11 Education for COMMUNITY Impact
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
2015 Recipient: CPT Jerod Brammer ’10 SGT Brammer deployed to Afghanistan with the 173rd in February 2005 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 6. He left active duty for the Massachusetts National Guard on June 30, 2006, to pursue higher education. After receiving his direct commission, in February 2012, First Lieutenant Brammer reported to Fort Bragg, NC, and served as the chief of microbiology/BSL3 Womack Army Medical Center Fort Bragg.
This year’s recipient of the Sr. Margaret James McGrath Distinguished Alumni Award is Captain Jerod Brammer ’10, a microbiologist currently serving as the chief of the Endemic Disease Section at the 1st Area Medical Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. CPT Brammer received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Elms College in 2010 and a master’s in cell and molecular biology from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in 2011. On Feb. 1, 2012, he earned a direct commission as a first lieutenant into the Medical Service Corps as a microbiologist. He is also a graduate of WLC, BNCOC, BOLC, Field Identification of Biological Warfare Agents, Rapid Identification of Select Agents and Toxins, Conventional Identification of Select Agents, Transportation of Hazardous and Medical Materials, Unit Movement Officer Course, and is a current CCC student. Prior to commissioning, CPT Brammer enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Infantryman in May 2002. He conducted OSTU training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. PFC Brammer was stationed with the 1/508th Airborne Infantry Battalion, 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade in Vicenza, Italy, from December 2002 to June 2006. He deployed to Iraq with the 173rd in March 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 and participated in the only combat parachute jump of the Iraqi campaign.
On Oct. 23, 2014, he reported to the 1st Area Medical Laboratory (AML), Aberdeen Proving Ground to deploy to Liberia in support of Operation United Assistance. While deployed, CPT Brammer served as the chief of Ebola Laboratory Tappita, Liberia. CPT Brammer now serves as the chief of endemic disease at the 1st Area Medical Laboratory. He has earned the following decorations during his military service: Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge with Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (third award), Army Achievement Medal (second award), Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (with arrowhead), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (second award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (third award), and the Armed Forces Service Medal.
NOMINATE A CANDIDATE
The Sr. Margaret James McGrath Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually by the College of Our Lady of the Elms to an outstanding Elms College alumnus who reflects the ideals and mission of the college, and has established an exceptional reputation in his or her career and community. Selected nominees are chosen by the Distinguished Alumni Award Committee, and all nominations will be considered. The award will be presented to the Distinguished Alumnus during the fall Convocation ceremony. To recommend a candidate, please give us their full name and graduation year, and submit an essay substantiating why this person is deserving of the award; in particular, please describe how your nominee has distinguished himself or herself in different areas of his or her life, including professional, spiritual, intellectual, personal, and loyalty to Elms College. Please email your submissions to alumni@elms.edu. All nominations for the 2016-2017 academic year should be submitted by March 31, 2016.