Going in Harm’s Way: Learning About Our Veterans.
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Going in Harm’s Way: Learning About Our Veterans
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Transcript of Going in Harm’s Way: Learning About Our Veterans.
Going in Harm’s Way:
Learning About Our Veterans
A Veteran Defined“A veteran is someone, who at some point,
has written a check to Uncle Sam that reads: “Payable in Full Up to the Amount of My Life, if Necessary, to Defend our Way of Life.” (Thomas D. Segel)
Characteristics of our
Student Veterans
Characteristics of our Student Veterans
Nontraditional students Patterns of service
Combat Combat zone Noncombat zone
Characteristics of our Student VeteransTypes of Veterans
Recent service Direct transition from the military to college Currently receiving veteran’s benefits
Prior service Several years in the work force Returning to upgrade skills or to change careers
(VRAP)Retirees
Completing college degree In transition to civilian career
What do Veterans bring to the Campus?
Leadership Diversity Experience Maturity Resiliency Commitment
Transition IssuesSafety and predictability of the environmentTrust of othersMission orientation (school is the job,
graduation is the missionDecision making skills (trained to make life or
death decisions)Emotional control and response tactics:
trained to be peacekeepersNeed for camaraderie
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Challenges for Veterans at ValenciaTime to obtain benefits results in
financial hardshipMay be dropped from a program for
failing a single course (VRAP)Admissions requirements (may not
yet qualify for program interested in pursuing)
Courses taken while in the military don’t transfer
Challenges for Veterans at Valencia
Newer veterans face the possibility of recall to active duty while enrolled
Dealing with the Veterans’ Administration Cultural shift between military and college
environment Higher rates of unemployment for vets
and spouses than general population
Challenges for Veterans at ValenciaResidency requirementsVeterans often do not identify with the term “disabled.”Reluctant to seek helpUnidentified PTSD or TBI
No “home base” on campusNo identified faculty and staff mentors
Bridging the Military Civilian GapWhat images come to mind when
you think about the military?
Photo Courtesy of U.S. ArmyPhotographer: SPC Jeffery
Sandstrum
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Points of Conflict Stupid speak: military civilian gap Hypervigilence: danger in the
ordinary Mission orientation: faculty
misperceptions Expectations of proper student
behavior
Welcome Back from Deployment
What Can You Do? Thank our veterans for their sacrifice and
service Exercise the mindful practice of diversity Avoid stereotyping, bridge the military
civilian gap Value their maturity and experience as
contributions to our student body Consider what you can do to support our
student veterans
Military Civilian Gap ResourcesPew Research Center
Slideshow: War and Sacrifice in the Post-9/11 Erahttp://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2011/10/05/war-and-s
acrifice-in-the-post-911-era/paul-taylor-slideshow/http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/files/2011/10/veterans
-report.pdf
The Chairman III: Military, Civilian "Gap" http://youtu.be/j4PBmw0iAMQ
After Draftless Decade of War, Gap Seen Between Military, Civilians http://youtu.be/nfvb701Houk
Support and Program ResourcesUnpacking the Transition from Military
Service to Civilian Life (Webinar) http://youtu.be/K5oowanIkFU
VetCorps Programs in Washington http://youtu.be/ISND5aZ6B9k
Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)http://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm
A Final Thought
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
- George Washington
