SSG Andrew (Drew) Bernier (BA, criminology, 1994) is in Afghanistan on a mission he and other members of his unit call “Forging Peace.” Bernier is part of A Company, 412^th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve unit from Columbus, Ohio. Called “warrior diplomats,” Bernier and his unit coordinate public works projects and distribute humanitarian aid.

Home for Bernier is in Dayton, Ohio, where he is employed as a Parole Officer. “My calling is a humble one,” says Bernier. “I cherish those formative years at Ohio State that taught me about what it means to serve a greater good, not for profit or gain, but merely for the satisfaction of helping others and keeping our streets safe.”

Bernier and his unit are scheduled to return to Ohio in November, 2010.