Honor, Duty, Harvard
A Veteran student in the Class of 2027 embodies what it means to serve—both in uniform and beyond.
Upon graduating from high school, Dmitry Bilous '27 knew he wanted to make a meaningful impact in his next phase of life. With a family history of military service and a drive to serve, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, setting in motion a journey that would eventually lead to the halls of Harvard.
Ready For Action
Bilous prepared the boat for mission readiness. He checked that the engine, radio, bilge, and overall structure was ready for the mission to save lives and property.
Initially drawn to the Air Force with dreams of becoming a pilot, Bilous pivoted to the Coast Guard due to its mission-oriented focus and hands-on leadership opportunities. After completing basic training, he was stationed in Hawaii, where he began learning the ropes of life at sea.
As a first-generation Ukrainian American, adapting to life in the US was a significant challenge, but the Coast Guard increased his confidence. “When you're out on a mission, you know you can't fail, so you have to really succeed,” he noted.
Soon after, Bilous decided to become a Boatswain’s Mate (BM)—a role that placed him in charge of small boat operations and crew leadership. At his next posting in Maine, he trained at one of the Coast Guard’s heavy-weather small boat stations, where conditions often tested the limits of endurance and skill.
Navigating The High Seas
Bilous navigated the boat and was responsible for the crew and mission; in this case, looking for a man overboard. They conducted search patterns and communicated with sectors in Portland and Boothbay, Maine to find the person as night began to fall.
After months of qualification work, Bilous earned a spot at a prestigious heavy-weather motorized navigation school in Washington State, studying under some of the most skilled navigators in the service. His performance earned him a place on the training team board, where he helped shape the next generation of coxswains.
When the time came to transition out of the military, he began looking toward higher education. Harvard stood out—not only for its academics and location in New England, but also for its strong veteran support network and the Ukrainian Research Institute, which aligned with his cultural roots and professional interests.
“Harvard understood what veterans bring to the classroom,” he reflected. “From the start, I felt that I could belong here.” Bilous attended a Georgetown University boot camp for college preparation and worked closely with Service to School, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans navigate the application process. Their essays reflected their military experiences, while a recommendation from their heavy-weather school instructor added a personal touch of credibility.
On Mission In Maine
Left: Bilous needed to wear special gear while working on the boat to brave the cold temperatures. Right: Bilous and his crewmate, Patrick, were the sole responders for a woman who fell and broke her leg. Post-rescue, they took her to a mainland hospital.
Now a History concentrator with a secondary focus on Energy and the Environment, Bilous is channeling his education toward a global mission: helping Ukraine rebuild sustainably. He has already gained practical experience through working with an NGO in Georgia to ensure fair elections and teaching English to Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
His long-term goal is to contribute to Ukraine’s energy transition, possibly through work with the World Bank, policy think tanks, or even the Ukrainian Parliament. “It’s about connecting history with action,” he explained. “I want to help Ukraine move toward a sustainable, independent energy future.”
The discipline and adaptability exercised in the Coast Guard continue to serve Bilous well at Harvard. “In the military, there are no teachers—you learn by doing,” he said. “That self-learning mindset has been crucial here.” Stress management and teamwork have also helped him navigate the challenges of academic life.
Despite being older than most of his classmates, Bilous feels fully integrated into Harvard’s community. He has found support among his peers, roommates, and even ROTC students, often connecting through club hockey and veteran events.
Veterans Day carries a deep, personal meaning for him. It's a time for reflection—honoring friends who served, sharing memories, and even enjoying simple traditions. “It’s about gratitude for what we’ve been through and where we are now. I think Veterans Day captures that effort and brings you back to honoring what you did, and that what you did was very important,” he noted.
To other veterans who are considering college, “don’t be afraid to step out of the uniform,” he advises. “There’s a community waiting for you. Use the resources available, and don’t let fear hold you back.”
Honoring The Fallen
Left: Bilous saluting at a burial at sea on the Honolulu coast, where he was instructed to present a proper burial and ensured the veteran received the highest of honors. Right: Bilous and his friend conducted an honorary service for World War 2 Veterans.
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