On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the country pauses to honor the commitment of those who have made the selfless sacrifice to protect our freedoms. For Kory Ingole, dispatcher at the Notre Dame Police Department, it’s a day to show your respect and gratitude to veterans and recognize the unique skills and perspectives they bring to civilian life.
Kory served in the United States Army from 2006 - 2008 as an M1 Armor Crewman and also was on a Protective Security Detail (PSD) for a base Lieutenant Colonel during one of his deployments. His call to serve was inspired by continuing the legacy of his family as the third-generation to serve. “I am from a military family where my dad was in the Air Force, and both of my grandfathers were in the Army,” said Ingole. “That certainly had a huge impact on me to serve, and then ultimately, the terrorist attack on September 11 had a big influence on my decision to join.” A selfless decision that would shape who Kory is today.
Kory was stationed in both Germany and Iraq during his service, each becoming engraved in his mind for very different reasons. His first station in Germany was right after he completed basic training and marked his first time leaving the U.S., making it one of the highlights of his service. “The country felt so alive with history - the huge medieval churches, beautiful old architecture, the fields of yellow flowers that seemingly stretched for miles,” reflected Kory. “I’ll never forget the food and culture and how different it felt compared to home.”
On the contrary, Ingole’s station in Iraq was unforgettable for many other reasons. Stifled by the heat and moments of real danger where he didn’t know if he’d make it home, Kory’s deployment in Iraq greatly shaped who he is today. “I remember my first sandstorm, the eerie quiet that came before it, and the messy chaos that followed. But, there were also moments of humanity, like handing out Meals, Ready-To-Eat (MREs), which are self-contained full meals packed in flexible meal bags, to hungry kids. They were so happy just to have something to eat. Small little interactions like that meant a lot in the middle of everything else.”
Upon his medical separation from the military in 2008, Kory faced his next mission: re-adjusting to civilian life. Now a dispatcher for the Notre Dame Police Department, Kory serves in a new way: keeping the Notre Dame campus community safe while leveraging the many skills he acquired during his military service. He carries his ability to stay calm, make clear decisions in high-pressure situations, and strong understanding of what it means to work as a member of a team into his work every day as a dispatcher. “People rely on me to think quickly, communicate clearly, and stay steady when seconds matter.” All important skills necessary to do his job well and uphold NDPD’s mission to promote safety and make a difference in people’s lives.
As we head into Veterans Day, Kory offered some ways that people can show their gratitude for this unique group who has so selflessly served. For him, showing respect and appreciation for veterans doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but can be demonstrated simply through everyday respect, understanding, and connection. “I think the most meaningful way to show respect is through acknowledgement - taking a moment to listen to a veteran’s story if they want to share it, or even just recognizing the skills and perspectives they bring into civilian life.”
Originally published by at experience.nd.edu on November 05, 2025.