Meet the 2025 Service to Service Fellows

The Glenn College is part of a national effort to connect veterans and military families with public service education and career paths. Resources and programming for military-affiliated students enrolled in public affairs graduate programs support placement in fulfilling, professional roles in local and state government.  

This fall the college welcomed its first cohort of Service to Service Fellows, who will gain access to exceptional public service education, personalized career support, internship opportunities and a national network of passionate, talented individuals who are seeking to drive positive change. 

What initially called you to serve in the military?  

The military offered me the opportunity to challenge myself, build resilience and contribute to protecting others — values that continue to guide me today.  

Why is it important for you to continue serving the public after your time in uniform?  

Service has always been the focal point of my life. Transitioning from military service to public service allows me to carry forward that commitment by supporting communities, advocating for others and contributing to solutions that strengthen our society. 

How will the Glenn College and the Service to Service program help prepare you for this next chapter of service?  

The Glenn College and the Service to Service program will provide me with the academic foundation, professional network and mentorship I need to translate my military experience into effective public service leadership. 

What should civilian or public sector employers understand about the value and skills that veterans and military members bring to the workforce?  

Veterans bring discipline, adaptability and leadership under pressure. We excel at problem-solving, teamwork and mission-focused execution, even in difficult circumstances. Most importantly, we carry a deep sense of accountability. 

Matthew Markov, who was an infantryman in the U.S. Army and Virginia Army National Guard, has committed to a lifelong path of service. He served with the 1st Infantry Division in Europe and with the 29th Infantry Division in the Middle East. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law and Society with a minor in intelligence studies from George Mason University. Markov has dedicated himself to supporting fellow veterans through peer service work and now serves as an intelligence analyst.

What initially called you to serve in the military?  

My core values and beliefs have always aligned with those of a public servant — integrity, commitment and a desire to give more than I take. I saw the Air Force as a platform not only to defend our nation but to grow as a leader and serve with purpose. I wanted to be someone my younger cousins, family members and community members could look up to — an example that with discipline, courage and service, we can build something greater than ourselves. Joining the military was about being part of something bigger than me and contributing meaningfully to society while inspiring others to pursue their own callings to lead and serve. 

Why is it important for you to continue serving the public after your time in uniform?  

Service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off. It’s woven into who I am. After I retire from the military, I know my sense of purpose will still be deeply tied to helping others and building stronger communities. I want to continue that mission by returning home and running for mayor of Lima, Ohio. I believe in the power of local leadership to create real, lasting change — and I want to be a catalyst for that. Being fulfilled means staying connected to service, to people and to a mission greater than myself. Public service isn’t just a career — it’s a lifelong calling. 

How will the Glenn College and the Service to Service program help prepare you for this next chapter of service?  

The Glenn College and the Service to Service program will be pivotal in helping me bridge the transition from military service to public leadership. These programs offer more than just academic or professional development — they offer a space for reflection, vision and connection. Through networking with fellow veterans and aspiring public leaders, I’ll gain insight from those who’ve walked similar paths. I’ll also be challenged to look inward, refine my leadership style and build the tools I’ll need to create real change in my community. It’s the kind of preparation that doesn’t just shape a resume — it shapes a leader. 

What should civilian or public sector employers understand about the value and skills that veterans and military members bring to the workforce?  

Veterans and military members bring a unique combination of discipline, adaptability and a mission-first mindset that’s hard to find elsewhere. We are trained to lead under pressure, to make decisions with integrity and to work as a team toward a common goal. We thrive in dynamic environments, solve problems with limited resources and remain committed — even in the face of adversity. But beyond the technical skills, we bring a deep sense of purpose and service. We’re not just looking for jobs — we’re looking to make an impact. And when given the opportunity, we lead with humility, drive and an unshakable sense of responsibility. 

Chief Master Sergeant Adreana C. Freeman-Irons, who joined the U.S. Air Force in 2008, serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader, 72nd Mission Support Group, 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, OK. In this position, she serves as the principal enlisted advisor to the Group Commander on issues impacting 1,500 Airmen and Civilian employees across three squadrons. She has proudly served in various materiel management positions throughout the Air Force and deployed with the United States Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

What initially called you to serve in the military? 

My dad is a retired police officer, so I grew up in a law enforcement community. He always instilled a sense of duty and integrity in his children. The military embodies all these values I grew up with and was an avenue for a new personal challenge and adventure. 

Why is it important for you to continue serving the public after your time in uniform? 

Public service always gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. Even though I hung up one uniform, I had already picked up another uniform because service is part of me. I believe there is more blessing in giving than receiving, and my way of giving is serving. I serve to protect the vulnerable, to give back to my community and to provide a better world for my children. 

How will the Glenn College and the Service-to-Service program help prepare you for this next chapter of service? 

The Glenn College and the service-to-service program will broaden and enhance my academic knowledge. They will provide me with resources, support and tools to be a critical thinker. They will create endless opportunities through networking, mentorship and coaching. 

What should civilian or public sector employers understand about the value and skills that veterans and military members bring to the workforce?  

The military teaches its members to be capable leaders, knowing how to make decisions and delegate effectively. It instills the value of discipline and accountability in its members, helping them efficiently manage workplace stressors. It encourages respect and tolerance for all. 

Nana Amoako, who is married with three children, joined the military in 2013 and separated in 2024. He did one tour of duty to Iraq, Jordan and Kuwait. He graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2018 and is currently a law enforcement officer with The Ohio State University Police Department. In his free time, he likes to spend time with family and volunteer for community services.  

What initially called you to serve in the military? 

The Sept 11, 2001, attacks. It was September of 10^th grade for me. I had less than one year to submit my initial application to West Point and Pennsylvania congressmen for nomination. 

Why is it important for you to continue serving the public after your time in uniform? 

I find it rewarding! I believe there’s significant motivation and fulfillment to be found in public service. Likewise, I feel public service draws a lot of motivated individuals with like-minded goals to serve others. 

How will the Glenn College and the Service to Service program help prepare you for this next chapter of service? 

I think it’s critical to prepare myself for transition. With a graduate degree from the Glenn College Master of Public Administration and Leadership program, I’ll have the requisite knowledge to translate my military experience into the public sector. I believe it will also assist with immediate communication to organizations that I have some additional training and experience that is valuable to them. 

What should civilian or public sector employers understand about the value and skills that veterans and military members bring to the workforce? 

There’s an intense commitment to service in the military and a no-fail attitude that could benefit any organization. Military members excel at being part of a team and focusing that team on accomplishing the organization’s goals. It’s an intangible benefit that’s difficult to measure on resumes but something that could be extremely beneficial in the public sector. 

Lt. Col. Tim Donohue is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a 2008 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He also holds a Master of Science in Defense Analysis (Irregular Warfare) from the Naval Postgraduate School. Donohue served in the Army initially as an Infantry officer then later as a Special Forces officer with multiple operational and training deployments in support of the Department of Defense U.S. Special Operations Command and Geographic Combatant Commanders globally. Donohue currently serves as an instructor of military strategy and policy at the United States Military Academy at West Point.