Student Veteran of the Month

“Everything I did led me to where I am now and who I am today,” says Nicholas Corby (right), who served with the U.S. Army.

By Cesar A. Medina — cmedin23@uic.edu

Duty and honor are two of the most indispensable principles that make up the U.S Army’s core values — and it was those values that prompted Nicholas Corby to enlist.

Corby’s wife, Marina (right) is also a UIC student, pursing a doctorate in mathematics.

“I joined to serve my country and because my uncle served back during the Vietnam War and I wanted to do it to honor his memory,” said Corby, a freshman in history from Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Corby, a former Infantryman, was a member of Delta Company, 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the oldest active duty regiment in the U.S. Army. The regiment is known historically for being home to the Sentinel guards, who keep watch on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Corby was a leader of a firing team that took part in full honor ceremonies.

While in the service, Corby received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Achievement Medal (four times), and the Army Commendation Medal.

“During my time in the military I gained a hard work ethic and a sense of brotherhood, which continues here at UIC through discipline, honor and duty,” Corby said.

At UIC, Corby is majoring in history with a minor in Russian. He hopes to become a high school teacher after graduation.

Corby credits his wife, Marina, with his decision to attend UIC. She is also a student at UIC, pursuing a doctoral degree in mathematics.

An active member of the Student Veterans Association, Corby is happy to be part of the UIC community and continues to carry on the values that helped him strive as a soldier.

He wouldn’t change anything about his military experience.

“Everything happens for a reason and everything I did led me to where I am now and who I am today,” he said.