The Fighting Saints Battalion seems to produce nothing but excellence, both in its Cadets and the Officers it sends out into the world. The alumni from this Battalion are shining examples of what an amazing program can allow an officer in the United States Army to accomplish when combined with an individual’s intellect, skills, and personal drive. We want to take some time to recognize where some of our accomplished alumni are now.
CPT Matthew Giersdorf started his career as an enlisted soldier in 2003. He decided to pursue a college education where he graduated from Saint Cloud State University in 2014. Upon commissioning into the U.S. Army, CPT Giersdorf entered the Ordnance Corps as a 2LT and has continued to proudly serve ever since. Currently he is serving as a Company Commander down in Texas, however, this is just another stop in his successful and exciting career. In his time of service, CPT Giersdorf has served as a Platoon Leader, XO, S3, SPO Deputy, and Commander. CPT Giersdorf clearly has a lot of experience under his belt from his 17 years of service, with 6 of those years as an officer. With all these years of experience, CPT Giersdorf wants to advise young officers to be flexible. He wants them to remember that the decisions young officers make impact real people, something he believes should always be considered in the decision making process.
CPT Chris Zilka graduated from the Fighting Saints Battalion in 2015 and was commissioned into the Chemical Corps. Throughout his career he has been given many opportunities. His current opportunity has him stationed in Korea. In his 5 year career, he has learned to become comfortable with uncertainty and advises new officers to become comfortable with that idea as well.
Two Fighting Saints Alumni, LTC Mark Mudrinich and MAJ Anton Swanson, found themselves in the Republic of Fiji while participating in an iteration of EXERCISE CARTWHEEL. While supporting one of the Security Operation Engagements, LTC Mudrinich and MAJ Swanson were able to meet the highest ranking female member of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. That is certainly an incredible opportunity for these two accomplished officers as they exemplified the deep respect between the U.S. Army and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
Freshly commissioned 2LT Anthony Lucca is currently stationed in beautiful Alaska. After graduating from Saint John’s University last year, 2019, he entered the Medical Service Corps. He is loving the outdoors and the excitement of starting his career. 2LT Lucca holds onto a lot of fond memories from his time in the Fighting Saints Battalion, however, he is certainly looking ahead and is excited to bring everything he’s learned to his new career.
CPT Matthew Giersdorf
CPT Chris Zilka
2LT Anthony Lucca
LTC Mark Mudrinich and MAJ Anton Swanson