A Salute to Service

Each Veterans' Day, St. Ambrose University honors the brave men and women who have served our nation. Today we share the story of one distinguished alumni, Danford Kern, a retired Army officer with 22 years of service, and his journey as a testament to the indomitable spirit of veterans, their pursuit of knowledge, and their commitment to building a better world.

Danford enlisted in the Army National Guard during high school out of a sense of duty and desire to make an impact in the world. After earning his bachelor's degree and a Regular Army commission through ROTC, he was quickly deployed as an Army aviator into service in many locations around the world. His military career blossomed as he found his passion for service and his skill in motivating his peers was in high demand. He soon found himself serving with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, a special operations unit renowned for their courage and dedication. Their motto, "Night Stalkers Don't Quit," became a guiding principle for Danford. During his service, Danford remained committed to lifelong learning and later in his career, Danford himself stepped into the role of educator and trainer at Chief of Aviation Training 1st Army at Rock Island Arsenal.

Danford's years of service were not without their share of hardships. He faced combat, loss, and the toll that war exacted on the human spirit. In addition, he faced the challenges that come with having family at home while balancing a demanding career afar. In difficult times, Danford's unwavering belief in the importance of his mission and the responsibility he bore to protect his fellow soldiers and his nation was top of mind.

After 22 years in the Army, Danford faced a new challenge-transitioning to civilian life. It was a daunting prospect, and one that many veterans grapple with. Danford knew that his service had equipped him with invaluable skills, and he was determined to put them to use in the civilian world.

With the support of his family and the guidance of mentors, Danford pursued a Master of Business Administration and later a Doctorate of Business Administration degree at St. Ambrose University. His dedication to learning mirrored the discipline honed in the military. The transition was not without its struggles, but Danford persevered due to the steadfast support of his wife, Sarah, and his family. He also attributes his success to key support from his St. Ambrose University faculty mentors, Dr. Jess Greenwald and Dr. Monica Forret, as well as Natalie Woodhurst in SAU's office of Veterans Services.

Dr. Greenwald said of Dan, "he stood out to us initially because of his passion to learn more about what motivates employees in workplace settings. His dedication to seeking answers and learning made him an exceptional candidate for the DBA program. He is an exemplary alumni and continues to find ways to give back to the community and our students here at St. Ambrose."

Currently serving as the Chief of Military Personnel in the Army Sustainment Command at Rock Island Arsenal. Danford continues to passionately serve veterans and civilians with a focus on the importance of mental health and building a positive and inclusive culture. In a world where divisions often seemed to overshadow unity, Danford believes that organizations can serve as beacons of change.

On this Veterans' Day, Danford Kern's story is a testament to the resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment of veterans. His motto, "Night Stalkers Don't Quit," echoes in the hearts of all who had the privilege of hearing his story, a reminder that with determination and support, challenges can be overcome and dreams can be achieved.