Alvernia alum promoted to major by veteran alum aunt

Maj. Leon I. Geiger '13, M.A. '23 taking the Oath of Office administered by his aunt Col. Deborah Q. Geiger '83.

Historical on-campus ceremony held at university’s newly revamped Veterans Center 

When Alvernia University alum and United States Army Captain Leon I. Geiger ’13, M.A. ’23 found out he was being promoted to Major, the Berks County native chose the university’s newly revamped Veterans Center in Reading, Pa., to be the location where it took place on Friday, June 14. He also chose his aunt, Alvernia Alum Col. Deborah Q. Geiger ’83, to promote him. 

"We are immensely proud to celebrate the promotion of Leon I. Geiger within the United States Army. This significant milestone is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving our country,” said Bret Krotee, M.Ed. ’10, Veterans Center Coordinator and Director of Admissions. 

Maj. Geiger’s promotion ceremony marked a historic moment for the university and the  Veterans Center as it was the first of its kind. It also fell on Flag Day and the 249^th anniversary of the United States Army. Col. Geiger provided the introduction to the ceremony and her nephew and Krotee provided the mission moment and the publication of Maj. Geiger’s biography, awards and decorations. 

“It's a full circle event. Leon is being promoted to Major and he started his career here at Alvernia and this is where I started my career as a military police officer,” said Col. Geiger, who received her bachelor of science in criminal justice administration in 1983 and Alvernia’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. She also established the Saint Ignatius Award presented annually to a graduating student veteran who exemplifies selfless service, leadership, compassion, strong moral courage and commitment to excellence. Maj. Geiger received the award at the 2023 Honors Convocation ceremony ahead of commencement.  

Maj. Leon I. Geiger '13, M.A. '23 receiving the Saint Ignatius award from President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. at the 2023 Honors Convocation ceremony.

Col. Geiger was not the only family in attendance. Maj. Geiger’s wife, Caitlyn Floyd Geiger, and their three sons — Adrian, 5, Logan, 3, and Jon, 1 — traveled from West Virginia to celebrate his prestigious promotion along with the Alvernia community.  

“I chose Alvernia as the place for my promotion because of the close ties to my family and the academic experiences I had,” said Maj. Geiger. “I want to give special thanks to Mr. Bret Krotee and my aunt Deborah Geiger. I would be remiss if I didn't thank my family for everything that they've had to endure and for being with me since the beginning. Within about two years of me being on active-duty service, they've had to move around every time that I've had [Permanent Change of Station]. It's hard moving around one time, let alone five to seven times.” 

“I'm humbled and honored to be able to do this on the Army's birthday,” he continued. “It’s just another time we get to remember soldiers for what they've done in the past and in the present. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate all soldiers that have been under me and have allowed me to progress into this position, and all the leaders, past and current that I've had who gave me the opportunity that I have.”  

Maj. Geiger graduated as a member of Alvernia's Class of 2023 with a Master of Arts in Leadership. He also received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2013 as an ROTC Scholarship recipient. He recently decided to pay forward the mentorship and assistance he received from Alvernia’s Veterans Center and became a professor of military science at West Virigina University. He is recruiting and assisting young students going through college and transitioning into the military like he did at Alvernia. 

“Leon's journey of growth and development during his time at Alvernia has been remarkable,” said Krotee. “He demonstrated exceptional resilience, academic excellence, and leadership, which have undoubtedly contributed to his success in the military. Leon's achievements inspire both our current students and fellow alumni, reflecting the core values we uphold as an educational community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Leon for his service and look forward to his continued success and impact in the armed forces." 

From left: Adrian Geiger, Maj. Leon Geiger, Logan Geiger, Caitlyn Floyd Geiger, and Jon Geiger.

About Maj. Leon I. Geiger: 

Captain (Promotable) Leon Geiger is an active-duty Soldier, assigned to West Virginia University as the Professor of Military Science, a Lieutenant Colonel position. Captain Geiger was previously assigned to Alvernia University where he earned a Master of Arts in Leadership during the Spring of 2023. Additionally, Captain Geiger received his Active-Duty Commission through ROTC at Lehigh University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Alvernia University in 2013 as an ROTC Scholarship recipient. He also holds a master's degree in business and organizational security management from Webster’s University. 

His operational experiences include: Company Commander, 258th Military Police Company, Fort Polk Louisiana where he deployed in support of contingency operations to our nation’s borders in a pandemic environment; led multiple mission sets during several natural disasters; and led complex tactical and law enforcement mission sets. Previously, CPT Geiger served as Platoon Leader, 139th Military Police Company, Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, 546th Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia; Plans Officer (Forward) and Assistant S3, 3rd Group (CID), Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia; Plans Officer, 519th Military Police Battalion. Deployments include Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Camp Arifjan with duty in Jordan and Afghanistan. 

Captain Geiger’s published works include Task Force Justice, The Shield; Fall 2017. 

His military education includes Military Police Captain’s Career Course, Combatives, Anti-Terrorism Basic Officers Course, Unit Movement Course, TC-AIMS II Functional Class, Hazardous Material Transportation Certification, Airborne School, and Military Police Basic Officer Leadership Course. 

His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge (Basic) and German Armed Forces Military Badge.