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OCP Mail Call The E-newsletter of Operation College Promise www.operationcollegepromise.com June/July 2011 |
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Operation College Promise is funded in part through a grant from the American Council on Education & the Wal-Mart Foundation Operation College Promise A NJ Association of State Colleges & Universities Initiative 150 West State Street Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1100 Director of Programs and Policy Analysis – Wendy Lang |
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Dear Friends and Supporters, May was an exciting month for Operation College Promise (OCP). After much careful planning, we successfully completed the first Certificate for Veterans’ Service Providers (CVSP) held beyond the borders of the “Garden State.” Together, with significant help from Texas State University and generous sponsorship from Educational Testing Services, the OCP team mustered in San Marcos, along with nearly 100 veterans’ service providers from over 30 Texas colleges, universities and veteran service organizations. Highlights from the three-day training program included a moving keynote speech from Joe Brown, retired NFL Seattle Seahawks and combat-wounded Army veteran. We were honored by closing remarks from Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco (retired), a true patriot who spent 42 years of his life devoted to selfless service in the U.S. Army. There was much respect paid to the veterans panel comprised of Texas State students, moderated by Dr. Katherine Selber — a true believer in the program. The program was book-ended with patriotic ceremonies, including a heartwarming rendition of God Bless America sung by Celeste Curiel and the posting of the colors by VFW Post 12058. Reflecting true southwestern hospitality, the group enjoyed “A Taste of Texas” at the local historic Gristmill River Restaurant. The following day we were serenaded by Mariachi at lunch, and then escorted by Colonel Stephen Springer through the front gates of Camp Mabry to view the exhibits of the Texas Military Forces Museum. Above and beyond the food and fun, eight separate modules were presented to the participants featuring subject matter such as, What’s New with the Post 9/11 GI Bill, a glimpse inside the well-known Wounded Warrior Project, an informative lecture on Contemporary Warfare Injuries by Dr. Drew Helmer, ending with a thorough slide show presentation on Transfer of Military Credit given by Meg Krause from the American Council on Education. The old saying, “everything is bigger in Texas,” rang true for this first inaugural out-of-state CVSP program. We are truly thankful to everyone who supported this mission, and we look forward to visiting the Lone Star state in the future. Happy 4th of July to all—and remember—freedom doesn’t come free—Thank a vet!
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Have you Heard? College-bound children of National Guardsmen who lost their lives in support of the war on terrorism can now apply for up to $25,000 in scholarship funds from DRS Technologies, a New Jersey-based defense contractor. The Guardian Scholarship Fund will be administered by the National Guard Educational Foundation. Learn more, here. |
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Over the past two years in the “Lone Star State,” I have noticed that many of the universities have committed to becoming “veteran friendly.” However, most of them simply don’t know how to accomplish that task. This has been frustrating for both the veterans and family members, as well as the universities and colleges.
Enter onto the scene, Wendy Lang and her Operation College Promise (OCP) team. They are spearheading a program that gives leaders an opportunity to earn a Certificate for Veterans’ Service Providers (CVSP). This program teaches the educators how to laser focus their goals and how to best serve the veterans.
With a hosting partnership from Dr. Katherine Selber and Texas State University in San Marcos, the event was like nothing I have ever witnessed. It was well-planned, orchestrated, and received with enthusiasm. While attending the Operation College Promise event, I was honored to be part of the Resource Panel and explain the TexVet initiative. I was further impressed when I engaged in the “mock scenarios” and put into action the information that I just learned. I am sure that OCP will succeed in its mission to help veterans reach their educational goals with this comprehensive program.
I think President Abraham Lincoln said it best, “Upon the subject of education, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we, as a people, can be engaged in.” I’m looking forward to working with OCP to promote their program across the United States since it will finally put all of the schools, universities, colleges, and trade schools on the same page. Our veterans have earned the right to pursue their educational goals after serving our country. It is an honor to facilitate those goals with energetic and focused organizations such as Operation College Promise.
Tim Stroud, TexVet Manager |