For legions of military veterans, college is the new front

IIn the winter of 2008, Ricardo (Rico) Pereyda prepared for his final mission with military precision. Behind the walls of his boyhood home, Pereyda placed blankets on the floor of his old bedroom. He wrote a letter of apology to his estranged wife and his parents, June and José. Then he lay on the floor, cocked a 9 mm handgun, placed the barrel of the weapon in his mouth and rested his finger on the trigger.

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Vets helping vets

In December, the University of Arizona’s veterans center moved into a new space of 3,800 square feet. Nicholls, the assistant dean, shows a visitor the computer lab, a lounge and a quiet area where students unwind. He talks about the “vets-tutoring-vets” program and a résumé-writing course. He points toward a display of military patches and nameplates. “In the military, your job defines who you are,” he explains.

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Community college challenges

Creating veteran-friendly institutions is particularly difficult for community colleges. Two-year institutions enroll the majority of students who have performed military service, yet they frequently lack resources they need to help vets.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

These days, we’re often urged to “support the troops” — and rightly so. The men and women who have chosen to serve this nation, to protect us all as Americans, certainly deserve our gratitude and support.

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What some call help, others see as hovering

Community college adjusts right along with student vets

Organizations that help student veterans

  • American Council on Education — ACE offers a wealth of online services for colleges and universities that want to improve their service to student veterans, including a Toolkit for Veteran-Friendly Institutions
  • American Legion — This national organization’s Veterans Education Center offers a wealth of education-related information and support.
  • The Jed Foundation — This site offers resources for educators and students who seek to understand and support the emotional health of student veterans.
  • Make the Connection — This site is a platform for shared experiences and also offers support for veterans pursuing education beyond high school.
  • Operation College Promise — This national policy and research organization supports the transition and success of student veterans. It also provides colleges and universities with a comprehensive resource guide: Creating an Environment for Student Veteran Success on Campus
  • RealWarriors.net — For resources related to educational and vocational counseling and making the transition to academic life.
  • Student Veterans of America — This site offers a wealth of resources for student vets and can help them connect with SVA chapters on their campuses.
  • VA GI Bill Website — This government site provides information on all educational benefits provided by the VA. It offers with tools and resources to help Veterans pursuing college degrees, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or non-college degrees programs.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars — The VFW recently launched a new initiative called 1 Student Veteran aimed at helping student veterans cut through red tape and obtain their VA and GI Bill benefits.
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