Cameron and Colin Pare were preparing for the spring semester at Onondaga Community College when the infamous events of January 6 happened. As the United States Capitol was being stormed the Pare's knew their lives were about to change. "I was watching the news and I was about 80% sure we were going to get called up. The next day we found out we were being activated," said Colin.
The Pare's are members of the New York Army National Guard. The twin brothers enlisted during their senior year at Baldwinsville High School. After receiving their diplomas in 2019 they reported to basic training. One year later, Colin enrolled in OCC's Criminal Justice degree program. Cameron's training took longer and he was prepared to start taking classes at OCC this semester in the Business Administration degree program.
When they reported to duty in Syracuse before traveling to Washington, DC their Commanding Officer was Lt. Colleen McGlin, a 2020 graduate of Onondaga Community College. "She was great in her leadership role. She handled the situation well," said Cameron. Any reservists who planned to attend college this semester were asked to give McGlin their information so she could contact their schools. That's when the three learned of their OCC connection. Thanks to McGlin's coordination, the Pare's were able to each take two OCC classes online this semester while stationed in Washington.
While Cameron is new to OCC this semester, Colin is familiar with life on campus and the College's Student Veterans' office which recently earned the prestigious Military Friendly designation. "Any day I had online classes I would go to the Veterans' office. It was such a great place for me to work and not be distracted. If I had any questions I was able to go to Steve (White, who runs the office). He was such a helpful resource for me." "We both signed a contract and knew what we were getting into," added Cameron. "We appreciate the school understanding the circumstances we're under and helping us pursue our degree programs."
Although Colin and Cameron are enrolled in different degree programs, both are focused on a career in law enforcement. "Since I was a kid I always wanted to serve in my community. I felt the National Guard would help me jump start serving my community and nation as a whole," said Cameron. "Our community needs more people to step up and become peacemakers," added Colin.
