On Wednesday, Sept. 6, Master Sergeant Troy Eckenrode and his wife and Kent State University at Trumbull staff member, Maribeth Eckenrode, presented the campus with the Flag of our country, “Old Glory.”
The flag was originally flown on Nov. 5, 2016, aboard a C-130H in the face of the enemy during a combat mission against ISIS forces in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. It was on board aircraft 90-9108, call sign Bandage 32, operating over the skies of Iraq.
Maribeth presented the flag to teammates in Enrollment Management and Student Services because of their support while Troy was deployed and their commitment to military personnel and veterans.
"I have seen staff members go 'above the line' to assist our military/veteran population beyond the educational realm of their job duties. In light of the commitment I see day in and day out, I hope that displaying this Flag, here in the lobby for entire military/veterans community to see, symbolizes how Kent State University at Trumbull and this EMSS staff support them, as they have supported me."
Many local government and military dignitaries were on hand to witness the ceremony in the Student Services Building, located at 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW in Warren.
“This flag represents the bonds that hold our campus family together, and it symbolizes Kent State Trumbull’s commitment to serving military personnel, our students, all of Trumbull County, and our great Nation,” said Dr. Lance Grahn, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer.
Master Sergeant Troy Eckenrode
Master Sergeant Troy Eckenrode was born and raised in Newton Falls, OH. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving six years as an Aviation Structural Mechanic Hydraulics on the P-3 Orion Aircraft. After his enlistment was completed, Troy returned to Newton Falls. Soon, he found himself enlisting again, this time in the U.S. Air Force Reserves (910th Airlift Wing at Youngstown Air Reserve Station) as an Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Craftsman. He has deployed several times in support of the 910th missions around the world. On July 31, 2017, he accumulated 19 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, at the 910th Airlift Wing-Youngtown Air Reserve Station. Along with being a full-time employee at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, a military member, and serving deployments, Troy is a current Kent State University at Trumbull student. He is enrolled in classes on campus, at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station and online. He is currently working on his CCAF Associate Degree for the U.S. Air Force while simultaneously pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics at Kent State University. Troy remains a mentor to other servicemen and servicewomen while finding time to participate in community events.
Maribeth Eckenrode
Originally hailing from Albany, NY, Maribeth is an integral part of the Enrollment Management and Student Services team at Kent State Trumbull. After high school, Maribeth found her way to her first college in the Willow Grove, PA area. She met Troy while he was serving active duty in the U. S. Navy. Upon Troy’s return to Ohio, they were married and will celebrate 25 years of marriage this month. After a career change, Maribeth returned to college and attended Kent State Trumbull where she received her fourth and fifth degrees. While a student, Maribeth was hired into Enrollment Management and Student Services in 2013. After completing her time as a student worker, Maribeth applied for a permanent position and in 2014 she became a full-time employee.