Adams State Veterans Center

06/30/2022

Today is my last day working with veterans at Adams State. I learned a lot over the several years I have been here, so I would like to take this time to pass on some words of wisdom. Keep in mind, this is based on the typical behaviors I have seen from veterans.

1. Don't be impetuous. Going back to school after military service is an adjustment a lot of veterans are not prepared for. It is a lot harder than they expect it to be, and when they hit a bump in the road, they throw hands up and say "this is clearly not for me". They then look at drastic changes to see if that can improve their situation; such as, changing their major, switching to trade school, switching to online only classes, or just quitting and finding a job.

Take things easy, and when life hits you after your first test, don't quit, evaluate your approach to studying, ask your professor/classmates for help, and readjust for the next exam. You don't need to trash everything because one exam went badly.

2. Don't isolate yourself. Being the old guy in the class isn't fun, but you need to interact with your classmates. Building social connections will help you when things get tough, and they can help you network for later in life.

3. Teach what you know to the younger generations. Learning how to pass on your knowledge to others is a great way to reintegrate into society. This doesn't have to be anything terribly complex. Teaching someone how to shoot a pistol or how to prepare for hike in the mountains can mean a lot someone. I believe a lot of veterans could find a good purpose by becoming a mentor.

4. Talk to the other vets in school. They went through what you are going through now. They can help you adjust to school for success. They can also become that social group you will need to hang out with after classes end.

5. Stop the bad habits. Most of us get wrapped up in the drinking culture of the military. Those habits will only hurt you as you move back into civilian life. Take a hard look at yourself, try to be healthy, do something other than drink on the weekends, and find a hobby to occupy you on your free time. If you live in Colorado, you should explore the mountains; learn to fish, hunt, hike a 14er, or learn to ski/snowboard.

6. Speak your mind but be tactful. You are welcome to have a difference of opinion during class activities. Some vets just try to interrupt the professor during lecture. This isn't the best time or place. It also doesn't help if you start off by insulting someone.

7. When you need help you need to ask for help. When things get bad, for whatever reason, you need admit it's time for help. We can put you in touch with a tutor if you need it. We can get a counselor to meet with you. We can sit down and talk about a new major for your degree. However, there is nothing anyone can do for you if you don't ask for help. Most of us vets who graduated from college, had to ask for help.

I hope some of you find this insightful. All of our journeys are a little different, but we run into the same problems.

06/14/2022

Happy 247th birthday to the United States Army.

06/03/2022

The bill signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis at CSU Pueblo allows military veterans to audit college courses for $10 or less.

05/27/2022

Spend time with your family, enjoy the liberty we have in this nation, but remember why we have this day off.

05/14/2022

Congratulations to our graduates this year!

04/14/2022

03/09/2022

We decided to bring attention to a truly amazing veteran for Women's History Month. If you don't know who she is, she helped to create modern computer coding. Look into her accomplishments if you have some spare time.

03/01/2022

11/12/2021

I want to wish all of our veterans a happy Veterans Day. I would also like to thank everyone who came out to lunch today. I saw a lot of happy folks enjoying a meal and having good conversations. That is what I was hoping to see. Sorry, I dont have any pictures. I was wrapped up in conversation myself, and I forgot to take pictures.

11/10/2021

I want to put out a quick reminder for the events we have coming up. Tonight, we are doing a story time with veterans at Carson Auditorium. We have veterans who served in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan doing a quick interview about their experiences. We will also have them answer questions from the audience. The event will begin at 7:30 PM.

Tomorrow, we are having a free lunch for veterans at noon. We are serving a BBQ buffet. The lunch is located in the Student Union Building banquet rooms. Guests can park at the library parking lot, and follow the signs to the lunch.

Friday, we are giving a presentation on the primary issue battle rifle and sidearm for the U.S military from the Korean War to the present. I will be going over the reasons why we switched from one platform to the next, and I will be touching on why they are popular with the American public. The event will also be in Carson Auditorium, and it will begin at 7:30pm.

11/10/2021

For Native American History month, we are honoring MSG Woodrow Keeble. Originating from Waubay, South Dakota MSG Keeble served this great nation during WWII and the Korean War. He earned the highest honors that can be awarded to an American soldier, including the Medal of Honor.

11/09/2021

We are showing the movie 0 Dark 30 tonight at Carson Auditorium. The movie starts at 730, and is free to ASU students and veterans. It's only $3 for community memebers. We will also be selling some cookies that were left over from th bake sale. We hope to see you there.

11/08/2021

Today we are selling chocolate chip, peanut butter, and red velvet cookies to raise funds for the Alamosa Veterans Memorial Park Project. We are selling bags of the cookies for $3 a piece. We are also taking orders pies. You can make an order for apple, cherry, pecan, or pumpkin pies. The pies are $25 a piece. Try to stop by and say hi today.

11/03/2021

We have a week of events coming up next week. If community members are interested in attending, you are welcome to do so. Please keep in mind we do require all guests to wear a mask.

10/17/2021

Thank you to everyone that came out to the parade this morning. Do us a favor and tell everyone who wasn't there the veterans had the best candy.

10/14/2021

You can't have the parade of the century without the good candy.

09/30/2021

If your athletic, there is a 5k taking place in Ft. Garland. If you know someone who might be interested, spread the word.

09/21/2021

I want to take a moment and bring some recognition to a great American for Hispanic Heritage Month. Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. His Medal of Honor citation is a humbling read:

Roy P. Benavidez, 455-02-5039, United States Army, who distinguished himself by a series of daring and extremely valorous actions on 2 May 1968 while assigned to Detachment B-56, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 2 May 1968, a 12-man Special Forces Reconnaissance Team was inserted by helicopters in a dense jungle area west of Loc Ninh, Vietnam, to gather intelligence information about confirmed large-scale enemy activity. This area was controlled and routinely patrolled by the North Vietnamese Army. After a short period of time on the ground, the team met heavy enemy resistance, and requested emergency extraction. Three helicopters attempted extraction, but were unable to land due to intense enemy small-arms and anti-aircraft fire. Sgt. Benavidez was at the Forward Operating Base in Loc Ninh monitoring the operation by radio when these helicopters returned to off-load wounded crewmembers and to assess aircraft damage. Sgt. Benevidez voluntarily boarded a returning aircraft to assist in another extraction attempt. Realizing that all the team members were either dead or wounded and unable to move to the pickup zone, he directed the aircraft to a nearby clearing while he jumped from the hovering helicopter, and ran approximately 75 meters under withering small-arms fire to the crippled team. Prior to reaching the team's position he was wounded in his right leg, face, and head. Despite these painful injuries, he took charge, repositioning the team members and directing their fire to facilitate the landing of the extraction aircraft and the loading of the wounded and dead team members. He then threw smoke canisters to direct the aircraft to the team's position. Despite his severe wounds and under intense enemy fire, he carried and dragged half of the wounded team members to the awaiting aircraft. He then provided protective fire by running alongside the aircraft as it moved to pick up the remaining team members. As the enemy's fire intensified, he hurried to recover the body and classified documents on the dead team leader. When he reached the leader's body, Sgt. Benevidez was severely wounded by small-arms fire in the abdomen and gr***de fragments in his back. At nearly the same moment, the aircraft pilot was mortally wounded, and his helicopter crashed. Although in extremely critical condition due to his multiple wounds, Sgt. Benevidez secured the classified documents and made his way back to the wreckage, where he aided the wounded out of the overturned aircraft, and gathered the stunned survivors into a defensive perimeter. Under increasing enemy automatic-weapons and gr***de fire, he moved around the perimeter distributing water and ammunition to his weary men, reinstilling in them a will to live and fight. Facing a buildup of enemy opposition with a beleaguered team, Sgt. Benevidez mustered his strength, began calling in tactical air strikes and directed the fire from supporting gunships to suppress the enemy's fire and so permitted another extraction attempt. He was wounded again in his thigh by small-arms fire while administering first aid to a wounded team member just before another extraction helicopter was able to land. His indomitable spirit kept him going as he began to ferry his comrades to the craft. On his second trip with the wounded, he was clubbed from additional wounds to his head and arms before killing his adversary. He then continued under devastating fire to carry the wounded to the helicopter. Upon reaching the aircraft, he spotted and killed two enemy soldiers who were rushing the craft from an angle that prevented the aircraft door-gunner from firing upon them. With little strength remaining, he made one last trip to the perimeter to ensure that all classified material had been collected or destroyed and to bring in the remaining wounded. Only then, in extremely serious condition from numerous wounds and loss of blood, did he allow himself to be pulled into the extraction aircraft. Sgt. Benevidez' gallant choice to join voluntarily his comrades who were in critical straits, to expose himself constantly to withering enemy fire, and his refusal to be stopped despite numerous severe wounds, saved the lives of at least eight men. His fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United States Army.

I also wanted to share a short video of one of his speeches. I think everyone can take away some valuable lessons from what he has to say.

Medal Of Honor Recipient Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez shares the true meaning of our flag. I filmed this in the early 1990's when Roy came to our unit in...

09/11/2021

This is it folks. This is the first time we can reflect on this anniversary without the war in the background. However, today is bitter sweet for many veterans. I know there is still a lot of raw anger and frustration over how the war ended. If you need to, reach out to someone.

09/03/2021

A little late for the update, but we started off the semester with taking some of the veterans on a welcome back hike. We went to Red Lake in the Rio Grande National Forrest. This was a fun hike, and a fun way to welcome veterans back to the fall semester.

08/17/2021

It's that time of the year again. Next week, our fall semester officially begins. I would like to post about a common issue I see with some of our veteran students. They begin classes like everyone else, and after the first two weeks, they feel as if they have a pretty good handle on things. As the demands of the semester increase, and the students begin to experience some difficulty, some students tend to believe they have plenty of time to make up for their short comings. When the midterms role around around, they're drowning and before they know it, a successful semester is going down in flames.

My recommendation, is make sure you stay on top of your course material. If you have a question, ask your professor. We have very responsive professors here at ASU, so use them to your advantage. We also offer free tutoring in math and English. If you feel you might need these services, take advantage of them. There is no shame in working to overcome shortcomings. If you need help on adjusting to student life, that is why the Veterans Center is here. If you use the resources that are available to you, you will improve your chances of success. Don't wait until it is too late.

05/18/2021

Please share with those who may be interested.

05/04/2021

This is just a proposed change, and this won't have any impact for veterans yet. In a rural area like Alamosa, it can be far more efficient to use the Mission Act to get your service connected injuries treated through the civilian healthcare system. Though it may only cut your wait times down by a few weeks, I have found the quality of care to be better at a non-VA clinic.

I would like to throw one more thought at you. If you are hurting, with a mental or physical injury from your military service, do not wait for the VA to find time to help you. Find a way a way to get seen by a professional outside of the VA system. In some states, like Colorado, you may be able to use Medicaid. This will allow you get necessary treatment when you can't afford to do it on your own.

The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act would largely take the VA out of the community care process.

04/27/2021

Good morning, I am passing along some more information from the Colorado Department of Education. Please share with anyone you know who might be interested in becoming a teacher.

A reminder, the Colorado Department of Education recruitment and licensing team will be conducting our 9th installment of the Virtual Seminar, “Licensing 101” on 29 April 2021 from 6-7:30PM.

This seminar is related to current Colorado landscape (positions, school district COVID 19 academic posture) and will answer any questions you or your education candidates have about teacher preparation, licensing and the current/projected job market. This seminar is beneficial to ALL those interested in education programs and those pondering a career in Colorado. All are welcome! Please distribute to your candidates and post on social media if desired. A great opportunity to explore the many opportunities in Colorado.

02/10/2021

I hope you are continuing to stay safe and healthy.

I am passing along a reminder for those who might be interested in becoming a teacher.

A reminder, the Colorado Department of Education recruitment and licensing team will be conducting our 9th installment of the Virtual Seminar, “Licensing 101” on 25 February 2021 from 6-7:30PM.

This seminar is related to current Colorado landscape (positions, school district COVID 19 academic posture) and will answer any questions you or your education candidates have about teacher preparation, licensing and the current/projected job market. This seminar is beneficial to ALL those interested in education programs and those pondering a career in Colorado. All are welcome! Please distribute to your candidates and post on social media if desired. A great opportunity to explore the many opportunities in Colorado. I have also included a Substitute/Guest Teacher flyer if you would please post this information on your social media as well. Thank you!

We are also excited to announce our education partner from TEACH CO, Annette Konoske-graf, will be joining us for this seminar: https://colorado.teach.org/become/licensure/about

Join us for this seminar and learn more about the opportunities that exist for YOU! Flyer attached.

Follow us on our new LinkedIn page for job postings and upcoming events: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12084733

01/11/2021

I am passing along some information from Troops to Teachers:

The Colorado Department of Education recruitment and licensing team will be conducting their 8th installment of the Virtual Seminar "Licensing 101" on 28 January 2021 from 6-7:30 PM.

This seminar is related to current Colorado Landscape (positions, school district COVID 19 academic posture) and will answer any questions you or your education candidates have about teacher preparation, licensing and the current/projected job market. This seminar is beneficial to all those interested in education programs and those pondering a career in Colorado. All are welcome!

Please share this information with someone who is interested in being a teacher or substitute teacher.

11/16/2020

I was recently asked a good question by a prospective student: "when should I submit my application to the VA for benefits?" You should submit your application to the VA as soon as you are admitted. This is true for all VA education benefits. The average time it takes the VA to process an application for benefits is 30 days. Unfortunately, it may take longer with the current pandemic.

With that said, the fastest way to submit your application for education benefits is online. It can take about 15-20 minutes to complete the online application. To complete the online application, follow this link https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/.

The VA will respond to you with a letter stating whether or not you have been approved for educational benefits. You can also check back online to see if they have finished processing the application, and what they determined.

Find out how to apply for the GI Bill and other VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, or qualified family member. You can apply online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional.

11/10/2020

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day after WWI, but did you know of the changes that occurred since 1919? This is a short read that covers how Armistice Day became the Veterans Day we now celebrate.

https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

11/06/2020

Recently, I have been asked about the requirements to transfer the Post 9/11 GI Bill to a dependent. In order to transfer your benefits to a dependent, you need to have served for six years. Then you need to agree to serve an additional four years to solidify the transfer. The dependent must also be enrolled in DEERS. The Department of Defense will make the final determination if the transfer of entitlement can go through. You can transfer your entire benefit to your dependents, or you can transfer a partial amount if you desire.

If you are a currently active service member, you need to keep these requirements in mind. If you do not complete your additional four year contract, the VA will create a debt for all funds used by the dependent. If you want to transfer your benefits to your spouse or your child, you must do so while you are still on active duty.

It is also important to keep in mind the benefits being used by the dependent are still your benefits. The service member has the right to revoke transfer of entitlement at anytime.