their families.
“ Serving as a First Sergeant was one of the most fulfilling roles I held,” he said.“ It taught me the true meaning of leadership— not just in operations, but in taking care of people.”
He vividly remembers his early days of basic training, describing them as a“ culture shock.”
“ It quickly taught me the importance of teamwork, accountability, and pushing beyond my limits.”
One of his most defining memories came during Operation Iraqi Freedom I in 2003, when his brigade helped capture and secure Baghdad International Airport— a key objective in the fall of Saddam Hussein’ s regime.
“ I remember standing there thinking to myself,‘ Well, Andrew, you don’ t see this every day now, do you?’ It was surreal.”
After retiring in 2015, Modica
“ Service doesn’ t have to end with the uniform. It just evolves.”
faced a challenge familiar to many veterans, which was finding his place in civilian life.
“ After serving two decades in the Army, the uniform became a big part of who I was,” he said.“ Suddenly, the structure, the mission and the sense of purpose I was used to were gone.”
In time, Modica found a new mission through the Whitley County Extension Office, where he works as an Extension Assistant to the Natural Resources and Horticulture Agent.
“ There was a job opening at the Extension Office, and I decided to apply,” he said.
What began as a new chapter after
retirement became a meaningful way to continue serving others. In his role, he’ s found purpose in connecting with people, supporting local farmers and families, and giving back to the community that shaped him.
Among his proudest contributions at the Extension Office is leading the annual Veterans Day Dinner, a tradition started by his colleague, Mawnie Belcher.
“ When she decided to step back, she asked if I would take it over,” Modica said.“ It’ s more than just a dinner; it’ s about creating a space where veterans feel seen, appreciated and connected.”
The event features a chili dinner, a guest speaker, and time for fellowship. Families are invited too, something Modica says is important.
“ They serve in their own way,” he said.
He explained that over the years, the
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