Tuberville Honors Puck Esposito of Auburn as "May Veteran of the Month"

May 9, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Navy Captain Paul "Puck" Esposito as the May "Veteran of the Month."

Excerpts from Sen. Tuberville's remarks can be found below, and complete remarks can be found here.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=1397800644748106&rdid=LvnbPkWYz0rKiJ6X

"In Alabama, we take a lot of pride in honoring and supporting the heroes who have served in our nation's military. But it takes people who are dedicated to this mission 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

No one embodies this cause better than Captain Paul "Puck" Esposito of Auburn, Alabama. The son of a World War II and Korean War veteran, Puck followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Navy in 1986. Puck spent 30 years in active duty as a Navy Aviator. From flying Grey helicopters, serving on an exchange tour with the Canadian Air Force, to spending eight years at sea-you name it, Puck did it. He was sent on nine long deployments and served in every theater the Navy has a presence in.

His role at the Vets Resource Center has been an essential part of filling the gaps for Auburn student-veterans and military-affiliated students. Though the Center is largely focused on providing academic resources for its participants, Puck has taken a deeper approach. In addition to educational support, Puck and his team have worked to combat critical issues such as veteran suicide, food insecurity, and homelessness.

Under the last decade of Puck's leadership, Auburn's Vets Resource Center has expanded from supporting 600 students to 2,100 currently. They put on events like Project Iron Ruck and help Auburn recognize and honor veterans at many of the University's athletic events. We're proud to now call Puck one of our own, and are grateful for all he does to support our veterans."

Senator Tuberville recognizes a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community. Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Senator Tuberville's office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.