Rockland Community College in Suffern inducted five student veterans into its chapter of SALUTE, the national honor society recognizing academic achievement and service among veterans and active-duty military students.
The 2025 inductees are Ileanna Denis of the U.S. Marine Corps; Ryan Matthew Eshbach and Andrew Flickinger of the U.S. Army; Michaela Hernandez of the U.S. Air Force; and Timothy John Urban of the U.S. Navy. With the new members, RCC’s SALUTE chapter now includes 114 honorees.
RCC established its SALUTE chapter in 2013, becoming the first community college in New York State to do so. Membership is open to military-connected students who maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate leadership and service.
“SALUTE honors the discipline, leadership, and unwavering academic commitment that our student veterans contribute to campus life,” said Jonathan Barnwell, assistant director of judicial and veterans affairs at RCC.
Founded in 2009, SALUTE is the first national academic honor society created specifically for student veterans and active military members enrolled in two- and four-year colleges. The organization uses a four-tier system that encourages members to continue improving academically.
The college currently supports 68 enrolled student veterans, including active-duty service members and reservists. RCC was recognized in 2025 as a Military Times Best for Vets School and a Military Friendly School.
In addition to the SALUTE chapter, RCC’s Veterans Affairs office provides counseling and assistance with federal and state education benefits. The college was founded in 1959 and operates its main campus in Suffern, along with additional centers in Nyack and Orangeburg.