Interview with Arthur Rodriguez, MGySgt, USMC (Ret)
Outreach Educational Coordinator, American Military University
Making the leap from a military to civilian career can involve some juggling, but with the right amount of support and resources it can be a smooth transition. To talk about making this leap is Art Rodriguez, a retired Marine and a Vietnam Veteran with more than 30 years of service.
Vince Patton, Ed.D.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, USCG Retired
So – to fight boredom during my underway time, and to pretty much stay out of my chief’s constant torment of verbal abuse, I began taking USAFI courses. I got into it, and really enjoyed it. My communications officer always checked on me and continued to encourage me in taking my courses. Whenever I finished a lesson or module, the communications officer would make a big deal of it in front of the entire Operations Department, and eventually got the commanding officer and executive officer to join in with his personal cheerleading sessions. It was actually quite embarrassing to me, as I couldn’t figure out why they are making a big deal out me, when others on the ship were also taking USAFI courses.
By Phil McNair
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Office of the President at American Public University System
How does an online university address the needs of those diagnosed with PTSD?
Understanding PTSD and Promoting this Knowledge
Achieving the goal of creating a positive learning environment requires a coordinated effort among faculty and staff members. The first element is promoting an understanding on what PTSD is and how its symptoms can affect student behavior.
Vince Patton, Ed.D.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, USCG Retired
Nelson Mandela’s quote is appropriate as far as defining my own academic success. In February, 1973, having just graduated from Coast Guard Radioman ‘A’ School in Petaluma, CA, I reported to my first assignment, the 378 foot high endurance cutter, USCGC DALLAS, which was at the time homeported at Governors Island, NY, a small tiny paradise that sits just a ½ mile or so from the southern tip of Manhattan.
Craig’s article speaks to the void left when some servicemembers transition out of the armed services but still want to serve the communities in which they live. Teaching is a great way to do that. Here is an excerpt from Craig’s post
By Phil McNair
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Office of the President at American Public University System
It is estimated that 7 percent of civilians in the United States will have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during their lifetime, and 2.2 percent of them (7.7 million people) have PTSD at any given time. Among military and veteran populations the numbers are significantly higher: the National Center for PTSD, operated by the Veterans Administration, calculates that 11-20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans may have PTSD – that is more than 300,000 individuals. Some sub-set of these groups attends college, thus PTSD is undeniably inside our classrooms.
Kevin E. Lynch, LPC
Chairman Military Transition Committee, The Loss Prevention Foundation
Being a Naval Academy graduate I am painfully aware of the stress of transitioning to the world of civilian employment. I wore a uniform for 10 years before receiving my honorable discharge and beginning the journey along a new career path. Many days, the prospect of worrying about where my next paycheck would come from was daunting. However, I was fortunate enough to discover the world of retail security/asset protection. For the last 29 years, I have had the opportunity to work for some of the best loss prevention executives in corporate America.
By Elaine Keavney
Program Director, Nursing and Public Health at American Public University
In August 2012, Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden started the Joining Forces campaign. This campaign was launched in order to bring attention to the unique needs and strengths of America’s veterans.
By John Aldrich
Associate Vice President, Military Relations at American Military University
Don’t be fooled by slick brochures and fancy sales pitches. Protect yourself and your military benefits by doing a little homework. When in doubt, get help from your local education center.