Veterans Day, November 11, is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served in the U.S. military and the experiences that continue to shape their lives. At Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), several members of the university community bring that experience to their work, studies and service, carrying with them lessons in leadership and teamwork that extend beyond their years in uniform.
Three Decades of Military Service Shaped PBA Professor’s Career
Adjunct Professor of Communication Lisa Browne-Banic Med’s decision to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces was rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in a large family, she was accustomed to being part of a team and wanted to experience that camaraderie on a larger scale.
That desire led to nearly three decades of military service, enlisting in the Army National Guard from 1988 to 2008 and in the U.S. Army Reserve from 2009 to 2016.
Throughout her military career, she supported several significant operations and events, including Y2K and security efforts for the 2012 Salt Lake City Olympics. She also served full-time in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Browne-Banic Med held several positions during her years of service, with responsibilities ranging from human resources and personnel matters to signal communications tactics. In her most recent role, she served as a public affairs officer for more than five years under then-Marine Gen. John Kelly at U.S. Southern Command in Miami. Her primary responsibilities included writing speeches and training generals in media relations. That experience helped prepare her for her current role at PBA.
Although she no longer serves in the military, Browne-Banic Med continues to draw on the lessons she learned.
“I am nothing without my team,” she said. “We can do anything if we have our faith, our friends and our fortitude! Sleep is overrated; adrenaline is not.”
Browne-Banic Med found what she was looking for in what she calls the “best team ever,” the U.S. Army.
Military Service Taught Senior Technical Support Analyst Resilience
Mitchell Moore, senior technical Support Analyst in IT at PBA, served in the U.S. Army from 2016 to 2020. He enlisted to serve his country, grow personally and professionally, and build a strong foundation of discipline and ambition. He also wanted to develop as a leader and gain access to educational benefits that would support his long-term goals.
Moore began with basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by advanced individual training at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He was then assigned to Fort Drum, New York, before deploying to Afghanistan in October 2018. His military occupational specialty was 94F, computer/detection systems repairer, working with night-vision devices, computers and GPS systems.
One of the most valuable lessons Moore took away from his military service was resilience. In the military, he learned to push through difficult challenges with the goal of completing the mission. That resilience has helped him persevere during difficult times and find solutions to complex problems. It is also a valuable skill in the information technology field and continues to benefit him in his current role at PBA.
Veterans Learn and Grow at PBA
PBA welcomes those who have served our nation, those who continue to serve, and the families who stand alongside them. PBA offers military-connected students grants to help our veterans and active-duty members pursue their educational goals in a Christ-centered community where they are known, supported, and equipped for what comes next. The graduating class of 2026 had 10 active-duty members, and two ROTC members. PBA’s 2026-2027 academic year proudly educates 60 veterans and three active-duty members.
For more information visit PBA’s Military and Veteran Services page.
