Veterans Upward Bound Program

TMCC Veteran of the Month - March 2009

Chris Nero

Chris Nero

Corporal, Truckee Meadows Community College Police Department

Nero grew up in Cheektowaga, New York, attending Cleveland Hill High School. After graduating from high school he attended the United States Marine Corps Boot Camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. Nero said he joined the Marines because, "I grew up in a military family, and I always wanted to be a Marine."

He severed eight years in the Marine Corp. The first four years were with the 1st Marines at Camp Pendleton, California, the second four years were with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, VMAQ-2, VMAQ-3, and VMAQ-4 at Cherry Point, North Carolina.

While in the Marines he was stationed in several countries including: Japan, the Philippines, China, Guam, Korea, and Bahrain. During Nero's second tour, he served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

For his service he earned the following medals and awards: Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3 awards) Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2 awards) Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal a Meritorious Mast, South West Asia Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.

After leaving the Marines, Nero began his career as a police officer, serving in the Reno Police Department and currently for the TMCC Police Department. He's continued his education and in 2006 earned an associate degree in criminal justice from TMCC.

Nero is currently a member of the Marine Corps League, Detachment 672, "Battle Born" in Reno. His advice to any veterans returning to civilian life, "know that your training has given you the foundation to handle life's issues. Make sure to take advantage of all of the resources available to you and continue educating yourself, to reach your goals. TMCC is a great place to start."

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