Joe Snyder, BS ’04, MBA ’16

November 4, 2022

Q&A with Joe Snyder


Joe Snyder, BS ’04 (political science), MBA ’16, was an ROTC Army cadet from 2000-2004. He’s now the Military Science Department Head and professor of military science at the UO, as well as the president elect on the Veterans Alumni Network board.

Military branch

Army

Years of service

18 years

Awards and decorations

Bronze Star Medal (BSM), Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM), Army Achievement Medal (AAM), National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (AFRM), Army Service Ribbon (ASR), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWTEM), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWTSM), Combat Action Badge (CAB), Iraq Campaign Medal-Service-Campaign Star (ICM-CS), Oregon National Guard Meritorious Service Medal (ORNGMSM), Oregon National Guard Superior Soldier Award, Oregon National Guard Achievement Medal, and Oregon National Guard Commendation Medal

How have your experiences and service affected your life?

The military has defined my life since I began as an Army ROTC cadet at the University of Oregon in fall of 2000. I have served in the military after graduation with two tours in Iraq, service in Germany, and Active Guard Reserve career in the Oregon Army National Guard.

I am currently the professor of military science and department head at the University of Oregon, coming full circle from an 18-year-old cadet in the [ROTC] program to returning as the Lieutenant Colonel in charge. Military service has reinforced my own personal convictions and pushed me to always be better and lead at every opportunity. It has given me the life I enjoy today and allowed for me to plan ahead and accomplish all that I want to.

Were you involved with UO Army ROTC, the Student Veterans Center, Veterans and Family Student Association, or any other organizations on campus during your time as a UO student? If so, please describe your experience.

I was a cadet at UO Army ROTC from 2000–2004. I was an active duty officer from 2014–16 as an MBA student at the UO. I am currently the professor of military science at the University of Oregon. As a student, I was part of the Homecoming Ball committee, IFC, and was on the Programs Finance Committee as the social science chair.
 

Joe Snyder in the Army

Joe Snyder throwing his O