HB Alumnae Veterans Inspire Students with Stories of Service, Leadership, and Learning for Life

To honor Veterans Day, Hathaway Brown Middle School students recently interviewed three alumnae with distinguished military careers, gaining insights into the leadership and rewards of service. While the path each alumna took in the military was different, they all share a common foundation of confidence and purpose gained at HB.

Erica Jeffries Purdo ’94
U.S. Army Veteran

Erica Jeffries Purdo ’94, a veteran Army Aviation Officer and Blackhawk helicopter pilot, has translated her military expertise into a successful career in national security and defense strategy. In addition to her role as Vice President of Strategy & Transformation at Johnson & Johnson, she supports veterans through her involvement with the West Point Association and the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Purdo led the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) where she was responsible for more than 1200 employees serving nearly 700,000 veterans. 

She described to the Middle School students how HB’s emphasis on leadership and teamwork prepared her for the challenges of military service. “I felt like I had the confidence to do anything,” she shared with the students. “The confidence I got from being around so many smart girls at HB stayed with me. It was ‘girl power’ that I took into my career.” 

Her experience in confidence and teamwork resonated with the students, who shared their stories of overcoming challenges and supporting each other at HB. For Purdo, these prior experiences became foundational, helping her thrive in military roles that demanded resilience and adaptability. “I really credit HB for shaping me into the girl I was and the woman that I became,” she shared.

Lt. Stephanie Lasch ’10
U.S. Navy Reserve Officer

After graduating from HB, Lieutenant Stephanie Lasch ’10 attended the United States Naval Academy and became a Naval Flight Officer. During her career, she amassed more than 800 military flight hours, and received numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. After her active-duty tenure, Lasch transitioned to the reserves where she continues to teach and inspire future service members as an instructor, embodying the values of leadership and commitment to service.

When Lieutenant Lasch spoke with the Middle School students, she reflected on what her time in the military gave her. “Being in the military taught me to be resilient,” she shared. “And when you go through times of struggle or stress with people, you develop very close friendships. I have lifelong friends from my time in the Navy.”

Lasch highlighted how HB’s supportive culture set her up for long-term success. She joined the swim team to prepare for the physical demands of the Naval Academy, an opportunity she credits to HB. “At a bigger school, they wouldn’t have entertained the idea of someone joining the swim team just to prepare for the Naval Academy,” she shared. “HB’s community supported my ambitions.”

And what’s something she misses as a student at HB? “The pierogies!” she laughs.

Anne Hammerstrom Stark ’01
U.S. Army Veteran

Anne Hammerstrom Stark ’01 has many fond memories of her time at HB where she played field hockey and participated in the Fellowships in Science Research & Engineering. After graduation, she attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and was then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. She also attended graduate school at the University of St. Andrews as a Marshall Scholar.  

As a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, Stark served in a variety of locations including Alabama, Colorado, Germany, and Afghanistan. She shared with the Middle School students a story from her deployment to Afghanistan and described the reality of loss in the military. Shortly after her arrival, two pilots in her unit were killed.“The freedoms we enjoy come at a deep cost,” she said, underscoring her commitment to honoring not only veterans, but also the families who bear these sacrifices. Her words moved students, offering a personal reminder of the significance of service.

After leaving the Army in 2015, she went to Harvard Law School. During her time as a law student, she worked in a veterans disability clinic to help clients access benefits. Post-law school, she has pursued a career in criminal prosecution, and currently serves as the Assistant District Attorney in Chemung County, New York.

For Stark, HB’s motto of “Learn for Life” has guided her choices along each stage of her military journey. “One question you can always ask yourself is, ‘What will you regret not doing in the future?’” Stark told students. She reminded students that a lifelong interest in learning and a willingness to tackle new challenges is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. “The direction you think you’ll go may shift along the way, and the ability to adapt can make all the difference,” she shared. That’s learning for life.