Andrew DiCuirci – Computer Science

Andrew DiCuirci - Computer Science

East Carolina University is ready to welcome a patriotic DiCuirci family tradition.

Andrew DiCuirci is the youngest of three sons and will graduate Friday with a Bachelor of Science in computer science, followed the next day by his commissioning as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. That is when DiCuirci will receive a first salute from his dad, retired Air Force master sergeant Thomas DiCuirci, and first oath of office from his older brother, Joshua.

"He's flying in from Germany," Andrew said of Joshua. "I'm really thankful he's doing that and it's an awesome family tradition. I'm super excited to see all of my family, which we don't get to do a lot."

Joshua, a first lieutenant in artillery in the Army who completed ROTC at Stetson University, received his commissioning ceremony oath of office from their oldest brother, Kyle, a University of Delaware ROTC graduate and Air Force pilot and major. Their father has performed the first salute to each of his sons.

Andrew, who grew up in Delaware before attending ECU, was selected for the Gold Bar Recruiting Program for the first year of his four-year active commitment to the Air Force. He will begin that role, helping to recruit for development programs like ROTC, officer training school and the Air Force Academy, in Ohio in June.

"Sometimes people look at ROTC and think, 'Oh, I want to be a pilot,'" DiCuirci said. "They might not see the greater aspects ROTC can provide on the job scope and countless leadership opportunities. I think the most beautiful thing is you're at an open house talking to young men and women and then you do see them as underclassmen, and they made a good choice. They stick through it and they grow and it's an awesome cycle."

DiCuirci's favorite Pirate memories include football games and living with friends in Umstead Hall. He also said helping teach underclassmen to march related to stories he heard from his dad.

"He never forced us to do it, but always showed us it's an option," DiCuirci said. "I think his stories of his active duty days really convinced us and showed how much camaraderie is in the military. You can come home from a day's work saying, 'I helped my country this much and I helped these airmen.' Showing our Air Force ROTC that I'm ready to be an officer, I'm super excited."

More Stories