Photo By Julia LeDoux | Service members and their families were able to get a head start on preparing for...... read more read more
JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - Service members and their families were able to get a head start on preparing for their future during the Army Education Center’s military career and education expo, held Nov. 18 at the community center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
Representatives from more than 30 colleges, GoArmyEd assistance, the Department of Veterans Affairs, education counselors and financial advisors answered questions and shared information about both career and educational opportunities with attendees.
“It’s just amazing how many veterans are not tapping into those benefits they’ve earned,” said VA representative Dionne Vassell. “I’m hoping to help them understand what they are eligible for and to help them apply for those benefits.”
Army Sgt. Jason C. Bauder of The Old Guard said he will be transitioning from the active duty ranks following more than five years of service by month’s end. He viewed the expo as a chance to learn more about what awaits him in the civilian world.
“I wanted to see what education and career opportunities are available,” Bauder said. “I’ve already applied to schools and what not, but I wanted to see what else was available.”
Rosalind Strickland, an education service officer at the Army Education Center, said the goal of the expo is to get Soldiers, Marines and their families prepared for a successful civilian life.
“I hope they come here and get an idea about preparing themselves for the future post-Army, post-Marines,” she said.
In remarks that opened the event, JBM-HH Commander Col. Mike Henderson noted that the expo took place at a pivotal time for the military.
“As the force shrinks to meet new tactical requirements, service members who are transitioning to civilian life need to explore their options for the future,” he said. “Statistics show that a quality education can be the solid foundation that supports a prosperous, future civilian life.”
A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics population survey on earnings and employment rates by educational attainment shows the rate of unemployment in 2014 for high school graduates was 6 percent and they earned an average of $668 a week, Henderson said.
“In that same year, individuals with a bachelor degree had an average unemployment rate of 3.5 percent with an average weekly income of $1,101,” he said.
Henderson encouraged attendees to think about their future educational and career goals and to make informed choices about the schools they attend and the degrees they pursue.
“Remember, neither the GI Bill nor tuition assistance last forever,” he cautioned. “By deciding what you want to achieve in the future and carefully considering your options now, you will set yourself up for success and minimize the risk of exhausting benefits and paying out of pocket.”
Army Lt. Col. Trent Bruyere, who is an artillery and intelligence officer, is looking for transitioning opportunities within the next nine to 18 months as he prepares for a new career in the medical care field following a 25 years of service to the nation. He visited with several college representatives while at the expo.
“I’ve got plenty of education,” he said. “But, I’m also looking for a future career that’s out of the defense industry and different opportunities.”
| Date Taken: | 11.18.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.25.2015 12:42 |
| Story ID: | 182878 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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