The air is thin, the terrain rough, and the temperature soars past 100 degrees. His mission – a multi-mile trek across an Afghan desert, just as the sun begins to peek out from the mountains. With 75 pounds of equipment strapped to his back, Anthony Pedro keeps his eyes forward, his legs moving, and his mind sharp. In mile two, this 2008 grad’s thoughts drift back to high school – to the grueling practices on the gridiron, or the hours spent on the wrestling mat. It’s these early memories that helped shaped the man Pedro would become - teaching him what it means to stand beside others no matter the challenge.
“M-E gave me a strong foundation. The teachers, coaches, and community instilled discipline, teamwork, and resilience, all qualities that carried over into the military and beyond. One lesson I still lean on is the importance of supporting others. At M-E, you were never in it alone, and that same mentality has carried through in both the Army and now in civilian life,” said Pedro.
From an early age, Pedro always felt a calling to serve something much bigger than himself. When it came time to discuss possible career paths, he didn’t have to look far.
“Growing up, I admired my father as he served the community as a firefighter. Those who wore the uniform and 9/11 had a significant impact on my childhood. As I got closer to graduation, I knew the military was the path where I could challenge myself, serve my country, and hopefully make a difference,” said Pedro.
And so he did. After crossing the stage at graduation, Pedro departed for basic training, and later received his first military job. Not long after, he’d receive the news that would change his life forever. “Mr. Pedro, you’re being deployed to Afghanistan.”
“It’s a moment that’s hard to put into words. There’s a mix of emotions, pride in serving, nerves about the unknown, and a deep sense of responsibility for the soldiers standing beside you. You focus on training, preparation, and staying mission-ready, but there’s also the weight of knowing your family will be worrying while you’re gone,” said Pedro.
If there’s one thing that helped Pedro make it through the duty at hand, thousands of miles away from home, it was the sense of brotherhood he felt among his fellow service members – a brotherhood that was instilled in him early on, from his time on the football and lacrosse teams, to his years as a wrestler. He says some of his best memories are tied to the sense of community at Maine-Endwell, and the friendships he made along the way.
“My coaches and teammates from Football, Lacrosse and Wrestling, as well as the support from teachers who pushed us to give our best, or the way the entire district rallied around events, there was always a strong feeling of belonging. I carry that with me to this day,” said Pedro.
That would only continue throughout his 10 years as a combat veteran, putting his life on the line each and every day.
“Some of the most meaningful memories aren’t about combat, but about brotherhood. Living side by side with people from all walks of life, facing challenges together, and building bonds that last forever - those are the moments that stay with me. I’ll also never forget the sense of pride when one of my soldiers accomplished something they didn’t think they were capable of,” said Pedro.
As Pedro’s military career progressed, he’d quickly become a valuable asset in combat. Serving as an expert sniper, he was often the first one called upon when heading into battle. Later in his career, he’d pass that expertise on to others as a military sniper instructor.
“It took a lot of training, discipline, and patience. Becoming a sniper isn’t just about marksmanship, it’s about mental focus, observation, and problem-solving under pressure. I had incredible mentors who invested their time into me, and later in my career I had the privilege to pass that knowledge along to others as a sniper instructor,” said Pedro.
While this Spartan grad’s active-duty military career came to an end in 2019, his service to veterans would only continue. Today, Pedro serves as the Vice President of the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group – a position with a purpose he’s incredibly passionate about. Whether they served in World War II, Vietnam, or Iraq, Pedro takes his time with each former servicemember - helping them navigate life in the civilian world. He says serving younger veterans is an especially important duty today.
“Transitioning out of the military can be tough, and a lot of younger veterans don’t want to admit when they’re struggling. That’s why I’m so passionate about organizations like the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group. I want every veteran to know they’re not alone, and that asking for help is not weakness — it’s strength,” said Pedro.
As for today’s Maine-Endwell students considering a career of service, Pedro says it’s important to stay disciplined, stay humble, and be willing to learn.
“The military will test you in ways you can’t fully imagine, but it will also shape you into a stronger version of yourself. Take your education seriously, take care of your body, and most importantly, know why you’re serving, because that “why” will carry you through the toughest days,” said Pedro.
From the fields of Maine-Endwell to the deserts of Afghanistan, Anthony Pedro has lived his life by one guiding principle – serving others. That spirit of service, forged in halls of M-E, continues to lead him forward today.