Washington Twp. resident John Lusa has a 30-year career in active duty and reserve service with the U.S. Army.

Lusa grew up in Dayton, the older of two boys.

Lusa has a journalism degree from Ohio University and graduated from University of Dayton with an MBA in 1968. He also taught communication sciences at Ball State University as a visiting associate professor.

He retired from the military in 1983. He also worked as a manager at NCR, and worked as an editor and publisher of business magazines for most of his civilian career.

Lusa is married to Marilyn. The couple will celebrate their 62nd wedding in June. The couple has a son, Bradley, and a daughter, Holly.

“I enjoy and appreciate being able to serve in the U.S. Army, along with my civilian career,” Lusa said. “It is an institution that looks for excellent people who are interested in serving and protecting the freedom we have in the United States.”

Lusa is the state president for the Association of the United States Army. He is also active in alumni affairs and the ROTC program at Ohio University. He recently finished a three-year term on Ohio University’s national alumni board.

He has plans to stay busy in 2013.

“I do have season tickets for basketball and football at Ohio University,” he said. “I am very active.”

Branch of service, rank, years in service: U.S. Army, Colonel, 30 years of service, both active and reserve

How person got involved in the military: “I was in the ROTC at Ohio University. It was either Air Force or Army and I chose Army because I felt it would be a better fit for me.”

What actions he performed: “I was in Korea in the second division. I transferred to the 25th division and was transferred to Hawaii. That was an interesting point in my career.”

Most satisfying part about the person’s work: “Working with young people and how well they’re dedicated to what they’re doing.”

Most memorable moment of service: “I was a commander of an engineer battalion in Wisconsin. We were able to do so many things with the capabilities in construction. At the time we were able to do a lot of work in the civilian area and helping out different institutions.”