When he left for college, Joe Nirenberg never imagined a life of military service. 

Nirenberg grew up in town, graduated from Barrington High School in 1999, and when he headed to Florida for college his focus was on becoming a lawyer. 

He pictured himself living on a beach somewhere in the Sunshine State, and working as an attorney, just like the characters on the television shows. 

But once he arrived at the University of South Florida, reality set in.

“I wasn’t as focused on academics as I should have been, and I quickly found myself in need of both financial support and structure to stay on track,” Nirenberg wrote in an email to the Barrington Times. 

He turned to the ROTC. In fact, some of his friends at USF suggested just that. Nirenberg sat down with a recruiter and discussed his future. He cannot remember the exact conversation, but recalls the recruiter practically offering him a full scholarship on the spot. 

After talking to his parents, Nirenberg decided to join the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. 

But what started as a decision based in practicality shifted dramatically on Sept. 11, 2001. 

“When the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon happened, my perspective shifted profoundly,” he wrote. “Suddenly, my decision to join the military felt like a calling.”

Nirenberg felt a deep sense of purpose. He was eager to contribute. 

“The events of 9/11 motivated me to serve my country, but it’s the incredible men and women I’ve served alongside who have kept me in the military for over two decades,” he wrote. “Their dedication, camaraderie, and shared sense of purpose have shaped my career, and I genuinely love what I do.”

Nirenberg is currently stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he is completing the United States Army War College’s Blended Education Program. He will graduate in June. 

Last month, the Army promoted Nirenberg to the rank of colonel. 

“This summer, we’ll be moving to El Paso, Texas, where I’ll take command of the 1st Armored Division Artillery Brigade—an opportunity I’m incredibly excited about,” he wrote. 

Path started in Barrington

After Nirenberg graduated from college, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and his journey gained speed. 

He attended the officer basic training course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he learned the fundamentals of being a field artillery officer. His next stop was deployment to Iraq. 

Nirenberg believes that the support and guidance of his family served as a solid foundation for life in the Army. 

“Whether it was academics, athletics or extracurricular activities, my parents pushed me to stay engaged, work hard, and challenge myself,” Nirenberg wrote. “They believed in my potential and never let me settle for less than I was capable of achieving.”

He said his family’s encouragement provided him with the confidence to participate in everything Barrington High School had to offer. 

“At BHS, the experiences I had—both on and off the field—were instrumental in preparing me for military service, even if I didn’t fully realize it at the time. First and foremost, athletics played a huge role,” he wrote. “I grew up playing soccer and running track and cross country, and those programs—from youth leagues through high school—instilled in me a deep understanding of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Whether it was learning to push through the last mile of a race or working together to achieve a common goal on the soccer field, those lessons were invaluable. They taught me how to be both a great leader and a great follower—skills that are critical in the military.”

Nirenberg wrote that Barrington High School fostered in him a love of learning that he continues to carry with him today. He said Barrington teachers challenged him to think critically and encourage curiosity. 

“Even though I stumbled a bit in my early college years, those foundational skills helped me recover and excel in the long run,” Nirenberg wrote. 

When Nirenberg graduates from the Army War College this summer, he will be earning his third master’s degree. In addition, he is poised to begin pursuing his doctoral studies at Liberty University in the fall. 

Nirenberg said that Barrington’s emphasis on “community” also carried over into his military career. 

“In the Army, you meet people from all walks of life, and the ability to connect with and work alongside others is critical,” he wrote. 

Family life

Nirenberg and his wife Angela have been married for nearly 15 years and have six children — four boys and two girls. 

“Our family has grown and evolved alongside my military career, and each of our children has a unique connection to the places we’ve lived,” he wrote.  

Nirenberg wrote that he and his family have moved seven times, which has been challenging but is also one of the greatest blessings of military life. 

“The Army has provided us with opportunities we could never have imagined,” he wrote. “We’ve lived in amazing places, experienced different cultures, and created lasting memories together. 

“For example, our three older children have already visited 46 of the 50 states, lived in three countries, and traveled to nearly 30 others. They’ve seen and experienced more in their young lives than many people do in a lifetime, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

Nirenberg believes that his decision to join the ROTC more than 20 years ago was the best decision he has ever made.

“I can’t imagine what my life would look like had I not joined the military,” Nirenberg wrote. “The sense of purpose, the opportunities to grow, and the chance to serve alongside extraordinary people have made this career deeply rewarding. 

“Right now, I still love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else. That said, I’m also mindful of the future and the balance I want to maintain with my family. While I’m not certain how much longer I’ll continue to serve, I know that, for now, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be—doing what I’m meant to do, with the people I love most by my side.”