Viterbo marketing student Curtis Petersen wanted to be able to help his fellow veterans, and he decided he needed a college degree to do it.

“I would like to own a marketing firm one day or at least have a career that allows me to contribute to local nonprofit veterans’ organizations,” said Petersen, 38, of his decision to enroll at Viterbo.

Petersen joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1998 and served as the communications chief for the 389th Engineer Battalion. He volunteered to go to Iraq, where he was stationed at Baghdad International Airport. He often served on convoys from Baghdad to the base near the city of Balad.

“I had a number of experiences during the convoys that are still with me today,” said Petersen, who served in Iraq from March 2003–March 2004. “And at the base, we were subjected to mortar and rocket attacks on a daily basis. On Easter that year, there was a 2½-hour fire fight outside the wall. We lived under the shadow of death for an entire year.”

Petersen returned to civilian life and a gainful career before being diagnosed with PTSD in 2010. He has worked very hard to learn effective coping skills to get back to a rewarding career and credits his family with helping him find his purpose. He said he received immeasurable help from others in his life and wants to be able to give back.

“Since 2010 I’ve been on the path to healing,” he said.

Petersen has found everyone at Viterbo to be “very pleasant and exceedingly helpful.” He is working with Rick Trietley, Viterbo’s vice president for student affairs, to ensure the enrollment and veteran’s benefits processes are made as easy to understand and navigate as possible.

“I want to be able to give back and help other veterans succeed in life,” said Petersen, whose third child will be born in December. “That goal and my family are my purpose.”

(Note: Curtis Petersen graduated in 2020 with a degree in marketing.)