Strzemienski earns direct commission

Adam Strzemienski, '08, '14, University of North Georgia (UNG) director of Facilities and Operations South, has earned a direct commission into the Navy Reserve.

Direct commissions are uncommon and require a lengthy application process for individuals with "extensive service experience," according to the Navy website. Strzemienski will serve as an intelligence officer after his previous experience with UNG Public Safety, the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office and Lumpkin County Fire and EMS. He also served as a task force officer with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 

"I've always wanted to fulfill some type of military service," he said. "I've always been some type of community servant. It's in my blood."

Strzemienski took his oath as an ensign in a ceremony Aug. 5 in Price Memorial Hall at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Fellow alumnus and Georgia Army National Guard Capt. Jason Goza, '10, administered the oath.

Goza was grateful to see his longtime friend's persistence pay off in earning the chance to serve in the Navy Reserve.

"As a military officer, we look for well-rounded individuals with leadership capabilities," Goza said. "His selfless service to his community gave him a leg up in this process."

I've always wanted to fulfill some type of military service. I've always been some type of community servant. It's in my blood.

Adam Strzemienski

UNG director of Facilities and Operations South

"They make it very conducive to people who are working professionals and have families," he said. "They give you flexibility with training."

Strzemienski, who earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and a Master of Science in criminal justice from UNG, is pursuing a Doctor of Public Administration from Valdosta State University and already holds a graduate certificate in cyber investigations and security. He has served as an adjunct professor for online courses in Fort Hays State University's Criminal Justice Department since 2016.

Strzemienski recalls as a teenager participating in a leadership program in Washington, D.C., where he assumed the role of CIA director during scenarios. While in college, he then participated in a similar experience in Europe where he spent time with parliaments and U.S. foreign service officers and attended lectures at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. 

Sarah Strzemienski, '09, his wife, marvels at how he balances it all so well. She is excited about his opportunity to serve in the Navy Reserve.

"Seeing this dream come to fruition makes me very proud," she said. "He has so many gifts to give back in his service to the military."

Henry "Mike" Hyams III, director of Facilities North and retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, appreciated how Strzemienski pressed through the extensive application process to make the direct commission possible.

"He's following through and making it happen," Hyams said. "I am very proud of him and impressed by his determination to serve his nation."