Cadre and Staff
Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth S. Eaton-Ferenzi
Professor of Military Science Cavalier Battalion (UVA & LU)
LTC Elizabeth S. Eaton-Ferenzi is a native of Sidney, NY. She was commissioned in Aviation in 2004 through Army ROTC at Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, PA as a Distinguished Military Graduate. After graduating from flight school at Fort Rucker, AL in the summer of 2005 as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot, she was assigned to 2-82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82d Airborne Division from 2005 to 2008, where she served as a Company Training Officer, Platoon Leader, Battle Captain, and Battalion Assistant S1. LTC Eaton-Ferenzi attended the Aviation Captain’s Career Course in 2008 at Fort Rucker, AL, followed by the Joint Firepower Course at Nellis AFB, NV. LTC Eaton-Ferenzi then joined 1-228th Aviation Regiment, Joint Task Force-Bravo, serving as the Battalion Assistant Operations Officer, and UH-60 Company Commander, 2009 to 2011.
Thereafter, LTC Eaton-Ferenzi attended graduate school at Columbia University’s Teacher’s College and served at the United States Military Academy as a Tactical Officer and Instructor, followed by serving as 1st Regiment’s Executive Officer from 2011 to 2015 where she taught the capstone leadership course to Firsties. After participating in the Career Intermission Program (2-year sabbatical), she completed resident Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC) at Fort Leavenworth, KS in 2018 as an Honor Graduate. After CGSOC, LTC Eaton-Ferenzi served as the 82nd Airborne Division Deputy Division Aviation Officer and then the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Aviation Officer at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), NC and with Joint Special Operations Task Force – Somalia in Djibouti. LTC Eaton-Ferenzi was then assigned to serve as Assistant Professor of Military Science for Army ROTC at the University of South Florida from 2021 to 2022.
Most recently, LTC Eaton-Ferenzi served on the Commander’s Action Group at U.S. Central Command at MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL as the Levant portfolio (Syria, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt) manager.
LTC Eaton-Ferenzi deployed to Afghanistan (13 months) in 2007-2008, Honduras (26 months) 2009-2011, and Africa (Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya for 3 months) 2021. She has also conducted Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief efforts in El Salvador (2009 mud slides), Haiti (2010 earthquake), and Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Costa Rica (2009-2011; Medical Civic Action Programs). While on the CAG, she traveled to the Middle East frequently (approximately once a month).
LTC Eaton-Ferenzi’s higher education includes a Master of Organizational Psychology from Columbia University (New York, NY) through the Eisenhower Leadership Development Program, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA).
Her awards and decorations include the Senior Aviation Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, Air Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Valorous Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War of Terror Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal.
LTC Eaton-Ferenzi is married to LTC Steve Ferenzi, who serves as an Army Strategist and Special Forces officer in Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT). They have two daughters – Annalise and Mariella (11 and 9 years old), one son – Anthony (7), and three boxer pups: Sas, Rosie, and Max.
Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Barrett
Assistant Professor of Military Science, Officer in Charge
Lieutenant Colonel Kyle D. Barrett is a native of Bend Oregon. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1999 as a UH-60 Helicopter Crew Chief. In 2002 he was awarded a Green-to-Gold ROTC Scholarship, attended Oregon State University, and was commissioned in 2005 as a Second Lieutenant. He is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Air Assault School, Airborne School, Ranger School, the Signal Captains Career Course, and US Army Command and General Staff College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science form Oregon State University, maintains active Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Security+ certifications, and is pursuing a Master of Science from Liberty University
Lieutenant Colonel Barrett’s career as an organizational leaders and informational technology manager has included assignments as: Company Fire Support Officer,1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Hit Iraq; Battalion Fire Support Officer, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (OPFOR), in Hohenfels Germany; Brigade Signal Company Commander, 10th Mountain Division while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Ghazni Afghanistan; Project Warrior Officer with assignments at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Germany, as the Senior Cavalry Signal Trainer, and at the Signal Captains Career Course, Fort Gordon Georgia, as a Small Group Leader and Instructor; Brigade Signal Officer and Chief Information Officer, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA; Deputy Chief Information Officer (G6), 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA.
Lieutenant Colonel Barrett’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (5), Army Achievement Medal (6), Naval Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4), Air Crewmember Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Ranger Tab. He is a recipient of the Bronze Order of Mercury and the Noble Patron of Armor.
Captain Sarah Mehr
Assistant Professor of Military Science
Captain Sarah M. Mehr was born in Baltimore, Maryland and spent the next sixteen years as an Army brat; her family has called Manassas, Virginia home for the last twenty-five years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2008 from George Mason University with a dual major in Anthropology and History and a minor in Classical Studies. She enlisted as a Transportation Management Coordinator (88N) in 2011 and upon completion of basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and AIT at Fort Lee, VA, she drilled with the 55th Sustainment Brigade (SUST BDE) at Fort Belvoir, VA. While assigned to the 55th SUST BDE, she simultaneously attended George Mason University for her Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and enrolled in the ROTC program. She earned her commission as a Second Lieutenant in May 2013.
CPT Mehr’s active duty assignments include the 372D Inland Cargo Transfer Company (ICTC), 129TH Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), 101ST Sustainment Brigade, 101ST Airborne (Air Assault) Division, at Fort Campbell, KY. She deployed with the 372D ICTC as a platoon leader to Liberia, Africa in support of Operation United Assistance. Upon redeployment, CPT Mehr next served as the Executive Officer for the HHC, 129TH CSSB. Her next assignment was to the 632D and 613TH Joint Movement Control Teams, where she served as the Executive Officer. Upon completion of Captain Logistics Career Course at Fort Lee and her Master’s thesis, CPT Mehr was assigned to the 7TH TB(X) at Fort Eustis, VA. She served a year on Brigade staff before assuming command of the 73D Transportation Company (Floating Craft). CPT Mehr completed 24 months of command and successfully inactivated the unit in June 2021.
CPT Mehr’s military awards and schooling include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (one oak leaf), Army Achievement Medal (one oak leaf), Army Superior Unit Award, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (gold), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Air Assault, Mortuary Affairs, Unit Historian, and Theater Sustainment Planner.
CPT Mehr has one daughter and four siblings, with two younger brothers currently serving on active duty.
Master Sergeant Kiel L. Carino
Senior Military Science Instructor
MSG Kiel L. Carino is from West Covina, California. He enlisted in the Army in 2004 and was assigned to One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Benning, Georgia. MSG Carino has served in many leadership positions, including Team Leader, Squad leader, Section Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Senior Drill Sergeant, Rifle Company First Sergeant, and Headquarters and Headquarters Company First Sergeant.
MSG Carino’s previous assignments includes: 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, Camp Casey, South Korea; 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas; 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas; 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, California; 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia; 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado; 1st Battalion, 2nd Security Forces Assistance Brigade, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado.
MSG Carino’s military education includes: Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Master Leader Course, Cavalry Leaders Course, Infantry Mortar Leader Course, Sharp Certification Course, Equal Opportunity Leader Course, Master Resilience Training Course, Basic Instructor Training Course, Basic Combatives Course, Tactical Combatives Course, Basic Airborne School, Air Assault School, U.S Army Drill Sergeant School, SFA Foreign Weapons Course, and the Combat Advisor Training Course.
MSG Carino’s awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3OLC), the Army Commendation Medal (3OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2SLC), Army Achievement Medal w/C device; the Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award), the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (numerical 4), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (numerical 3), Korea Service Defense Medal, NATO Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Citation, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver Mechanic Badge – Wheeled, Gold Schutzenschnur Badge, and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.
MSG Carino is married with three sons. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his family.
Captain Connor D O’Neal
Military Science Instructor
Captain Connor D. O’Neal is a native of Centreville Maryland. He commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Johns Hopkins University in May 2016. He is a graduate of Logistics Captains Career Course (LOGC3), Ordnance Basic Officer’s Leader Course (ODBOLC), Master Educator Course (MEC), Unit Movement Officer Course, Air Load Planners Course and Equal Opportunity Leaders Course. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Stevenson University.
Captain O’Neal’s career as an organizational leader has included assignments as: Battalion Maintenance Control Officer / Platoon Leader, 1st Battalion 62nd Air Defense Artillery while deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield, Kuwait; Company Executive Officer, Company Commander and Assistant S-3, 1st Battalion 62nd Air Defense Artillery, Fort Hood, TX (known as Fort Cavazos since 2023); Brigade Maintenance and Transportation Support Operations Officer (SPO), 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, Fort Bliss, TX; Forward Support Company Commander, 2nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, in Fort Bliss, TX and South Korea.
Captain O’Neal’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.
He is married to Jackie O’Neal a native of Long Beach NY, together they have one daughter.
Sergeant First Class Kyle W. Shannon
Military Science Instructor
SFC Kyle W. Shannon is a native of Newark, Ohio. He joined the Army in 2010 and completed Advanced Individual Training as a Cannon Crew Member, MOS 13B, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
SFC Shannon is a graduate of the Warrior Leaders Course, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, Airborne School, and Jump Master School. He has been awarded a combat action badge, 7 various foreign jump wings, and senior rated parachutist jumpmaster wings.
SFC Shannon’s assignments include 10th Mountain Division, Ft. Drum New York; 173rd Airborne Brigade, Grafenwohr Germany; 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg North Carolina. He has served in all leadership positions from a Team Leader through Platoon Sergeant. SFC Shannon’s deployments include one deployment to Afghanistan and various NATO missions ranging from Romania, Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Georgia (the country).
Mr. Meckley
Military Science Instructor
Mr. Meckley enlisted in the Army National Guard as a 13F Fire Support Specialist in 2012. He then earned his commission as a Field Artillery Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Liberty University. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Liberty University. During his 10 years in the Army National Guard, Mr. Meckley has served as a Fire Support Specialist, Fire Support Officer, Fire Direction Officer, and Company Executive Officer.
Mr. Meckley deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.
Mr. Ben Parrish Sr.
Human Resources Assistant
Ben Parrish, Sr is a Lynchburg, VA native and Liberty University alumnus, having received an AA in Business Administration, and a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in Psychology, Military Science, and Business. Prior to taking his current position with the ROTC program, he was the Army Reserve Administrator for the 751st Quartermaster Company in Bedford, VA.
Mr. Parrish is also a Senior Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Amy Reserve, with 20+ years in service. He holds 2 MOSs, 88K (Watercraft Operator) and 42A (Human Resources Specialist). His assignments and duties have included Operations SGT and HR SGT for the 2d BN 317th Regt (Lynchburg, VA), Sr HR SGT and Equal Opportunity Advisor for the 3rd BDE, 98th DIV (Salem, VA), and Equal Opportunity Advisor for the 352nd Civil Affairs Command (Ft Meade, MD). His military education consists of Primary Leadership Development Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Master Leader Course, Combatives Level 1, and the Equal Opportunity Advisor Course from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute. He is also a Dept of Defense certified mediator. Mr. Parrish has two children. Aside from his faith, he is passionate about cooking, music, and baseball.
Susan P. Kellett-Forsyth
Recruiting Operations Officer
(434) 924-7101
spk4e@virginia.edu
Susan Puanani Kellett-Forsyth made history in 1976 when she became a member of the first class to include women in the United States Military Academy’s 178-year history. She graduated from USMA on 28 May 1980, as one of the 62 women amongst a class of 859 men. As a Commissioned U.S. Army Signal Corps officer, Susan spent years honing her skills as a military leader with assignments in Germany, Fort Bragg, and Campbell University where she served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science.
After attending the elite School of Advanced Military Studies, she served as a planner for the First Infantry Division and was instrumental in developing the first U.S. – Russian Peace Keeping exercise on American soil. In January 1996, she deployed to Bosnia in support of Peace Keeping Operations during Operation Joint Endeavor.
After she retired from military service, she earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma in 2003 and applied her expertise at the secondary school level in Stuttgart, Germany. She spent six years working with the non-profit group, Americans Working Around the Globe (AWAG), serving as Chairperson for two years. Her passion for AWAG’s mission resulted in her efforts to work with a talented team to train, strengthen, and connect volunteers in military communities in Germany, Italy, the U.K., Belgium, and the Netherlands. As a Department of the Army Civilian, she was a part of the United States Africa Command in Stuttgart Germany where she worked in J5 Plans and J3 Operations.
Susan is on the Board of Directors for the newly established non-profit organization, American War Memorials Overseas. She is married with three children.