Staff profile: Charles Schiralli

Though his title on the Utica campus of SUNY Polytechnic Institute is Purchasing Associate, in the realm of the United States Army, a recent promotion now has Charles Schiralli going by the title of Major.

As a child, Schiralli always had a deep interest in the military. Both of his grandfathers had served in WW II, his father served in the National Guard, and he had two uncles who served in the Navy.

“I was definitely inspired by their service and felt a calling to wear the uniform,” he says.

Enlisting first in the Army Reserve in 2000, Schiralli became an officer in 2005. One year later, he joined the New York Army National Guard and has completed two combat deployments to Afghanistan. Selfless service, loyalty, time management, organizational skills and team building are some of the greatest lessons he says he’s taken from the Army, and now puts to use meeting the challenges of his position at SUNY Poly.

“At SUNY Poly I’ve learned to navigate a far different organizational structure and I have acquired a tremendous knowledge of procurement. I have used some of this knowledge, likewise, in my military duties,” Schiralli says. “I was drawn to the position here because I believed that I had acquired many applicable skills in the Army. But what keeps me here are an outstanding supervisor and co-workers.”

Born in New York City, Schiralli grew up in Enfield, Connecticut, and attended Niagara University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and met his wife, Sarah. He went on to receive a master’s degree from LeMoyne College, and the couple now has three children – Micah, 7; Mia, 4; and Marcus, 1.

To anyone considering enlisting, Schiralli says “there is no greater honor or privilege than wearing the uniform of our services.” However, he says he is very candid about explaining the sacrifices that will be demanded of them. Sacrifices he knows all too well and experiences that have made him acutely aware of things that many people take for granted.

“I’ve come to appreciate time more than money. My two combat tours cost me two years away from my family. You learn to appreciate things we often overlook, like seeing your children hit milestones. Tragically, some of the soldiers I served with did not come home. This has reinforced in me that every day in our life is a blessing and every breath is a second chance.”