Peter Semanoff had been very involved with his high school football team, the track team where he threw javelin and discus, and was part of the district chorus. He loved his church where he served as a deacon. But his absolute love was with the military since both his grandfathers, his father and his siblings had all served their country. As a little boy, Pete had loved going to the Memorial Day services every year with his grandfather, where he stood tall, saluting the flag. When he was older, Pete did his Eagle Scout project about the 30 WW II veterans from his hometown, starting with his grandfather.
In 2002, Pete graduated from high school and with a scholarship, he continued his education at Lycoming College, in the ROTC program ( the hub school being Bucknell ). At the age of 22, he became a Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Field Artillery stationed at Ft. Sill with the 101st Airborne, like his grandfather.
In 2007, Pete was deployed to Iraq, where he remained for 14 months. He was a platoon leader and conducted hundreds of patrols. He also met with some of Iraq’s key leaders. When returning back to the states, he was at Ft. Campbell . Now as a captain, he was assigned to 2-8 FA (field artillery). Later between 2008-2011, Pete, having become a Battery Commander, was assigned to Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks, AK and while there, he met his future wife.
Between 2011-2012, Pete was deployed to Afghanistan as (Captain) Battery Commander in charge of 4 platoons, approximately 270 soldiers.
During 2012-2014, Pete returned to Ft. Wainwright and at times he also traveled to Philadelphia as a recruiting Company Commander.
From 2014-2020, he was stationed at Ft. Hood as a Major with the 1st Army as a trainer but moving to 1st Calvary Division Operations Officer for 1-82 field artillery battalion, he was deployed to Poland.
When he first returned home, Pete was assigned to Ft. Hood, TX and then to Ft. Sill, OK. He became an instructor, a Brigadier Operations Officer of Fire Center of Excellence G5 ( long range planner ) and was Major promotable.
Pete resides in Lawton at Ft. Sill with his wife Tara and their 3 children.
A few of Pete’s numerous awards are:
Bronze Star 1 oak leaf cluster
Meritorious ribbon 3 oak leaf cluster
Parachute Badge
Air Assault Badge
Combat Action Badge
Basic Instructor Badge
Basic Recruiter badge