thedrifter
07-21-09, 07:03 AM
In units, veterans attack transition to college
Marisa Schultz / The Detroit News
Before taking off for missions in Iraq, Air Force pilots counted on Kelli Whitney to ensure their planes were safe.
Whitney proved herself a capable aircraft electrician during six years in the Air Force and now with the Air National Guard. But becoming a student recently at Wayne State University may be one of her toughest missions yet.
"It was really one of the most difficult transitions I've made in my life," said Whitney, 27, of Saginaw Township.
As a growing number of veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan head to Michigan colleges to cash in their GI Bill benefits, many say the transition can make them feel isolated, old and out-of-touch. Surrounded by fresh-faced students who hadn't experienced the same responsibilities and adventures abroad, Whitney felt detached when she arrived on the 31,000-student campus.
To help campuses become more veteran-friendly, chapters of Student Veterans of America have opened on college campuses nationwide. Since a chapter formed at Wayne State University, Whitney feels more comfortable because of connections with other veterans similar in age and mindset.
Derek Blumke, an Air Force veteran and University of Michigan student, co-founded the national Student Veterans of America in January 2008. Since then, the number of member chapters around the country has grown to more than 184.
In addition to successfully lobbying for the passage of the new GI Bill, Student Veterans of America is pushing campuses to become more veteran friendly by establishing veterans' resource offices and conducting a holistic review of all veterans' policies and programs. Most importantly, campuses can facilitate the startup of Student Veterans of America chapters.
"Vets are going to help take care of themselves," said Blumke, 28, the national president of Student Veterans of America.
Adam Betz, who served in the Marines and is a second lieutenant in the Michigan National Guard, wanted to prevent other veterans from feeling the way he did when he arrived at Eastern Michigan University, so he started a Student Veterans chapter.
"It feels good ... that people have gotten use out of our services," Betz said of the chapter, which has 50 members.
Ellie
Marisa Schultz / The Detroit News
Before taking off for missions in Iraq, Air Force pilots counted on Kelli Whitney to ensure their planes were safe.
Whitney proved herself a capable aircraft electrician during six years in the Air Force and now with the Air National Guard. But becoming a student recently at Wayne State University may be one of her toughest missions yet.
"It was really one of the most difficult transitions I've made in my life," said Whitney, 27, of Saginaw Township.
As a growing number of veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan head to Michigan colleges to cash in their GI Bill benefits, many say the transition can make them feel isolated, old and out-of-touch. Surrounded by fresh-faced students who hadn't experienced the same responsibilities and adventures abroad, Whitney felt detached when she arrived on the 31,000-student campus.
To help campuses become more veteran-friendly, chapters of Student Veterans of America have opened on college campuses nationwide. Since a chapter formed at Wayne State University, Whitney feels more comfortable because of connections with other veterans similar in age and mindset.
Derek Blumke, an Air Force veteran and University of Michigan student, co-founded the national Student Veterans of America in January 2008. Since then, the number of member chapters around the country has grown to more than 184.
In addition to successfully lobbying for the passage of the new GI Bill, Student Veterans of America is pushing campuses to become more veteran friendly by establishing veterans' resource offices and conducting a holistic review of all veterans' policies and programs. Most importantly, campuses can facilitate the startup of Student Veterans of America chapters.
"Vets are going to help take care of themselves," said Blumke, 28, the national president of Student Veterans of America.
Adam Betz, who served in the Marines and is a second lieutenant in the Michigan National Guard, wanted to prevent other veterans from feeling the way he did when he arrived at Eastern Michigan University, so he started a Student Veterans chapter.
"It feels good ... that people have gotten use out of our services," Betz said of the chapter, which has 50 members.
Ellie