Deployed Soldier Earns Degree & Promotion

"I was commissioned into the PA Army National Guard as a 2nd Lt. after achieving my associate's degree from a military junior college. I then went on to complete the remainder of my bachelor's degree at a state school, when I ran out of the financial means to continue my education. I subsequently went to work full time and then was accepted to, and completed, flight school for the U.S. Army. Later I would begin my civilian career as a police officer in the City of Philadelphia. Basically, life got in the way of my education. Before I knew it, I was about to get boarded for Captain in the U.S. Army, a rank that requires a bachelor's degree.

"I would not have been able to accomplish such a task without the ERAU Worldwide program and the outstanding advisors, teachers and staff who are employed there. I am proud to be a graduate of ERAU!"

I decided that since I was gainfully employed, both civilian and military sides, the best way to complete my degree would be through taking a distance learning class. I found that ERAU provided an ideal and unique program that I would be very interested in and proud to have a degree in. The degree program was ideally suited for someone in my career field and for someone who worked the strange hours I keep. Additionally, ERAU accepted many of the credits I had already achieved throughout my academic history.

I had worked to within fifteen credits of my BS in Professional Aeronautics, when I was activated for deployment to Iraq through the PA Army National Guard. I decided to schedule my five remaining classes to begin a month after arriving in Iraq. Although it was not an easily attainable task, I did not find it to be insurmountable and I found the ERAU Worldwide faculty and staff to be extremely flexible in helping me in my endeavor. Since I filled all my free time on deployment with devotion to my studies, I was even able to complete my courses early and in time for my promotional board! I was eligible for promotion at last!

I would not have been able to accomplish such a task without the ERAU Worldwide program and the outstanding advisors, teachers and staff who are employed there. I am proud to be a graduate of ERAU Worldwide and I feel as though I have been able to accomplish a lot in an extraordinary circumstance, thanks in a large part to ERAU!"

CPT Matthew J. Belfi,
OIC, Rotary Wing Operations,
JASG - C, OIF
2007 Alumnus