Greg Hanf

Greg Hanf is on a special mission at Rider. He is in the midst of starting a veterans' support group.

Hanf's passion for the military is clearly evident once you enter his office. Memorabilia of wars past and present fill his shelves, walls and desk. Hanf, a residence life manager, also exudes a great deal of pride running Rider's ID system for faculty and staff, a position he has held for the past six years. Not a day goes by, however, that he doesn't think about soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and in previous wars.

"Once you put on a uniform it remains with you for the rest of your life," said Hanf, 1SG USAR Ret., a veteran of 30 years, who joined the Navy in 1967 right out of high school in Middletown Township. "Whether you joined or were drafted, it's a part of you that will stay with you."

Hanf initially served in the Navy but transferred to the Army and later the Marines. He started out working on reactors on submarines and was later promoted to a first sergeant with basic training companies. Since 9/11, with the deployment of troops to the Middle East, he has felt especially compelled to do something to help the soldiers. Last spring, he and Keith Kemo, director of the Office of Community Standards, and Dave Keenan, director of campus life, started a campus drive for food and hygiene items to send to the troops. Thirty packages were sent overseas.

"This started out with student affairs and branched out to others who heard about it," said Hanf. "The packages were sent to soldiers from our campus as well as those Vickie Weaver (director of public safety) and I trained or worked with. Knowing some of the other vets on campus, it began to run through my mind that there should be ways for them to know just who on campus are veterans," said Hanf. "A support group is a great way to do this. It is very important to support each other and those coming back from the Middle East."

Having had an uncle who served in World War II in the Battle of the Bulge, Hanf recently felt good when a professor walked into his office, saw a picture of George Patton, and told him that he had served in World War II under him. "I was fascinated by this professor's experiences. I wish I could remember his name," said Hanf.

"I think it will be comforting for all those returning from war to know that they can talk to someone who can relate to what they have been through."

All veterans at Rider are encouraged to include their name, rank, branch, years served, contact information and comments (if desired) by e-mailing Hanf at ghanf@rider.edu. Hanf can also be reached at ext. 5234.

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