Germanna Community College Fredericksburg, VA 22408 11/1/2016 Volume 1, Issue 4 VETERAN AFFAIRS NEWSLETTER QUOTE FOR THE MONTH: We all need people in our lives who raise our standards, remind us of our essential purpose, and challenge us to become the best version of ourselves. Matthew Kelly, The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose COUNSELOR S CORNER: REGISTER this month for Spring 2017 classes! Spring 2017 Registration Begins November 12, 2016. Avoid the hassle of the last minute rush, long waiting times, and full classes at late registration by signing up early for the Spring 2017 classes you need. Check-in at the Veteran Affairs Center and register early. Hints and Tips from Your School Certifying Official! Before enrolling in courses, please verify that these classes apply to your Program of Study. Once enrolled, please complete and submit the Veteran Registration Certification Form* (the Green Form) to the Veteran Services office or vservices@germanna.edu. Have a question? The VA's Inquiry Routing and Information System (https://iris.custhelp.com/) is here to help! Whether you are the dependent, spouse, or veteran yourself, you can submit a question and hear back within 5 business days. This tool is not limited to educational benefits question so utilize it today! 1
Just as a reminder, the GI BILL hotline 1-888-442-4551 can also be used to connect with a VA Representative about a question or concern. Please remember to submit a Veteran Adjustment form (Yellow Form) any time you make a change to enrollment. Any change to your schedule after certification may result in a financial impact to you, so it is important that you keep the Veterans Services Office aware of any course changes. Forms can be found on our website (http://www.germanna.edu/veterans/va-forms/). *NOTE: If Veteran Registration Certification form is not submitted, your educational benefits WILL NOT be certified to the VA. Welcome Aboard to Erica Bryant: She has worked in higher education for the past five years starting in academic services at ODU, where she received her Bachelor s degree in Human Services. After four years, she moved on to the GCC Welcome Center to help students jump start their education here. Now, as she works with our population, she splits her time with the Financial Aid department as an advisor ensuring students understand the affordability of school to keep it from being a barrier to their success. We are pleased to welcome Erica Bryant to the Veteran Services team! She is very excited to serve as a part time School VA Certifying Official, working alongside Dominique Slaughter to ensure our hard-working students are receiving their benefits. Higher education is Erica s passion and she appreciates the opportunity to continue working with Germanna students in these many different capacities. Welcome! CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING HINTS: Joint Service Transcript: Turning Military Careers into College Credits By Erin Roberts, DANTES Public Affairs Specialist In today s world, Service members are highly skilled multi-taskers with a wealth of knowledge and experience. The Joint Services Transcript (JST) capitalizes on that knowledge and experience by providing an important tool to help Service members build on their professional development and to prepare for their next steps after serving. It is common practice for education centers or academic institutions to discuss the JST with 2
Service members seeking education opportunities. The recommended college credit on the JST documents occupational experience and training, helps to complete post-secondary degree requirements, and can serve as a guide for developing resumes or career portfolios. Given its importance, education personnel need to be able to understand basic program features. Program Basics The Military Evaluations Program, sponsored by DANTES on behalf of the military services, contracts with the American Council on Education (ACE) to evaluate military training and occupational experiences for Service members in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Air Force personnel who attend training offered by the Department of Defense (DoD) and/or another branch of service are eligible to receive a JST if the training was ACE evaluated. The transcript itself is generated, maintained and delivered by the JST Operations Center. Here are a few numbers to consider from last year: Credit Usage 1.8+ million transcripts were viewed by Service members and veterans Over 500,000 transcripts were ordered Half of the transcripts ordered were for reservists, guardsman, and veterans Army ordered the most transcripts; followed by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard ACE military evaluators are highly qualified postsecondary education faculty members from across the country who award college credit recommendations, at the highest appropriate level (vocational, lower, upper, or graduate). Academic institutions are able to use the credit recommendations on the JST within their alternative credit acceptance policies and practices. ACE credit recommendations can be used to: Replace a required course As an optional course within the major As a general elective Meet basic degree requirements Waive a prerequisite In certain cases, the learning of some Service members may exceed the skills, competencies, and knowledge evaluated for a specific course or occupation. In these cases, schools may wish to conduct further assessment and award additional credit. For more information on the JST, visit the program homepage at https://jst.doded.mil Schools interested in establishing an account to view and order transcripts online should visit https://jst.doded.mil/institution.html For more information on the Military Evaluation Program, the review process, resources to help schools, and more, visit http://www.acenet.edu/higher- education/topics/pages/military- Evaluations.aspx Ref: http://www.dantes.doded.mil/_content/dib/201 6/DIB_APR_2016.pdf 3
MENTOR PROGRAM NOTES: What is a mentoring relationship? Mentoring relationships are one-on-one relationships formed to focus on a mentee s personal growth and long-term professional development. Some mentee s have experience in a field and seek a Mentor to assist as they look to take on new responsibilities in a more senior role; or they may be in need of guidance and support while choosing or changing career paths. The GCCVMP is not meant to solve every issue or problem, nor is it a jobs program, but one of several tools available to service members seeking to enhance their civilian careers. The role of a Mentor will vary depending on the goals of the mentee and the type of support he or she is seeking. In general, mentoring should focus on developing individuals to help them reach their full potential and meet the changing demands of their environment. We believe that Mentors and Mentees will find their experience to be mutually beneficial. Mentees will gain invaluable insight and advice on topics ranging from networking and interviewing to dealing with work life balance and managing professional relationships. Likewise, Mentors will refine their leadership and coaching skills while giving back to their community and developing a deeper understanding of the issues facing those who have served our country. MENTOR SPOTLIGHT: Dan Pearson: Dan joined the Mentor Program in February 2016. Before retiring in July of 2015 to start his own consulting company, Mr. Pierson had over 33 years of experience as an acquisition professional with systems engineering, modeling & simulation, software engineering, instrumentation systems, training systems, and program management. He joined Program Executive Officer (PEO) Land Systems Marine Corps in April 2007. 4
Mr. Pierson served as the Deputy, PEO Land Systems Marine Corps at Quantico. He was responsible for management and oversight of numerous significant acquisition programs for the Marine Corps. Education: Wilkes University, B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 1982; Stevens Institute of Technology, Masters of Science in Management of Technology, 1997; Graduate of the Army Management Staff College (AMSC), 1999; Graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Master of Science in National Resource Strategy, 2003. FIRST AID POUCH Tips for Healthy Living: This month s First Aid Pouch highlights the benefits of yoga by Germanna Veteran, Nathan Handy. Why Yoga? Yoga isn t just for women. Yoga is a change in mentality; a change in lifestyle. Yoga allows you to practice breathing techniques that can energize or calm you. Yoga introduces different stretching and strengthening practices. Yoga teaches how to clear your mind through meditation and how to reflect on what your body and mind require to become a better person. After experiencing Submarine life, I have a great sense of detail engrained into my soul. Along with this comes plenty of overthinking and anxious thoughts. Yoga has made a break in this stressful process. Yoga, during meditation, has successfully allowed me to clear my mind completely and I end up feeling refreshed and able to conquer more tasks after I am done. Yoga has allowed me to stretch and strengthen areas during stressful life changes. Everyone has their own opinions on life and what works for their own path. You should try yoga at least once with an open mind. Don t let the feministic stereotype scare you out of something that could be great for you. If you have PTSD, come and practice clearing your mind. If you have physical disabilities, there are plenty of modifications we can do for each pose. Yoga will benefit you. I promise. CELEBRATION OF U.S. NAVY BIRTHDAY: On October 13, 1775, a resolution of the Continental Congress marked the establishment of what is now the United States Navy. Resolved, That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable (sic) number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruize (sic) eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be laden with warlike stores and other supplies for our enemies, and for such other purposes as the Congress shall direct. The Veteran Affairs Center honored the Navy s 241st Birthday on October 13, 2016, with some birthday cake. 5
In this photo, Navy veteran and Veteran Affairs Center Work-Study, Josh May, cuts the very delicious cake. Anchors Aweigh! DOG THERAPY FOR VETERANS INJURED IN MIND AND BODY By Faiz Siddiqui Ryan Garrison s service dog wouldn t stop bugging him. At a dinner outing with his wife, Julie, at Fleming s Steakhouse in Baltimore, Garrison was growing nervous, clenching his hands. Being in What s wrong? wondered Garrison, 39, who retired from the Air Force in June as a staff sergeant. Normally reserved on these outings, Luke sprang up between Garrison s legs and looked him in the eye, like, Hey, look at me. All of a sudden, my light bulb goes off, like Hey, my leg s bouncing. I m having an anxiety attack, Garrison said, recalling how his new companion eased his nerves. On Saturday, Garrison and his wife joined dozens at a graduation ceremony for Luke and nine other pooches, service dogs who went through a rigorous, two-year training regimen to serve as public spaces had been a problem for the veteran since his return from Iraq, where he fractured two disks in his spine escaping a grenade blast in 2007. On that March night at the restaurant, his English black Labrador, Luke, nudged him. companions for veterans overcoming the stress of combat. Volunteers train the puppies from when they are eight to 10 weeks old until they reach age 2, when they go to live with veterans. After being paired with Luke in March, Garrison who recently received a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder saw a marked drop in the anxiety attacks that had been a twice-a-week affair. Now, he said, he s more confident venturing out, going to restaurants and buying groceries. See complete article in the Washington Post (10/8/16), online at: http://wpo.st/_9i42 6
UPCOMING EVENTS: Germanna Community College Veterans Week: 7-11 November 2016: This year marks the 98th anniversary of the November 11, 1918, Armistice that ended the First World War. In 1938, a federal law made November 11 of each year a national holiday as a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated. In honor of this year s Veterans Day that celebrates the service of all US military veterans, the Veteran Affairs Center will host a Veterans Week November 7 11 with various events recognizing all the military services. Look for displays and service representatives in the Main Lobby, Dickinson Building, Fredericksburg Campus. Monday - Sea Services Tuesday TBD Wednesday US Army/National Guard Thursday US Marine Corps (and USMC Birthday Cake-Cutting) Don t miss the presentation on November 10, 2016, by Dr. David Clark from Catholic University in DC., at 6:30pm (Location - Fredericksburg campus, Room TBD). Dr. Clark will be giving a lecture on recovery of MIA remains from World War II and the Vietnam War. Dr. Clark has been a professional archaeologist for more than 45 years. He teaches at The Catholic University of America and Northern Virginia Community College. The recovery of human remains from air crashes during World War II and the Vietnam War has been a focus of Dr. Clark s archaeological career. In 1993-1994, he assisted the U. S. Department of Defense, Central Identification Laboratory, Hickam Air Force Base on recovery efforts of missing-in-action associated with air crashes from those wars. The summer of 1993 focused on the excavation and recovery of the aircrew remains from a B-17F missing since 1943 in Papua, New Guinea. November 5 - Rumble at the River The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. They support each other and their children while promoting patriotism. The organization focuses on our mission every single day and will never, ever, forsake our troops, our veterans or the families of our Fallen Heroes. On November 5, 2016, the organization will host a Rumble at the River in Fredericksburg s Riverfront Park, 10am to 5pm. Proceeds of sponsorships go to benefit veterans organizations. Come On Down! https://www.facebook.com/phwfffredva/ November 11, 2016 - Mary Washington Hospital Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit veterans at local area Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities. Each year the Mary Washington Hospital Hospice goes to Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities in the local area to honor veterans. This Veterans Day there are several events planned and the organizers are looking for Veteran volunteers, active duty, guard and reserve member to participate in these visits. If you 7
are interested or know anyone who might be, please contact Kathy Wall, Program Support Representative at Mary Washington Hospital by November 1. Phone: 540-741-3595; email: kathrynj.wall@mwhc.com. November 12 Spotsylvania County Tribute to Veterans BBQ: Spotsylvania County will host a BBQ for Veterans at the Merchants Square Pavilion at Spotsylvania Courthouse Village on November 12 th from 3 6 pm. The events include music by the Enduring Freedom Honor Team, a Veteran Tribute Wall and Free Meals for the first 500 veterans to attend. A WWII Vehicle Display will also be available for attendees. More information at http://visitspotsy.com/tribute-to-vets. See attached: November 12 - From the Rappahannock, For the Rappahannock: featuring Oysters For Life in Topping, VA: From the Rappahannock, for the Rappahannock is an event hosted by Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) and the Oyster Company of Virginia for an afternoon of oysters, wine, beer and live acoustic music in scenic Topping, Va. FOR is the Voice and Active Force for the river. Learn about FOR and the unique 8
Oysters For Life program a great holiday gift idea that keeps on giving. Tickets are $30 per single and $50 per pair and available online. For more info log onto www.riverfriends.org or call (540) 373-3448 x. 117. Date and Time: Sat, November 12, 2016-1:00 PM 4:00 PM EST November 16, 2016 - Family Day at the National Museum of the Marine Corps: Corporate Gray Military-Friendly Job Fair * November 17, 2016 * Springfield, VA Meet face-to face with dozens of great employers at the November 17th Corporate Gray Military-Friendly Job Fair at the Waterford in Springfield, Virginia. Job fair hours are 9 am to 12:30 pm with an employer panel discussion starting at 8 am. Some of the participating companies include: ACT-I, Leidos, AECOM, BAE Systems, Edward Jones, Institute for Defense Analyses, Lynch Consultants, and many more. For additional information and to register, visit www.corporategray.com/jobfairs/376. Free to all job seekers. 9
Veterans Resource Fair Friday, November 18, 2016 The local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter will host a Veterans Resource Fair at the Fredericksburg Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1303, 2701 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, on November 18 th. Several local service agencies and volunteer organizations will be present and the following services will be available for homeless veterans and family members as well as other veterans that need help: Help with accessing V.A. Benefits & Services Housing Assistance Counseling & Substance Abuse referral Emergency Shelter & other Services Legal Service Health Screening You do not have to be a member of either the DAV or the VFW to take advantage of this resource fair... only a veteran. Pass the word if know someone who would benefit. THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE ON THE FREDERICKSBURG CAMPUS, STOP BY THE VETERAN AFFAIRS CENTER FOR SOME SNACKS, COFFEE AND CONVERSATION. YOUR FUTURE. OUR COMMITMENT. VETERANS AFFAIRS CENTER, ROOM 114E, V. EARL DICKINSON BUILDING, 10 FREDERICKSBURG CAMPUS 540-891-3023 EMAIL: VSERVICES@GERMANNA.EDU