Donald Eslinger – Florida State University News

“”The FSU Student Veterans Center has been incredible, because from the second you walk through those doors, you’re welcomed with open arms and treated like family.””

Donald Eslinger is an undergraduate student in the Florida State University College of Social Sciences and Public Policy whose path to higher education is defined by resilience, service and academic purpose.  

A U.S. Army veteran who served as an infantryman deployed to Afghanistan, Eslinger turned severe combat injuries into motivation to overcome obstacles and pursue academic excellence. As he works toward a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Intelligence, he brings real-world perspective to his studies. 

Facing 28 surgeries and an intensive rehabilitation process, Eslinger met physical challenges head-on with persistence and determination. With support from FSU’s Student Veterans Center, he completes his upper-division coursework with that same drive as he prepares to graduate.

What inspired you to join the military?

Growing up during the global war on terrorism shaped my path to the military. I was in elementary school watching the news on Sept. 11, 2001, and saw my uncles and community members go off to fight. Watching those events unfold left an impression on me, and I knew right then I would step up and serve. 

That motivation was reinforced by my father, who raised me on history and taught me what character looks like. He used films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers” to show what it means to serve a purpose larger than yourself. Though I had offers to play college baseball, I knew I wanted to go do something bigger. Just two weeks after graduating high school, I headed to basic training and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, as an infantryman. 

What lessons did you take away from your time in the military?

When I deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, I was only 19 years old. Like a lot of young guys, I went in eager and excited to do my job alongside my buddies. But when we lost a friend, everything changed. You grow up fast, and you quickly realize the gravity of the real world. 

That September, I was severely injured. I suffered a major brain injury, lost my spleen, had compound fractures and ended up needing 28 surgeries and titanium to replace half of my skull. At first, I couldn’t walk, read without stuttering or write my own name properly. Rebuilding my speech, motor skills and physical strength through therapy was a long process, but being stubborn worked to my advantage. I got mad at what I couldn’t do, which pushed me to power through it instead of giving up. That whole experience taught me to value life, care for others and keep moving forward. 

What guided your path to Florida State University after your recovery?

After recovering, I went back into the service for almost two years before returning to civilian life. I helped coach baseball at my old high school and re-entered the workforce. Like a lot of veterans, I didn’t initially realize what benefits were available to me or how to navigate them. Once I realized I had educational resources earned from my service, I wasn’t about to let them pass me by. 

I started taking classes at Tallahassee State College, which was a great place to earn credits and get comfortable back in the classroom. While studying there, I kept hearing about FSU’s Student Veterans Center and the incredible support network they built on campus. As a combat vet, I honestly didn’t expect a university environment to feel welcoming or that I’d find people who understood where I was coming from. But learning about FSU’s commitment to veterans showed me that Florida State was where I wanted to complete my degree and get involved with that community.

How has the FSU Student Veterans Center supported your academic journey?

The FSU Student Veterans Center has been incredible. From the second you walk through those doors, you’re welcomed with open arms and treated like family. 

The center staff goes out of their way to support you with whatever you need. Director Billy Francis and the team are there to help you navigate financial aid, work out course schedules and get connected with campus resources. Beyond handling all the administrative side of things, it gives you a community of fellow veterans who understand what you’ve been through. Having that kind of built-in brotherhood and support system makes all the difference when you’re transitioning into higher education, and it shows why FSU is a top destination for military veterans.