Voices on Peace and War
Student Moderators
2025 Military Writers Symposium
| Forrester Belanger is a student at Norwich University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Studies in War and Peace and History with a minor in Information Warfare. Maintaining a 3.64 GPA and consistent placement on the Dean’s List, he has developed expertise in geospatial intelligence, data analysis, and research communication. Forrester has served as a Researcher with the Norwich University Applied Research Institute (NUARI), where he worked on data labeling, area studies, and analytical reporting. His previous experience includes an internship with the Vermont Lieutenant Governor’s Office, as well as roles within the Norwich University Corps of Cadets, where he currently serves as the S-6 Assistant Officer in Command. An active campus leader, Forrester is the Senior Advisor of the Legacy March Committee, Vice President of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club, and a Civic Scholar. His undergraduate research on Ramses II and the Propaganda of Power explored the intersections of military messaging and historical influence, including on-site study in Egypt and archival work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. |
| Brett Carlson is a Senior Norwich University student from Massachusetts, majoring in Cybersecurity with a concentration in Digital Forensics. Treasurer for the Student Government Association, and a member of the Norwich University Cyber Leader Development Program. |
| Dylan Dearing is a senior from Plymouth, Massachusetts, majoring in Business Management with a concentration in Leadership. He serves as the Commander of 1st Battalion and Norwich Ranger Company within the Corps of Cadets; he is also a member of the Ranger Challenge team. Previously, he was the First Sergeant of Bravo Company and earned the MSG Confessore Leadership Trophy for his work developing junior cadets. Dylan plans to commission as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army and is interested in practical leadership, motivation, and decision-making under pressure. |
| Sawyer Hernandez is a senior, cadet officer in the Norwich University Corps of Cadets, a contractor through AROTC, and a Combat Engineer in the Vermont Army National Guard. He is pursuing a B.S. in Criminology with minors in Chemistry and Chinese and will commission into the Engineer Branch in the Connecticut Army National Guard in May 2026. His interests include geopolitics, public policy, and defense innovations. |
| CDT Malin, from Brooklyn, New York, is a junior at Norwich University majoring in Criminology, with minors in Pre-Law, Forensic Psychology, and Intelligence and Crime Analysis, as well as concentrations in Criminal Forensics and Military Studies (Army). She is a three-year Army ROTC national scholarship recipient, contracted to be commissioned into the U.S. Army upon graduation. At Norwich, she is actively involved in several activities, including Army ROTC and the Corps of Cadets, where she serves in leadership as an Athletic Liaison Officer (ALO) and Public Affairs Officer (PAO). She is also the fullback for the Women’s Varsity Rugby Team, Treasurer for the Black Student Union (BSU), PAO for the Norwich University Student Association (NUSA), and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). |
| Blythe McQuade is a freshman at Norwich University from Poughkeepsie, New York, studying Criminal Justice. She is a member of the Corps of Cadets as well as on the women's basketball and soccer teams. |
| Dimitris Meintanas is a Freshman at Norwich University from Athens, Greece. He is majoring in Studies in War and Peace, with a minor in Information Warfare. He plans to commission in the Marine Corps through the PLC program, and later aspires to serve within a federal intelligence agency. At Norwich, he is an active member of the Model United Nations and aims to become a dedicated member of the Norwich University Emergency Medical Services (NUEMS). His academic interests center heavily on intelligence analysis, international security, and military strategy. Outside of academics, Dimitris enjoys practicing the martial art of MMA (mixed martial arts), playing soccer, and reading. |
| Matthew Pellizzari is a Senior from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, pursuing a BS in Environmental Science with a minor in Environmental Crime. On campus, Matthew is actively involved in the Corps of Cadets, Norwich Ranger Company, and Norwich Ranger Challenge. He is currently contracted with the Army, pursuing a commission as an Infantry Officer and later working in environmental consulting. His research analyzes the impacts of catastrophic flooding events and subsequent restoration efforts in Vermont waterways. He is an Environmental Science Presidential Fellow. |
| Andrew Sforza is a freshman at Norwich University from Fairfield, Connecticut, studying International Studies with a minor in Mandarin. He plans to commission in the U.S. Air Force and to become a Combat Rescue Officer. At Norwich, he is involved in the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Norwich University Emergency Medical Services (NUEMS), Buddy Up, and the Chess Club. |
| Gustav David Thorpe is a native of Denver, Colorado, and a senior at Norwich University. He graduated from Denver South High School in 2022 and began his studies at Norwich as a Studies in War and Peace (SWAP) major, later adding minors in military studies and naval science. Gustav received a contract through the Platoon Leaders Course, attending Officer Candidate School Juniors in 2024 and Officer Candidate School Seniors in 2025. He currently serves as the Alpha Company training officer and the Platoon Leaders Course operations officer, and is the former vice president of the Legacy March Committee. Upon graduation, Gustav will accept his commission into the United States Marine Corps with the goal of becoming an infantry officer. |
From the Blog
Voices on Peace and War
Chasing Partridge in the Black Hills
For the purpose of accustoming the cadets to hardship and fatigue, and also for the purpose of instructing them more perfectly in the practical duties of the soldier, they will perform at least one march as a military corps, each year. – Captain Alden Partridge, Prospectus, 1825
Voices on Peace and War