Q & A with Capt. Jocelyn Quintin-Simmons

Army officer Joins CSUF ROTC program as assistant professor

May 14, 2007

By Mimi Ko Cruz

Eleven months ago, Army Capt. Jocelyn Quintin-Simmons was deployed. She spent nearly a year in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina overseeing administrative, financial and postal and logistics support for American civilians as well as military members. She served as the United States officer in charge, alongside the European Command, supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) mission in Bosnia. The mission, according to NATO’s website, is to carry out a number of tasks, including advising the country’s authorities on defense reform, as well as working on counter-terrorism and apprehending war-crimes suspects. On April 13, just days after returning home to Anaheim from Sarajevo, Quintin-Simmons started her new job at Cal State Fullerton as an assistant professor of military science.

Question: How long have you been in the Army?
Answer: Total service, about 12 years. I joined right out of high school.

Q: Why did you join?
A: Initially I joined the Army to get some college money. However, I continue to serve because of my love for this country.  My family and I are immigrants from the Philippines. This country has given us so much opportunity and serving is my way of contributing to all the good things this country has to offer. I’ve seen many countries and, I believe this country is the best in the world. Freedom is not a right. It is a privilege.

Q: What are your impressions of CSUF?
A: What I like the most about Cal State Fullerton in the brief time that I’ve been here are the people. Everyone is so nice, very helpful, and a joy to be around.  

Q: What will you be teaching?
A: I will be teaching the first-year military science course, which is an introduction to the military.  It covers rank structure, drill and ceremony, customs and courtesies, army values, etc.