graduated from Derry Area High School. Awards in high school include 1992-All Conference Football (Turner Ashby, VA), 1993-All Keystone Conference Baseball, Derry Team Player Award, Team Captain in Football and Baseball, Blairsville Dispatch All Star in Football and Baseball, Indiana Gazette All Star in Football and Baseball, Letterman at Derry in Football and Baseball, and also Letterman in Football, Baseball and Wrestling at Turner Ashby. In 1994, at Washington and Jefferson college, he lettered in Football as one of the President's Athletic Conference Champions. He was a starter in the Alonzo Stagg Bowl National Championship game and was named "Rookie of the Year." His team was number two in the nation in Division III. In 1995 he was the starter at Offensive Center, Division III National Playoffs. In 1996 he was the All President's Athletic Conference, All Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (Southeast Region), Division III Playoffs. In 1997 he was the All American, Division III All Star Game (Aztec Bowl: United States vs. Mexico), Division III National Playoffs Team Captain.

Grant graduated in 1996 from Derry Area High School where he held awards in high school baseball including the All Section MVP in 1995 and the Section 8 All-Star MVP in 1996. In high school football he was awarded the Keystone All-Star, Blairsville Dispatch All-Star, and Indiana Gazette All-Star (for 2 years each), and the Jack Gulas Memorial Award. Grant lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He holds the school's career passing record in football with 173 completions and 2625 total yards. He received a full football scholarship to attend North Carolina State and lettered both college football and baseball. In Spring 1999 Grant was drafted by the Montreal Expos to play professional baseball.

Earl graduated from Derry Area High School in 1983. Following high school, he entered the Army on August 19, 1983 and went to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Earl's first assignment was in Special Forces as a medic. In 1987, he attended the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta selection course. While assigned to Delta, EArl participated in the invasion of Panama (Just Cause), and operations in Iraq during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He also participated in many other important, though not yet yet de-classified, operations while assigned as a member of 1st SFOD-D. He earned numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Accommodation Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, HALO Badge, Special Forces and Ranger Tabs.

Earl received the Silver Star posthumously for distinguished gallantry while serving as a member of Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia. He as responsible for point security as the force fought their way through the streets of Mogadishu to reach the crash site of a downed MH-60 helicopter. From this position, Earl received his fatal wound while being the first to defend his force. As a direct result of his superior marksmanship and demonstrated bravery, many members of the assault force are alive today.

Lou graduated with top honors and was a recipient of an outstanding scholar athlete award. He garnered an exceptional college basketball career and then played pro ball for championship and pro all-star teams. During his tour of duty with the 80th Infantry in WWII he earned the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. He was then recruited for an assistant deanship and head coach position at Duquesne. However, after much consideration, he ultimately declined and decided to return to his roots, where he served his community as the town's pharmacist for 35 years.

"At a Derry High School reunion some years ago one of my classmates reminded me that while in high school I told her that I 'intended' to be a judge someday. I had forgotten any such declaration, but always had the ambition to become a lawyer. In 1981, with a law degree and a reasonably successful law practice, but with no political background or advantages, I submitted my name as a candidate for Common Pleas Judge. I was unsuccessful. I again campaigned for that office in 1991 and was not elected. Finally, in 1997, after being nominated by Governor Ridge to a vacancy on the Bench, I ran for a third time and was overwhelmingly elected. This life experience resonates the personal qualities I was able to develop in the nurturing and unique environment of my home town, Derry, Pennsylvania."

"Several years ago I found myself saddled with a case of tendonitis of the arm and hand that rendered me disabled for several months. I panicked because I make a living using my hands playing the oboe. The life of a university professor is demanding and the passion of the discipline often makes an artist forget time. I realized the tendonitis came from many things, (such as) failing to find time for relaxation, and failing to listen to myself and my body. I was forced to rethink everything I do. Making the changes required tremendous discipline and was painful for me at the time - but had it not happened I would nor be the oboist and teacher and the person I am today."

Robert Wilburn has served as the Chief Executive Officer in several environments over the past 26 years. In each organization he rekindled a new sense of purpose and created a vision of the new possibilities by increasing public attendance, fiscal responsibility and donor participation. He leadership includes his former positions as President of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, President & CEO of Carnegie Institute of Pittsburgh, and President & CEO of Colonial Williamsburg. During his tenure at the Carnegie Institute, he was in charge of building the new Carnegie Science Center and the opening of the Andy Warhol Museum. In 1991 he as named Pittsburgh's "Man of the Year." At Colonial Williamsburg he developed award winning national marketing campaigns and, as he also did at the Carnegie Institute, he substantially increased attendance and donor contributions. He has held state Cabinet positions in Governor Dick Thornburg;s administration in the Office of Budget and Administration and as Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education. His work experience includes management positions with Chase Manhattan Bank and policy development with the Defense Department and the White House. Currently, he is President & CEO of the Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum Foundation, which is charged with building a new Visitor's Center for the historic Pennsylvania site.