Veteran Alums Leon Geiger and Deborah Geiger

Maj. Leon I. Geiger '13, M.A. '23 taking the Oath of Office administered by his aunt Col. Deborah Q. Geiger '83.

Historical on-campus ceremony held at university鈥檚 newly revamped Veterans Center 

When 麻豆视频 alum and United States Army Captain Leon I. Geiger 鈥13, M.A. 鈥23 found out he was being promoted to Major, the Berks County native chose the university鈥檚 newly revamped Veterans Center in Reading, Pa., to be the location where it took place on Friday, June 14. He also chose his aunt, Alvernia Alum Col. Deborah Q. Geiger 鈥83, to promote him. 

 

"We are immensely proud to celebrate the promotion of Leon I. Geiger within the United States Army. This significant milestone is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving our country,鈥 said Bret Krotee, M.Ed. 鈥10, Veterans Center Coordinator and Director of Admissions. 

 

Maj. Geiger鈥檚 promotion ceremony marked a historic moment for the university and the  Veterans Center as it was the first of its kind. It also fell on Flag Day and the 249th anniversary of the United States Army. Col. Geiger provided the introduction to the ceremony and her nephew and Krotee provided the mission moment and the publication of Maj. Geiger鈥檚 biography, awards and decorations. 

 

鈥淚t's a full circle event. Leon is being promoted to Major and he started his career here at Alvernia and this is where I started my career as a military police officer,鈥 said Col. Geiger, who received her bachelor of science in criminal justice administration in 1983 and Alvernia鈥檚 Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. She also established the Saint Ignatius Award presented annually to a graduating student veteran who exemplifies selfless service, leadership, compassion, strong moral courage and commitment to excellence. Maj. Geiger received the award at the ahead of commencement.  

 

 

Honors Convocation 2023

Maj. Leon I. Geiger '13, M.A. '23 receiving the Saint Ignatius award from President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. at the 2023 Honors Convocation ceremony.

 

Col. Geiger was not the only family in attendance. Maj. Geiger鈥檚 wife, Caitlyn Floyd Geiger, and their three sons 鈥 Adrian, 5, Logan, 3, and Jon, 1 鈥 traveled from West Virginia to celebrate his prestigious promotion along with the Alvernia community.  

 

鈥淚 chose Alvernia as the place for my promotion because of the close ties to my family and the academic experiences I had,鈥 said Maj. Geiger. 鈥淚 want to give special thanks to Mr. Bret Krotee and my aunt Deborah Geiger. I would be remiss if I didn't thank my family for everything that they've had to endure and for being with me since the beginning. Within about two years of me being on active-duty service, they've had to move around every time that I've had [Permanent Change of Station]. It's hard moving around one time, let alone five to seven times.鈥 

 

鈥淚'm humbled and honored to be able to do this on the Army's birthday,鈥 he continued. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just another time we get to remember soldiers for what they've done in the past and in the present. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate all soldiers that have been under me and have allowed me to progress into this position, and all the leaders, past and current that I've had who gave me the opportunity that I have.鈥  

 

Maj. Geiger graduated as a member of Alvernia's Class of 2023 with a Master of Arts in Leadership. He also received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2013 as an ROTC Scholarship recipient. He recently decided to pay forward the mentorship and assistance he received from Alvernia鈥檚 Veterans Center and became a professor of military science at West Virigina University. He is recruiting and assisting young students going through college and transitioning into the military like he did at Alvernia. 

 

鈥淟eon's journey of growth and development during his time at Alvernia has been remarkable,鈥 said Krotee. 鈥淗e demonstrated exceptional resilience, academic excellence, and leadership, which have undoubtedly contributed to his success in the military. Leon's achievements inspire both our current students and fellow alumni, reflecting the core values we uphold as an educational community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Leon for his service and look forward to his continued success and impact in the armed forces." 

Veteran Alums Leon Geiger and family

From left: Adrian Geiger, Maj. Leon Geiger, Logan Geiger, Caitlyn Floyd Geiger, and Jon Geiger.

 

麻豆视频 Maj. Leon I. Geiger: 

Captain (Promotable) Leon Geiger is an active-duty Soldier, assigned to West Virginia University as the Professor of Military Science, a Lieutenant Colonel position. Captain Geiger was previously assigned to 麻豆视频 where he earned a Master of Arts in Leadership during the Spring of 2023. Additionally, Captain Geiger received his Active-Duty Commission through ROTC at Lehigh University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from 麻豆视频 in 2013 as an ROTC Scholarship recipient. He also holds a master's degree in business and organizational security management from Webster鈥檚 University. 

 

His operational experiences include: Company Commander, 258th Military Police Company, Fort Polk Louisiana where he deployed in support of contingency operations to our nation鈥檚 borders in a pandemic environment; led multiple mission sets during several natural disasters; and led complex tactical and law enforcement mission sets. Previously, CPT Geiger served as Platoon Leader, 139th Military Police Company, Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, 546th Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia; Plans Officer (Forward) and Assistant S3, 3rd Group (CID), Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia; Plans Officer, 519th Military Police Battalion. Deployments include Operation Freedom鈥檚 Sentinel, Camp Arifjan with duty in Jordan and Afghanistan. 

 

Captain Geiger鈥檚 published works include Task Force Justice, The Shield; Fall 2017. 

 

His military education includes Military Police Captain鈥檚 Career Course, Combatives, Anti-Terrorism Basic Officers Course, Unit Movement Course, TC-AIMS II Functional Class, Hazardous Material Transportation Certification, Airborne School, and Military Police Basic Officer Leadership Course. 

 

His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge (Basic) and German Armed Forces Military Badge. 

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