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SAU freshman goes from bomb disposal to college life
Posted Online: Sept. 01, 2009, 7:22 pm
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By Nicole Lauer, nlauer@qconline.com
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Adam Costas is among the sea of freshmen who are finding their way around St. Ambrose University's campus with maps in hand this week. His journey to campus took a little longer, however. While many of the recent high school graduates are starting four years of Ramen noodles, late night pizzas and dorm food, he has just finished four years of Meals Ready to Eat and other military grub in mess halls across the country and in Iraq, where he served from November 2007 to August 2008. The 22-year-old Mr. Costas, a sergeant when he left the military, was trained as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, which led him to travel the U.S. and abroad with the Secret Service, meeting presidents and dignitaries such as George Bush Sr. and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin along the way. Mr. Costas said delaying his education was worth it. "It's something I've always wanted to do," he said. "I wanted to do my part to help serve the country." As an EOD specialist, Mr. Costas was part of a select group of experts who are trained to deal with conventional, biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, according to a U.S. Army Web site. They also conduct intelligence-gathering operations and support VIP missions for the Secret Service, State Department and other federal agencies. Mr. Costas said his job was to sweep event areas, checking every compartment and pushing every button, in advance of the visit by the dignitary. "It's dangerous, but it's very exciting. It's a real big adrenaline rush you get," he said. "We're expendable; the president of the United States isn't." His military ties are serving him well as he begins studying forensic psychology with the goal of working in federal law enforcement. St. Ambrose is a partner with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in the Yellow Ribbon Program. That means Mr. Costas can earn his degree at no cost, thanks to SAU waiving up to $6,000 in tuition costs with veterans benefits covering the rest. Previously, veterans benefits only covered the costs of attending a public university. Mr. Costas said SAU's distinction of being a "Military Friendly School" by Victory Media G.I. Jobs is even more confirmation he made the right choice. "It's just icing on the cake pretty much," he said. Mr. Costas said Davenport was the place to return to after the military. "I've been everywhere in the U.S. that you can think of. Iowa has that hometown feeling," he said. Mr. Costas said he also has opted to live at home, but missing out on the dorm experience is not much of a loss. "I think I've had my fun. I'm not looking to have a huge social life or going out and drinking," he said. "I have no problems living at home for now." All the same, he plans to get involved with campus activities and maybe an intramural sport. He said he thinks SAU will be a great experience, especially because of its emphasis on being military friendly. "Not many schools nationwide are Yellow-Ribbon certified, and that makes it more appealing to veterans. Plus it's a good school that has that military focus," he said. Adam Costas Hometown:Davenport Family: Parents John and Rebecca; siblings twin brother Jacob, Zach, Abby and Rachel Education: graduate of Davenport North, now attending St. Ambrose University studying forensic psychology Military: Army Sergant, served as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist 
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