Yale Veterans Network co-chair’s military exposure comes full circle

    November 5, 2024

    Von Narcisse accepts the role as the new co-chair of the Yale Veterans Network (YVN) to increase participation and inform veterans that there is an affinity group that welcomes and appreciates them.

    Captain Narcisse, Public Safety.Assistant Chief Von Narcisse

    Narcisse, assistant chief of police for the Yale Police Department, grew up in a military household. His father served in the Army. At a young age, he observed the respect shown to the men and women in uniform and the structure of the officers on and off the base. In his senior year of college, Narcisse joined the Air Force ROTC detachment and was an element leader on their silent drill team. He said he loved participating and competing in the silent drill team routines and enjoyed the camaraderie.

    His exposure to the YVN began 15 years ago when he started attending the group’s events. He describes himself as “a bit of a groupie” because he encouraged his fellow officers and others to attend the YVN events. Assuming the affinity group was for veterans, Narcisse never inquired about joining until recently.

    “I was floored and a bit embarrassed that it took about 15 years to ask that simple question,” said Narcisse.

    A year later, he was “humbled and shocked” when asked to serve as co-chair of the group.

    “I was unsure of what co-chairing would entail, but I knew I’d work hard to represent the role.” What excites him most is growing the YVN into a “healthier and robust” affinity group by identifying veterans on campus, inviting them to become a member, and honoring their hard work and sacrifice.

    “If anyone heads over to Beinecke Plaza and starts reading the walls in Memorial Hall, they will see the significant contribution that Yale affiliates have made to the preservation of freedom for this country,” Narcisse said. “I want to continue to respect and honor that level of sacrifice. Even if YVN grows by just one member, I’ll be happy because that means there is one more veteran that knows we are here, who knows we support them.”