College of Business: Describe your role in the Navy and how you got involved.
Ledergerber: As a child, I always thought the military would be a good path for me, especially since I watched so many war movies. After I graduated from high school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so the military seemed like a good fit to explore careers and the world.
I was stationed in Japan as an Aerographer’s Mate, so I essentially studied the weather and monitored what happened below the ocean. We would monitor for typhoons, predict how big a storm was going to get, track it and see if we had any boats in that area that needed to be moved. We also did a daily forecast for a couple of different cities in Japan that we had military bases in, and a large part of my job was data input and output.
CoB: How has your understanding of service and what that means to you evolved since you first joined?
Ledergerber: I believe that service is an integral part of what society needs. Going in, I didn't fully comprehend why people made such sacrifices to be a part of an organization like the military. I fell into it mostly, but after being in that environment there isn't anything more fulfilling.
I think this would hold true for any public service worker (fire/police/EMT) but the military, I feel, takes it a step further. Working in that kind of collaborative atmosphere, on a global scale, is so fulfilling—knowing what kind of change you can make. Service gives you the opportunity to impact lives and make the world a better place and being in that type of setting makes you look at the world in a different way. A lot of times it comes at a price, but it's paltry compared to the opportunity to have the kind of impact on the world that service can provide.
CoB: How does being part of the military community shape your identity?
Ledergerber: I’ve changed entirely since joining the military. I used to be very cautious, quiet and anxious, but being moved to an unfamiliar country and dealing with very stressful situations helped me mature and showed me that I can do whatever I put my mind to. Taking on new challenges and helping others around me made me so much more responsible and a better communicator. My experience changed me and brought out all the good qualities in me.
The military community has brought me into the fold and embraced me. I am able to meet and connect with veterans from different backgrounds, branches and jobs, even those who served decades ago, and still have a common understanding. Our shared experiences create a common ground that allows for easy communication and conversation, especially in my role as vice president of the Student Veterans Association here on campus.
CoB: How has your military experience impacted your goals and career aspirations?
Ledergerber: It's made my goals seem much more achievable and has made me aim a lot higher. After high school I didn’t think I’d achieve much and didn’t have a lot of motivation to try, but in the military I was giving briefs to captains and officers about atmospheric radar ranges. It really changed the trajectory of my life and I don’t think I’d be at JMU if it weren’t for my time in the Navy. I don't know what the word holds for me, but I'm much more optimistic, confident and prepared for it.
CoB: What are your longer-term career goals after graduation? Why JMU?
Ledergerber: Initially, I thought I wanted to go into public accounting, but my job as an Aerographer’s Mate opened me up to data analysis, which I really did enjoy. So I think using that skill set in a business environment is where I’ll end up—either financial or accounting analysis.
When I returned from Japan I experienced reverse culture shock and I knew I didn’t want to stay in Pittsburgh. I looked at schools in Virginia and JMU caught my eye, specifically the business program. I've been overwhelmed, honestly, by how great the College of Business is. I didn't realize how good a choice I was making, but I'm very happy I did. Events the CoB hosts – such as Meet the Firms, the Why Accounting workshop and the job fairs – are well worth it.
As we honor our student veterans this Veterans Day, Ledergerber’s experience reminds us that the call to service extends beyond any single role. It’s a commitment that shapes lives, inspires communities and fosters resilience. Today, we recognize not only veterans’ service but the powerful example they set, paving the way for a future built on courage, compassion and continued contribution to the greater good.
