WHAT VETERANS DAY MEANS TO ME

What Veterans Day means to me

By James Elphick

               This year will mark the thirteenth time I have celebrated Veterans day as a veteran. A great deal has changed since but one thing has remained constant – what Veterans day means to me as a veteran.

               Due to the nature of my deployments I was considered a combat veteran at just 18 years old but I was still in the Army and not officially a veteran in the civilian world. Those first few Veterans Days were important as my friends and I collaboratively established what the day meant to us. It became many things – first and foremost at the time it was a day off from work which was much appreciated – but we all seemed to reach the same conclusions.

               Veterans day was a day to celebrate that we were alive, that we had survived the war up to that point. But it was also a time of contemplation as for many of us there were still deployments looming. That contemplation has continued through the years, especially for me. Every Veterans Day I reflect on the sacrifices of my brothers and sisters in arms and I wonder about the future. I long for a day when we are no longer creating new combat veterans but live in a world of peace and those of us who fought this war can grow old and let the memories fade a little.

               The celebration of being alive to enjoy Veterans Day has also always been tempered by the loss of our comrades. Even though there is a separate holiday in Memorial Day to recognize them it is impossible to truly separate the two. No thought toward my own service can happen without also acknowledging those that we lost.

               Finally, and this one may have been the most difficult, Veterans Day is the time to let the country thank us. Many of us shrug off the obligatory “thank you for your service” that we hear whenever it becomes known that we are a veteran but for many people it is important to say those words. Because for us we are veterans everyday it is important to be able to step back and let the country celebrate its veterans, even if it makes us uncomfortable.   

WHAT DOES VETERANS DAY MEAN TO ME

What does Veterans Day mean to me?

By Carol Beard

               Growing up in a military family you’d think that I would have grown up with a deep appreciation for Veterans Day.  My father is a veteran, several of my uncles are veterans, and several of my older cousins served in the military.  So, it’s a fair guess to say that I should have really understood Veterans Day.  But, I didn’t.

               I started to understand Veterans Day when I was in high school and was learning about the history of it.  How it was originally Armistice Day and ended WWI, how it was a chance to honor those who had served and were still serving; these things I learned in school.  I also learned that I had to march in parades for band all over the region for Veterans Day.

               But, I didn’t begin to understand Veterans Day on a personal level until I had served in the military myself.  During my tenure in the Navy, Veterans Day was a very nice day off most years if I wasn’t out to sea.  However, the day didn’t mean much to me until later on.  That changed when I took the uniform off for the last time and donned the mantle of “veteran” myself.

               While Veterans Day still means time off from work, it now means more to me on a personal level than it did before.  I identify myself as a veteran and take pride in the service I gave to protecting my country.  Veterans Day has become “my day” where I can share my pride of service with others.  It is also the day that I can help others understand that those who serve come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.  Veterans Day has become to me a day of reflection on my service time and a chance to thank my brother’s and sister’s in arms for their service as well.

               Veterans Day still involves parades, though I don’t march in them anymore.  It’s still about remembrance and thanks for service rendered to the country by those, like me, who are here to accept the appreciation of a nation.   But, most importantly to me Veterans Day means a celebration of selflessness.  Veterans Day to me means that my sacrifices while I served are acknowledged and appreciated.   

THE OBSTACLE COURSE LESSON

The Obstacle Course Lesson

by

Carol Beard

What did the confidence course teach me?

Now that’s a question isn’t it?  In the Navy, the confidence course isn’t really there to train us on overcoming physical obstacles.  Most people in the Navy do not have a need to traverse forest or urban battle fields and those who do end up receiving specialized training after recruit training.  So why is it that we had to complete this obstacle course as a part of our training?

While I’m positive that the Recruit Division Commanders (RDC’s) told us something about the course, my fatigued and overwhelmed 18-year-old brain did not retain the information.  But, I remember clearly going through the confidence course.  I remember how hard it was for someone my size, I’m only 5’1” tall, to jump over and flip around and climb through the obstacles.  I also remember being yelled at by the RDC’s because I was struggling and being encouraged by my fellow recruits.  And I did make it through the course both times we had to run it.

So what did I learn?  I didn’t learn any particularly important physical skill by going through that course.  What I learned was much more important, although at 18 I’m not all that sure that the true significance was.  But now the lessons I learned show up in the sneakiest of ways.  I learned I was capable.  I was capable of getting through the physical challenge that was the obstacle course.  And more importantly, I learned I was capable of accomplishing just about anything I set my mind to.

I actually bruised my lower ribcage in the process of getting through the obstacle course.  It hurt.  I had people in authority constantly telling me to quit, to give up, that I couldn’t do it.  That hurt to.  But I learned to take that frustration, that pain, and turn it into fuel for my accomplishments.  I learned that I could persevere and overcome obstacles in life.

Throughout my ten-year Naval career, I often came back to the obstacle course lessons.  I worked hard and earned my way up to First Class Petty Officer, or E6 paygrade.  I spent two years working on my Air Warfare certification.  I used the lessons I learned way back in recruit training in perseverance to grow as a Sailor and a leader.  And then I took the lessons with me back to the civilian sector.

Sometimes the situations I was in hurt.  They hurt physically, mentally, and emotionally.  But every time, every single time that I wanted to quit I would think of that obstacle course.  The fact that I did finish, even in the face of difficulties and pain.  I’d think “well I know I can get through this too” and then I’d get the job done.  Whether the job was taking care of accommodations for my daughter’s special needs, or pursuing and earning my college degree didn’t matter.  It was the same skills and the same knowledge that I could do it.

We all have obstacle courses in life.  Some more obvious than other.  But if you think about your obstacle course and you think about the lessons it has taught you, you will find that you can do.  You will learn that you are capable.  There will be pain, there will be people trying to stop you, but you can do much more because of the experience of the obstacle course.  That’s what I learned for the obstacle courses in my life.  What have you learned from yours?

DO YOU HAVE THE SKILLS? Student Success Workshop

DO YOU HAVE THE SKILLS?

Student Success Workshop

By Carol Beard

            Learning is a skill.  Different people have different levels of the skills needed for learning.  Veterans entering college typically have at least four years since they last used their academic learning skills on a daily basis.  This time gap can lead to rusty learning skills.

           

           But, there are programs available to help improve those skills!  Veterans Upward Bound provides training in basic skills like note taking, test taking, and time management.  The dedicated staff also provide training in math, science, and language arts skills.  And here’s the really cool part:  IT’S TOTALLY FREE!!

            Before the start of each academic semester at Yavapai College the Veterans Upward Bound staff hold a one day workshop for all qualifying veterans who would like a quick refresher to skills that students need to be successful in college.  The workshop is free and provides a wealth of information that students consistently say they wish they’d had before they started school.  Paper writing skills, time management and organizational skills geared towards college, and much more are offered during the day long session.

            The workshop is also offered at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus, and at Northern Arizona University’s Flagstaff Campus.  The Veterans Upward Bound program serves all of northern Arizona and we hope to see you participating in our program before you begin college so that you have the skills to succeed!

Upcoming Student Success Workshops:

Yavapai College

Wednesday 8/17/16

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Wednesday 8/24/16

Northern Arizona University

Friday 8/26/16

THINGS VETERANS NEED TO KNOW: GI BILL FACTS

Does the GI Bill cover that?

By Carol Beard

I hear it all the time.  A veteran comes in to my office, fresh from their end of active duty status(or not), saying that so-and-so told them that the GI Bill won't cover this, that, or the other.  Often they are confused and sometimes mad about that supposed knowledge.  Until, that is, I correct them.

I know, I know.  The guys at TAPS or the installations college office are supposed to be the end all be all, know it all's for your transition to college.  But the thing is that those folks, though very knowledgeable, are not fully trained as School Certifying Officials and have not generally undergone the in-depth training on how the GI Bill is actually structured to work.

So, here's the real life experience of a veteran, me, who has used GI Bill benefits and who then went on to become a School Certifying Official.  The GI Bill, in most cases, can be used towards any authorized program that an institution offers.  It does not matter if that program is a transfer degree, like an Associate of Arts; an applied science degree, like Gunsmithing; or if is a simple certificate in something like bookkeeping.  What does matter is that the institution has been approved by the VA as a training site and that their programs have been reviewed and approved.

Yes, the GI Bill will pay for certificate programs.  Yes, the GI Bill will pay for degree programs.  And here's the really neat thing, the GI Bill will allow you to pursue two of these things at once.  Each school and training facility has it's own regulations regarding programs and program combinations, but there are very few exceptions to what the GI Bill will not cover at an approved institution.

Instead of asking if the GI Bill covers something, you might want to ask what the GI Bill does not cover at your school.  You might just be surprised to learn that the answer is not much of anything!

Local Resources for Veterans in Yavapai County

Local Resources for Veterans in Yavapai County

By James Elphick

            Navigating the post-service world and the higher education system can be tricky, if not downright difficult. Luckily there are numerous resources for veterans to help them with this journey.

1. Veterans Upward Bound
• First and foremost there is our program, Veterans Upward Bound, which is a pre-college program designed to prepare veterans to be successful through the rigors of college. The program provides refresher courses in core academic components to ensure veterans are entering school at the college level. There are workshops and classes relating to necessary college skills, i.e. note-taking, test-taking, college-level paper writing, etc. as well as academic and career advising. Finally, Veterans Upward Bound will help veterans locate and utilize all available resources, particularly their GI Bill and Financial Aid.
2. Local Veterans Employment Representative/Disabled Veterans Outreach Program
• Arizona Department of Economic Security employs two individuals locally that assist veterans with career and education goals. These programs have access to local employers looking to hire veterans and will help veterans with resumes, cover letters, job applications, etc. They also provide case management to help veterans with other needs while they are looking for a job. More information here.
3. OEF/OIF/OND
• Located within most VA Hospitals these days is a special program for Global War on Terrorism veterans, the OEF/OIF/OND program. This program helps returning service members with their transition, particularly with getting care from the VA. This program also provides case management in order to provide returning veterans with the proper resources to make their transition successful.
4. The Vet Center
• The Vet Center is a VA resource specifically for counseling combat veterans. This is the primary VA mental health resource for veterans in Yavapai County. Counselors are usually combat veterans themselves and can assist veterans with their transition back to civilian life.
5.  Arizona Department of Veterans Services
• AZ DVS is a state run program that assists veterans with resources and with navigating the VA, especially when filing for disability claims. 

Things All Veteran Students Should Know!

Did you know that all students can sign up for Federal Financial Aid?

The number one money related question I get from veteran students is whether or not they can use Federal Financial Aid.  Most of the time when I ask the student if they have applied for financial aid they tell me that they haven't.  They are often worried about those funds interfering with their GI Bill benefits and visa versa.  The reality is that most schools, including Yavapai College, encourage their veteran students to apply for financial aid on top of their GI Bill so that things that might not be covered by their GI Bill will be covered by another funding source!

No joke!  You really can use your GI Bill and receive other financial aid at the same time!  In fact, at most schools it is really important to go through the process of applying for financial aid because if you apply for and receive scholarships that is how the school processes the scholarship.  Aside from all that, the GI Bill does not cover everything.  Classes that are not a part of your degree, books, miscellaneous supplies, all of these things are out of pocket.  But, in most cases other financial aid will cover those expenses!

So, speaking as a School Certifying Official (aka the folks who report your enrollment to the VA) and an Advisor I can say that we absolutely encourage all of our students to apply for Federal Financial Aid alongside their GI Bill benefits.  The two different funding sources do not impact one another and you only stand to gain by utilizing both!

If you would like help applying for Federal Financial Aid as a Veteran Student please contact one of the representatives at Yavapai College's Veterans Education and Transition Services Department for an appointment.  va.services@yc.edu or vub@yc.edu

Posted By Carol Beard
Advisor/Certifying Official

Remembrance Day and Thank You to Veterans at Yavapai College

On November 10th there will be two events at Yavapai College, both in Prescott and the Verde Valley Campuses, honoring veterans. Please come out and join us.

Veterans Helping Veterans (and others) Pt. 2

Since returning from the Global War on Terrorism and the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq many veterans have found renewed purpose in serving other veterans as well as their communities at large. As such Veterans Upward Bound's Active Duty to Academics blog seeks to showcase these veterans and the paths of service they have chosen. Here is an article from Task & Purpose that shows how 2 veterans and one active duty member are still serving those in need.

Veterans Helping Veterans

At Northern Arizona Veterans Upward Bound the idea of veterans serving veterans resonates with us as much of our staff are veterans themselves while the rest have veteran family members. That means that the day to day operation of helping veterans is near and dear to our hearts. This idea of giving back and serving other veterans and helping them to be successful, especially after experiencing difficulties, is really gaining traction in the veteran community. It is also very important; who knows veterans, especially those of the current conflicts, better than themselves. So in part 1 of what I hope will be an on-going series of posts I would like to point out 2 veterans who have taken on the tasks of healing themselves and healing their fellow veterans. The first is Derek Weida, a former 82nd Airborne paratrooper who lost a leg to action in Iraq. You can read more about his story here or go straight to his organizations page, The Next Objective to find out more. The other veterans is a former Navy SEAL who was also wounded in Iraq and found ways beyond medication to heal his body. His name is Mikal Vega and he started Vital Warrior to help service members overcome the stresses of combat. Hopefully these stories will help all veterans remember to never give up and that there are other veterans out there that care and provide resources.

Prescott Veterans Stand Down

The Arizona Veterans Standdown Alliance is hosting the 10th Annual Stand Down in Prescott, an event to provide services to homeless veterans and to connect them with community resources. This years event will take place on September 18th and 19th at Frontier Village 1841 East State Hwy 69, Prescott, AZ 86301. If you are a veteran in need please stop by and find out what assistance is out there to help you. If you know a veteran in need please let them know about this opportunity. If you would like more information about the services provided go to the Prescott Stand Down page or check out the flyer Veterans Upward Bound will be there providing veterans with information and resources about opportunities in higher education. Hope to see you there!

Job and Education ideas for Veterans

Here is a great post from We Are the Mighty explaining 7 jobs that almost seem custom-made for Veterans leaving the service. Even better is that you can get the training for 6 of the 7 jobs listed here right here in Prescott, AZ! Check it out here!

Welcome to the new and improved Northern Arizona Veterans Upward Bound!

Welcome Everyone! This blog has been quite for the past 8 months while Veterans Upward Bound at Yavapai College has re-staffed, revamped, and readied for the new year. All of us here are very excited to roll out many new offerings during the fall semester and beyond. You may have noticed that the blog itself has a new title, Active Duty to Academics. This title better reflects what Veterans Upward Bound is here to do, turn former service members into college students. So stayed tuned here or stop by and see all the new things we have going on.

Free Pre-College Classes for Veterans, Town Hall Jan. 8 in Prescott, 2014 Photo Favorites, Discharge Upgrade Website, Participate in Veterans History Project, Stop Soldier Suicide

Welcome to 2015!  We’re back from our holiday semester break – with classes starting on Jan 12.  If you are a Northern Arizona Veteran, and are wondering if you are ready for going back to school – why not try our Veterans Upward Bound free services and pre-college classes first?  Contact us for more information at 928-717-7686 or www.yc.edu/vub.

Coming to Prescott, January 8 from 3- 4:30 at the Prescott VA Health Center: Veterans Town Hall.  See: http://www.prescott.va.gov/ or call 928-445-4860 or 800-949-1005 for more information.

Check out and vote for your favorite photo of the year at: www.army.mil/yearinphotos/2014/   They are all amazing, so it will be tough to choose.

From the RAO Bulletin: “A special web page has been launched to assist veterans seeking to upgrade punitive discharges related to behavior problems caused by post-traumatic stress. The web page provides information and applications to seek an upgrade to discharge from service. The page can be found at http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/adrb-ptsd.cfm.  It follows a recent directive to the Army's Review Boards Agency to give liberal consideration to requests for discharge upgrades from veterans who say they were kicked out of service because of problems related to PTSD, before it was recognized as a debilitating medical condition.”

Eagle Scout Derek Copeland interviewed 16 Veterans for the Veterans History Project (see: http://www.loc.gov/vets/) .  See the Fox News story for more about Derek’s project at: http://bit.ly/1xJ0Pha - maybe you’ll want to do a similar project here?

In 2015, please spread the word to support efforts to stop soldier suicide, and check out the resources available at: http://stopsoldiersuicide.org/

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Vietnam Casualty Photos, Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, Suicide Hotline, Veterans Upward Bound Services, Holiday Closure Dates

This version of the "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" music video was created by Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum as part of its ongoing effort to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The men who are featured in the video are all Vietnam Veterans who have helped to build the exhibit.   See: http://youtu.be/aFU9_dICQtk

For a Vietnam War casualty photo collection update, see: http://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/vietnam-at-50/faces-of-the-wall

Have you heard about the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame? Check it out at: http://avhof.org/

Sometimes holidays can be extra stressful - the sights, sounds, gatherings may be uncomfortable for some.  Holidays, or any time you need help, or know someone who might, check out the suicide prevention resources at: http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ or call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 to be immediately connected with help.

If you are a Northern Arizona Veteran, interested in pursuing higher education, you may be eligible for our free Veterans Upward Bound pre-college classes, many of which are available in an online or open entry format.  Please see our webpage (www.yc.edu/VUB ) or call us at 928-717-7686 to find out more about our computer, writing, and math modules and how you can get connected to your educational future through VUB.

We wish you relaxing holidays and a healthy 2015!  Our offices at Yavapai College will be closed from December 20 through January 4, reopening on January 5.  If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to start college – let us know if we can help you begin your successful educational journey!  Check out our video at: http://youtu.be/5E6Ys3CJiqQ

Anthem Veterans Memorial, Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD, Veterans Homelessness Declines, ID Theft Alert

If you haven’t been by Anthem, AZ recently, there is a new Veterans Memorial there (pictured in the Anthem website.)  The placement and structure of the staggered blocks, representing the military branches, creates a mosaic of the Great Seal on November 11 each year.  See more at: http://www.onlineatanthem.com/anthem-veterans-memorial

Promising PTSD treatment offers relief to some:  Stellate Ganglion Block treatments may help to relieve some symptoms, such as sleeplessness and anxiety, according to this article in Military Times: http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2014/11/19/stellate-ganglion-block-ptsd-treatment/19230151/

From the RAO Bulletin: “The number of homeless veterans declined by 33 percent. As many as 1.8 million veterans still find themselves strapped when it comes to paying rent and utility bills. More than 30 percent of their income is used to cover those expenses, according to the latest report. And in 2012, 138,000 veterans stayed in a homeless shelter for one night.”

As we enter the holiday season, be especially aware of identity theft and scams directed at Veterans and military supporters.  Never give passwords or personal information out via phone or e-mail.  You can check to see if charities are trustworthy at several online ‘watchdog’ sites such as http://www.charitynavigator.org/

The Power of One

Please share.  Please act to support all of our Veterans and active duty military families.  They need every one of us.  http://youtu.be/WSx11Kmnmrg

Vietnam at 50, Veterans Hiring Boost, Choice Act, Call for Vietnam Photos of Fallen Soldiers

The Vietnam at 50 series continues at http://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/vietnam-at-50 with interviews, the ‘Six Word’ quotes, photos/video, and articles by those who were there.

Veterans get hiring boost with free online classes and networking, according to First Lady Michelle Obama at: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans-get-hiring-boost-with-online-courses-networking-1.313452

If you are wondering how the Choice Act impacts your eligibility for educational funding, or whether a surviving spouse can receive educational benefits, check out more info and the Fry Scholarship at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

38,300: The volunteer effort to find a photographic image of every soldier listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall has three states taking the lead: New Mexico, Wyoming, and North Dakota have submitted all of their states’ soldiers’ photos.  Remaining 20,000 photos: If you have a photo of a soldier listed on The Wall, you can submit online or by mail – see more at: http://www.vvmf.org/how-to-submit

Honoring our Veterans

As we near Veterans Day, here is a great video highlight of some of our YC students and staff who are Veterans at: http://youtu.be/HQUH3C6uk_E

On November 10, at 10 a.m. on the Verde Valley campus in the Butterfly Garden, Yavapai College will dedicate a tree to the memory of 2008 YC graduate, 1st Lt. Jonam Russell, who died serving in Afghanistan in July 2013.  All are welcome to attend.  Enter and park near 1st entrance at 601 Black Hills Dr., Clarkdale.

On November 10, the National Roll Call honoring those service members who have died in Afghanistan and Iraq will be held on Prescott and Verde Valley campuses, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continuing until the final name is read.  At 11:00, there will be a moment of silence at all the National Roll Call events, nationwide.  Prescott ceremony is in 19-147, Verde Valley in M-137.

WWI Symposium: In recognition of Veterans Day, the public is invited to attend Yavapai College’s "The First World War Symposium: A Series of Interdisciplinary Lectures Presented by the Faculty of Yavapai College." The lecture series runs November 6-8 at both the Prescott and Clarkdale campuses, and attendance is free.

• Presentations and film screenings take place in Building 19, Room 147 of the Prescott campus (1100 E. Sheldon Street) and Building M, Room 137 of the Clarkdale campus (601 Black Hills Drive).
• The symposium commemorates 100 years since the start of World War I, in 1914. Four years later, a cease-fire was enacted on November 11. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first anniversary of November 11 a celebration of this armistice as a day to reflect upon the service of those who sacrificed for their country during the First World War.
• In addition to educational lectures and presentations from Yavapai College professors, The First World War Symposium will feature screenings of the films "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "Johnny Got His Gun," as well as a Master Chorale performance directed by Dennis Houser.
• Lecture topics include "Causes, Course, and Consequences," "Gas Warfare in World War I" and "The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919." For a complete schedule, including descriptions of the lectures and biographies of the presenters, go to www.yc.edu/wwi

Free Jazz Concert 10/23, Virtual Job Fair 10/29, Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes, Swords to Plowshares, American Women Veterans, Sgt. Reckless

Free Jazz Concert at the Yavapai College Mabery Pavilion (601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale) is being held Thursday, Oct 23rd at 7 p.m.

Check out the October 29th Virtual Job Fair info at: http://www.uschamberfoundation.org/event/virtual-job-fair-1

Interested in helping with holiday mail for deployed or injured soldiers?  The Red Cross is coordinating efforts and local communities can help, see more at: http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes

Sharing some interesting websites for your review: http://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/ and http://americanwomenveterans.org/home/  - feel free to share resources you think other Veterans would find useful!

Hero Horse: Read more about Sgt. Reckless, and amazing horse who served during the Korean War with distinction, bravery, and dedication at: https://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/1992/11/sgt-reckless-combat-veteran which also has a video and slideshow with great historical footage.