Institute for Second Service

University of San Francisco MAPL students and veterans Theresa Louise Carpenter and Eric Gilmet bring their firsthand experience to an important discussion on military justice. Their co-authored op-ed in RealClearDefense examines challenges and reforms in the military justice system:

When Commanders Play Judge and Jury The Crisis Destroying Military Justice Imagine facing criminal charges where your commanding officer—not evidence, not law—determines your fate. For thousands of service members, this isn'

Congratulations to Amy Bushatz, University of San Francisco MAPL Class of 2021, on the recognition of the Mat-Su Sentinel as 2025 New Business of the Year. We continue to be inspired by your leadership and dedication to your community!

Mat-Su Sentinel named 2025 New Business of the Year The LION Publishers award recognizes long-term sustainability and financial health.

Professor Patrick J. Murphy of University of San Francisco's MA in Public Leadership shares his thoughts on how Americans can unite in the face of tragedy. Read More ⬇️

Charlie Kirk & 9/11 - Two Tragedies that Should Remind America How to Stand Together. 24 hours and 24 years later, our ability to see each other’s humanity is vanishing.

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day!

As we observe Juneteenth, we share the story of MAPL alum Elizabeth Stephens, recognized in a recent op-ed for her historic role as the first Black female graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to be selected as a naval aviator in the Marine Corps. She was the first Black woman to pilot the CH-46E and the first woman to pilot the CH-46E MV-22 Osprey in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Once featured widely in military publications, her story invites reflection on how we preserve public memory and honor important contributions to our history.

Read the full article here:

Juneteenth is about the truth some Americans keep trying to bury On Juneteenth I think about all the freedom fighters — famous and forgotten — who walked before us. And I think about all of us who walk now, still trying to finish what they began.

Veterans are stepping into key roles for the 2026 elections!

“All four women in the “Hellcats” chat — named after the first female Marines who served in World War I — have military experience and are running for Congress in 2026.”

Read the full article here:

Why ‘Hellcats’ could be the answer to Democrats troubles Democrats believe veterans and former national security officials can help dig them out of the perception that they're weak.

The Honorable Patrick J. Murphy, Army veteran, former Congressman, and University of San Francisco MA in Public Leadership faculty member — reflects on checks and balances in his recent op-ed.

"The purpose being that no branch is more powerful than the other. Each is supposed to keep the others in check. Checks and balances are the genius of American democracy. "

Read the full article here:

Guest Commentary: Where is Congress’s Moral Courage? Medicaid is shrinking. The debt is exploding. International students are leaving. And Congress isn’t doing a thing.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, a U.S. Army veteran, Chair of the Committee on People with Disabilities, and proud University of San Francisco MAPL alum, is helping lead the charge to bring hands-free gas pumping to New York with a new bipartisan bill.

New York is the only state still banning hold-open clips at the pump. “This is about equal access,” says Santabarbara.

Read more here:

Will NY Finally Catch Up With the Rest of the Country on Gas Pump Rules? New York may finally allow hands-free gas pumps under a new bipartisan bill.

MAPL student and Councilmember Ahmad Zahra, continues to pushback against publication restrictions in Fullerton.

Read more here:

Fullerton bans newspapers at all city facilities except libraries “In towns and cities… there is no more important institution than the local paper.” ~ Warren Buffett April 13, 2025 Like the Fullerton City Council has nothing better to do? Hiding behind new…

Honored to share the stage with these leaders and tell the stories of women veterans in office and the lessons that all candidates can learn from them.

The New York State Assembly has passed a bill to expand PTSD benefits to emergency dispatchers and correction officers!

Proud to see this important legislation led by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, a U.S. Army Veteran, University of San Francisco MAPL alum, and Craig Newmark Scholar.

Read more here:

Assembly passes bill to address PTSD benefits for COs, dispatchers State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara's office says the bill would ensure PTSD-related services like diagnosis, treatment and support match what is offered to police officers and firefighters by their municipality.