MICHAEL BUCKLEY
(Nominated by Patricia Buckley)
ST. JOHN’S PREP
March 24, 2011
Captain Michael Buckley, U.S. Marine Corps, is a very proud graduate of St. John’s Prep, Class of 1999. He played football on the SJP state championship team as he did most things – passionately and full-speed-ahead. After graduation from the College of the Holy Cross, he had a comfortable job with an investment bank, but strongly felt the call to serve his country at a time of crisis. He joined the Marine Corps and served for five and a half years of active duty as he had played football – giving it his best, with no holding back. During this time, he had two intense combat tours, one in Iraq and the other in Afghanistan and earned a Bronze Star Medal for service. During the particularly brutal deployment in Afghanistan, his team’s commander was killed and Mike took over the command of the unit. Although shaken, the Marines got to work with a fitting tribute to their fallen leader: they hosted a free medical clinic where 400 local impoverished villagers were treated. After that clinic, they held their memorial service for Major Barnes, with the feeling that things had gone “full circle” in giving back to others in need (a SJP tenet). Mike transitioned from active duty with the USMC (now inactive Reserve) and is currently attending NYU in pursuit of his MBA. He has continued his passion for helping other service members and has been elected as co-president of the Stern (NYU) Veterans’ organization, where he will help to recruit and transition other veterans to the MBA program. He also continues active communication and mentorship with his young Marines and stands every day as a loyal and proud example of the best of what country and military can produce. (Pictured: Patricia Buckley)
