Newsmaker: Ryan Ahl

Noteworthy: Recently named director of the University of Pittsburgh's Office of Veterans Services

Age: 29

Residence: Cranberry

Family: Single

Background: Ahl, who grew up traveling the world in a military family, joined the National Guard shortly after high school graduation. He served two tours of duty in Iraq, in 2004 and 2009. He participated in more than 500 missions in Iraq as a member of the infantry, where he rose to the rank of staff sergeant before he was commissioned a second lieutenant last summer.

Education: Bachelor's degree in history, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, 2007; master of secondary education social studies, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, 2012.

Quote: “I've always been interested in higher education and thought it would be a perfect fit to work in higher education and help veterans. I really want to create and sustain a close knit community among the veterans here at the University of Pittsburgh, provide superior representation to those veterans, be an advocate for their needs and facilitate their transition and ongoing academic success.”