Early morning in Iraq on Jan. 13, 2007, intelligence had just uncovered an al-Qaida safehouse, and Master Sgt. Marc B. Manilla’s unit just completed a successful raid.
“We had to transport those enemy combatants back to base,” said Manilla in a release, now a senior military science instructor for ETSU’s Army ROTC program. “Prior to getting back, we stopped at a checkpoint. I had to get out of the vehicle to assist in security and I reminded everyone that there had been sniper activity in the area.”
When Manilla exited the vehicle, he was struck by sniper fire on his side armor. Although the bullet did not penetrate, it caused superficial damage to his side.
It was this moment that earned Manilla the Purple Heart at the Ford Oval of Honor ceremony, held on campus Sept. 30.
When Manilla got word of his award, he insisted on being recognized at ETSU.
“I wanted to do the ceremony here because of ETSU’s military-friendly atmosphere,” he said. “The backing from Dean Pittarese and President Noland of the ROTC program is huge, and it’s a good way to celebrate the university.”
Lt. Gen. Ronald V. Hite (U.S. Army Ret.), Col. Dan Bishop (U.S. Army Ret.), Lt. Col. Scott Jeffress (U.S. Army Ret.) and Sgt. Edwin D. Taylor (U.S. Army) were also recognized during the ceremony.
Recently, ETSU has received prestigious titles, including being named a Military Friendly School and a 2025 Yellow Ribbon School by U.S. Veterans Magazine. The university also offers financial support, including tuition reduction for active-duty military students utilizing Department of Defense Tuition Assistance and a fee waiver for the application process to the Quillen College of Medicine.
Manilla said ETSU is his final assignment before retiring later this semester. After retirement, he mentioned an interest in pursuing a master’s degree in business administration, which could lead him to own and operate a business.
Until then, he reflects on his time at the university and the impact he has had on students.
“My mission has been to train, teach and mentor cadets, basically building that next future army officer that will have their own war to fight,” Manilla said.
“Just watching them grow from a freshman who doesn’t have a whole lot of confidence to a senior who is essentially running our program is a rewarding experience. “They’re ready to be leaders and they’re going to go out in the force, hopefully having successful careers from there.”
More information on ETSU veteran and military services can be found at etsu.edu/veterans.
