We continue to honor Veterans Day with another Q&A, this time, with Mark Price, cook at Morris Inn. He reflects on his service in the United States Army, what Veterans Day means to him personally, and what skills he leverages most in his civilian life.
What is your current role and how long have you worked at the University?
I am a cook at the Morris Inn. I have been with the University for 7 years now.
Tell us about your time in the military. Which branch did you serve in, when and how long did you serve, and what was your job?
I served active duty in the Army, 1982-1986. And 2 years in the reserves to complete my six-year obligation. I enlisted as a 65G, laser repairman for the new M1 Abrams tank. Although I scored fairly high on the ASVAB, I was not mathematically suited for that Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). I had only taken intro to algebra. Now, I am confident that I would make it after earning a B+ in statistics in art school. But, the years of my youth and enlistment are well behind me now. I was then reclassified and sent to Quartermaster School to be a cook.
What inspired you to join the military?
I wanted to grow and experience what three of my older siblings had experienced. The growth I saw in them inspired me to enlist. Plus, I was broke, right out of high school and I wanted to see the world.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
It's a time to reflect on what it meant to wear the uniform every single day. To reflect on the deployments, the missions, the training, the shared sacrifices and hardships with our brothers and sisters in arms.
What is the most memorable mission, deployment, or experience you had while serving?
My time stationed in Germany was the most memorable of my experiences. Everything about it was incredible. I loved working with my German counterparts in cooking. The food, culture, travel. It was an amazing time.
What skills or lessons from your military service have you found most useful in your civilian career or life?
Probably the dogged perseverance I gained from serving my country. It was also invaluable to have cooking skills to fall back on when my "Plan A" fell through.
What are some ways that people can recognize and show their respect and appreciation for veterans?
Just a kind, warm thank you, if one sees another in uniform.
Originally published by at experience.nd.edu on November 11, 2025.