ABOVE: Vincent Scalise served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years and 20 years in the New York Army National Guard. His military experience and knowledge of the difficulties some veterans face guided him to become founder and current executive director of The Utica Center for Development in 2008. “We operate a true one-stop shop for veterans and their families,” he said. “We have 50 units of housing for homeless veterans; we offer financial assistance to those who need it; we do VA claims and appeals; we offer case management, food, clothing, household items, medical equipment; we offer peer groups and suicide prevention programs.”
Vincent Scalise spent 24 years in the military in service of his country. He’s seen war and the effects it has on military personnel. After his discharge, he founded the Utica Center for Development, an organization that aids his fellow veterans.
You joined the Marines in 1991. Why did you decide to go into the military?
Love of my county and wanting to serve.
In 2003, you were deployed to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tell us what you did there and what that experience was like.
I was an assistant squad leader in an infantry platoon. Our main mission was stabilization of the county and counter insurgency operations. We were constantly on patrol in our area of responsibility, engaging with the locals and searching for insurgents and IEDS (improvised explosive devices). We experienced operating in extreme climates and terrain.
What was your mental state while serving in the war? We’re you nervous, scared, determined to fight? Trying to survive?
All of the above. Everyone is always nervous and scared when you first get there, but as time goes on you start to normalize everything.
You returned from Iraq in 2005 and were stationed in the states for about seven years. What were your duties during that time?
After returning, I was assigned to the New York State Armory on Culver Avenue where I remained in an Infantry Battalion for the rest of my career and had many different position including Squad leader, Operations NCO and Training NCO.
In 2012, you were in a warzone again, being sent to Afghanistan. What were your thoughts about going to war again?
I had no issue with deploying again. I was much more experienced and had very good soldiers with me.
What was it like there?
It was extremely different than Iraq, but still both had extreme climates and terrain to deal with. Very mountainous and rocky with a period of 120 days of wind where the wind and sand never stop blowing.
We always hear about the “lessons of war.” What lessons did you learn?
Stay alert and stay alive is the most important thing and always make sure your equipment is well maintained.
We now are in another war. With your experience, if you were commander in chief, what decisions would you make about sending our sons and daughters into battle?
I would never look forward to sending our young people off to war, but I understand that sometimes it is extremely necessary to do so, and it is always better to stop a problem at the start and not wait till the problem grows out of control, which would just lead to more death and destruction.
Tell us about the camaraderie military people share.
To this day some of my closest and best friends are men I served with. There is an unbreakable bond made when you serve with someone, especially when you’re deployed. You do everything together — eat, sleep and live.
After returning from war, you witnessed many veterans having all kinds of problems without having many options for assistance in Central New York. You founded the Utica Center for Development. Please tell us what inspired you to do that?
I was stationed at the Utica Armory and I had soldiers that I served with coming in looking for assistance for many different problems and I couldn’t find anywhere to send them except to Syracuse or Albany. I just wanted to help my brothers and way I could.
Describe the center and the kinds of problems with which you help veterans cope.
We operate a true one-stop shop for veterans and their families. We have 50 units of housing for homeless veterans; we offer financial assistance to those who need it; we do VA claims and appeals; we offer case management, food, clothing, household items, medical equipment; we offer peer groups and suicide prevention programs.
How can other people help?
Donate, volunteer and spread the word about the center.
For younger people thinking of a military career, what advice would you give them?
Talk to someone that served so you can have a better understanding of what you can do in the military. The military has many opportunities, but it’s on you to make it happen.
You are a parishioner at Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament. What does this parish mean to you?
It means a lot! I have been a member of the parish since I was baptized there and consider it my family.
How has your faith helped you cope with everything you have witnessed?
Our faith grounds us and clams us, and I always turn to it for those reasons.
Do you believe God has had a hand in keeping your safe and guiding you to help others?
Absolutely! I truly feel that I received a calling to help others in need.
Is there anything else you want to add?
Over the past 18 years, the Utica Center for Development has grown tremendously. We have offices in Utica, Rome, Watertown and Oneonta. We offer services for youth, people living with autism and developmental disabilities for the general community on top of all we do with veterans.
Vincent Scalise
- Age: 54.
- Education: Proctor High School, Mohawk Valley Community College, Southern Vermont College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies.
- Occupation: Founder and current executive director of The Utica Center for Development since 2008.
- Family: Wife Jennifer, son Andrew, daughter Adrianna.
- Military service: U.S. Marine Corps for four years and 20 years in the New York Army National Guard.
- Awards and decorations: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaves, Army Achievement Medal with two bronze oak leaves, Good Conduct Medal 6th award, National Defense Medal with one bronze star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device and numeral two, Armed Forces Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf, Outstanding Military Volunteer Award, Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral two, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral two, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Col. Governor Morris Citizen Soldier Award.
- Favorite activities: Fishing and hunting.
- Favorite movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
- Favorite TV show: “M*A*S*H.”
- Favorite book: “Moby Dick,”
- Favorite musical genre or artist: ’60s rock and the Animals.