Secretary Shinseki Addresses Florida Educators
November 6, 2009
VA Reaches Out to Improve Transition from Combat to Classrooms TAMPA – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working with Florida and other states to help Veterans make the transition from combat to college life. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki addressed educators and Veterans during a conference this week at the University of South Florida (USF) on the importance of programs that ease the transition from active duty to Veteran status. “Here at USF, we are piloting our ‘VetSuccess on Campus’ program to support new Veterans as they transition from rigors of military life to the responsibilities of civilian life and the rewards of student life,” said Secretary Shinseki. “By providing on-campus benefits assistance and adjustment counseling, this Veteran-focused support program is on the leading-edge of VA’s drive to ensure Veteran-centric services to all Veterans.” Shinseki was the featured speaker at, “Uniforms to Mortarboards: Colleges and Universities Serving Veterans,” a one-day conference designed to help administrators and faculty maximize the opportunity for success for Veteran-students. He emphasized the importance of ongoing outreach to ensure that Veterans are fully informed of available education benefits, the newest of which is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. It is the most significant educational benefit for Veterans since the original GI Bill of 1944. To further aid Veteran-students, VA and USF began “VetSuccess on Campus,” a pilot program designed to ease transition from active duty to Veteran status, particularly for disabled Veterans. The program places VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service and mental health counselors on campus to help Veterans succeed in college. It will eventually expand to other parts of the country. For more information about VA’s education benefits, visit www.va.gov. # # #
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