On June 14, the US Army celebrated its 250th anniversary. In recognition of this milestone, the Veterans Affairs Committees of community boards 3, 8, and 16 in Kings County honored female veterans from each branch of the US Armed Forces. Among those recognized was Sammantha O’Brien McCalla, a St. John’s University administrator.

Dr. McCalla has had a long association with St. John’s University as an alumna and employee. She expressed gratitude for her connections to the Army, her sorority, and St. John's University: “I am blessed to be associated with three long-established and mission-focused organizations: the United States Army, my sorority, and St. John’s University.”

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Dr. McCalla enlisted in the US Army Reserve at age 17 after graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School. Her training included eight months at Fort McClellan in Alabama as a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Specialist (54 Bravo). She served with the 320th Chemical Company and trained across various locations including Fort Dix in New Jersey and overseas in Korea.

Upon returning to New York, Dr. McCalla enrolled at St. John’s University while fulfilling her military obligations and working full-time. She earned degrees in Finance and Business Administration before completing a Ph.D. in English.

During her military service, she achieved the rank of Sergeant and received two Army Achievement Medals along with a Sharpshooter medal before leaving the Army Reserve in 2005.

At St. John's University since 1999 as a full-time employee, Dr. McCalla is known as "Dr. Mac" by students she teaches Honors English and other courses to.

Dr. McCalla supports scholarships for marginalized youth pursuing higher education through her involvement with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., where she has been active for over 25 years.

She also participates in Jack and Jill of America Inc., focusing on fundraising for scholarships.

Reflecting on her career journey that includes both military service and academic roles at St John's University Dr.McCalla stated: “Values matter... Being surrounded by a community of supporters helped me develop my leadership skills."