Marine Officer, Iraq Veteran and Entrepreneur, Zach Iscol, to Receive 2015 New Canaan Alumni Award

Zach Iscol, class of ‘94, will be presented with the New Canaan Country School Alumni Award at the school’s campus on Friday, May 15, 2015.

The New Canaan Country School Alumni Award is presented each year to honor an alumna or alumnus who best embodies the statement from the school’s mission, “New Canaan Country School inspires students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world.”

“Zach’s military and post-military career is remarkable and certainly exemplifies our school’s mission in so many ways,” Interim Head of School Peter O’Neill said. “We congratulate Zach on his many contributions – both his military service and his commitment to American veterans – and we all look forward to his visit here on campus.”

As a combat decorated Marine Officer, Zach Iscol served two tours in Iraq and on other assignments throughout Africa, the Middle East, and into Central Asia.

Since leaving active duty, he has worked with non-government organizations, advocacy groups, and US Government Agencies to aid Iraqi refugees and provide asylum to those in need -- especially employees and translators who have risked their lives serving alongside US and Coalition forces in Iraq.

In 2014, Zach released a film, “The Western Front,” which documents the war in the Al Anbar province and the decisions he made to protect his fellow Marines and innocent Iraqi civilians.

Mr. Iscol is also the founder and CEO of Hire Purpose, an organization that offers job and career advice for veterans. In addition, he is the executive director of the Headstrong Project, an organization that provides support and treatment for veterans struggling with the mental issues associated with combat and the wounds of war.