After dedicating four years to the United States Marine Corps, Brendan Kelly’s next mission would lead him to the frontlines of patient care. Kelly first enlisted in the USMC in 2017, where he spent his military career serving in specialized infantry units in the Combined Anti-Armor Teams (CAAT) and would eventually manage the planning and execution of over 50 combat patrols and operations during his two deployments to Syria. He rose to the rank of Corporal, a recognition reflecting his proactive discipline and intrinsic reliability as a trusted leader to those in his infantry platoon.

Nearly seven weeks before his service came to an end, Kelly had just completed a second high-stakes deployment overseas, thousands of miles from home. Then, almost suddenly, he reentered civilian life, transitioning into what was his most prominent culture shock upon his return to the United States. Living each day as a Marine meant following a strict, regimented routine where every decision carried critical impact, a noticeable contrast to the slower, more flexible pace of everyday life. Kelly learned to lean on his close circle of family and friends throughout this transition, drawing strength from their unwavering support even in his most difficult moments.

Kelly spent a significant amount of time surrounded by Navy Hospital Corpsmen, witnessing firsthand how battlefield care, emergency treatment, and routine medical attention are delivered to those in combat. Having also been exposed to the healthcare industry by his mother, who worked as a nurse during his childhood, and continues to do so today, he was determined to channel both his military experience and his mother’s inspiration into a service-oriented career. This decision ultimately brought him to where he is today: a soon-to-be graduate of Felician University’s nursing program this Spring.

Nursing school is designed to challenge each student with accountability, confidence, and adaptability,  skills that proved crucial in his time planning and leading complex operations in the Marines. Kelly sought to elevate these strengths further, rising above the barriers he found within himself. “I had to become more comfortable asking questions, seeking help, and having a greater sense of understanding of others,” he said. “These changes have helped to reinforce the principles I consider essential in life, such as humility and compassion.”

Looking ahead, his post-graduation goal is to work in an environment where his commitment to integrity and service as a veteran can offer comfort to those facing serious and emergency medical conditions. Having been in the military, where life-altering situations are commonplace, he hopes to translate his empathetic mindset and apply it to patient care, where reassurance and clarity are at the forefront of every interaction.

The Marine Corps will always stand as the defining chapter of his life, and the one he is most proud of. “I know I was able to have at least a small impact on the world and be a part of something bigger than myself. I hope that I can continue to have a positive impact on people’s lives each day and make the world a better place.”

*This story is featured in the Spring 2026 Edition of Military Appreciation Magazine.

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About Felician University

Felician University is committed to supporting academic success at any stage of life. With over 2,700 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students enrolled across the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education, Felician provides diverse learning experiences that equip all students with the skills to meet the demands of today’s society. Over the past five years, Felician University has consistently ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and Money Magazine and has been recognized as one of the best college locations in New Jersey (#4) according to niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the fifteenth year, a testament to our dedicated support of Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, reflects our inclusive and supportive environment and earned us a spot on Washington Monthly’s Top 100 HSI list (#30). With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, our Franciscan values of respect for human dignity, compassion, and social justice are woven into the very foundation and development of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University is sponsored by Felician Sisters International.  For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.