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Thursday, July 21, 2011
Hausmann-Stokes Guest Lecture Review
By Paul Dolan
On Feb 3, 2011 Vets for Vets brought guest lecturer Kyle Hausmann-Stokes to UW-Madison to speak on issues veterans face when going to college after separating from the military. Kyle, originally from the Verona area, served 5 years in the Army Airborne Infantry and received the Bronze Star for his meritorious service and actions under fire.After his military service he attended school at ASU, UCLA, Universidad de Madrid and completed his degree at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His short film “Now, After” is used by the VA as a tool to inform veterans of PTSD related issues.
During his lecture, Kyle gave some examples of the difficulties veterans face when coming to college and provided some possible methods to ease the transition. First, veterans lose a sense of importance after separation because the military provides a level of responsibility may not exist on a college campus.
Veterans need to understand the value of their military experiences and utilize these skills in the most appropriate way in the classroom. For example, many times veterans have real world experiences and perspectives that people cannot get from a text book. Sharing these information and veterans’ actions in service can help bring awareness to other students of current real world events.
Kyle recommended that new student veterans get involved with a local veterans group in order to help with assimilation and provide a healthy atmosphere to exchange concerns or obtain valuable assistance. He also suggested to join non-veteran student organizations as a way to get comfortable with their new environment This group will provide a method for them to get more involved on campus and readjust to the different rigors in the academic environment.
Veterans may begin to feel remorse for not being as involved with their former units. Staying in contact with former Battle Buddies or friends from their unit is a good way for veterans to show their support of the current ordeals these units may be facing.
It is also very important for veterans to understand how important they are and how the Universities they attend benefit by having a strong veteran presence. it is also important to represent yourself and the veteran community as a whole in a positive manner. The responsibility of ensuring veterans get the proper respect they deserve ultimately starts with each and every individual veteran’s actions.
Hausmann-Stokes’ lecture and film presentation was well received and stimulated a very intriguing Question and Answer session afterward. Most audience members, whether student, veteran, or faculty expressed how informative and helpful the evening was.
On Feb 3, 2011 Vets for Vets brought guest lecturer Kyle Hausmann-Stokes to UW-Madison to speak on issues veterans face when going to college after separating from the military. Kyle, originally from the Verona area, served 5 years in the Army Airborne Infantry and received the Bronze Star for his meritorious service and actions under fire.After his military service he attended school at ASU, UCLA, Universidad de Madrid and completed his degree at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His short film “Now, After” is used by the VA as a tool to inform veterans of PTSD related issues.
During his lecture, Kyle gave some examples of the difficulties veterans face when coming to college and provided some possible methods to ease the transition. First, veterans lose a sense of importance after separation because the military provides a level of responsibility may not exist on a college campus.
Veterans need to understand the value of their military experiences and utilize these skills in the most appropriate way in the classroom. For example, many times veterans have real world experiences and perspectives that people cannot get from a text book. Sharing these information and veterans’ actions in service can help bring awareness to other students of current real world events.
Kyle recommended that new student veterans get involved with a local veterans group in order to help with assimilation and provide a healthy atmosphere to exchange concerns or obtain valuable assistance. He also suggested to join non-veteran student organizations as a way to get comfortable with their new environment This group will provide a method for them to get more involved on campus and readjust to the different rigors in the academic environment.
Veterans may begin to feel remorse for not being as involved with their former units. Staying in contact with former Battle Buddies or friends from their unit is a good way for veterans to show their support of the current ordeals these units may be facing.
It is also very important for veterans to understand how important they are and how the Universities they attend benefit by having a strong veteran presence. it is also important to represent yourself and the veteran community as a whole in a positive manner. The responsibility of ensuring veterans get the proper respect they deserve ultimately starts with each and every individual veteran’s actions.
Hausmann-Stokes’ lecture and film presentation was well received and stimulated a very intriguing Question and Answer session afterward. Most audience members, whether student, veteran, or faculty expressed how informative and helpful the evening was.
Student Veteran Spotlight: Shari Franey
By Kyle Krahn
What is your Military Background?
What do you do Vets for Vets?
What is your Military Background?
I came to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1998 through 2006 as a nuclear electronics technician. Spending most of my military career aboard the USS GeorgeWashington (CVN-73), I was on the aircraft carrier when dispatched to respond to the September 11 attacks.
What work experience did you have after the military?
I went to work for Alcoa Power Generating Inc where I became the first female power plant control operator in the Midwest.
Why did you come to UW - Madison and what are you studying?
I came to Wisconsin with my husband, and fellow veteran, for the pursuit of his doctorate degree with our young daughter. I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Retailing and will be the first in my family to attain a college degree.
What do you find most difficult about being a student veteran?
I find juggling and trying to make a fulfilling, quality family life, for all members of my family, while my husband and I are full-time students and dealing with the challenges that student veterans regularly face, quite challenging. When starting new classes, I find myself becoming self conscience about my age and life experiences.
What do you do Vets for Vets?
I am the Marketing and Assistant Outreach Director for Vets for Vets. I am currently working on organizing social events for our student veterans, finding outreach opportunities, and attaining some quality swag for the club. I also maintains the clubs website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. So when you’re “talking” to Vets for Vets on those media platforms, chances are you’re talking to Me!
What is your favorite part about being a member of Vets for Vets?
Being someplace where I can be myself and not worry about offending anybody.
Beyond Duty Author Visit
By David Zaborsky
This past May, Vets for Vets sponsored guest speakers Captain
Shannon Meehan and Professor Roger Thompson. The event was a huge success with over 50 attendees including students, veterans, and faculty members. Shannon shared his story about his experience as a tank platoon commander in Iraq. As a leader he had to make some difficult decisions which led ended up killing a family of civilians. To read the whole story, please purchase his book: Beyond Duty, Life on the Front Line in Iraq. Military service is unlike any other profession, and places unique stresses and situations on members.
This past May, Vets for Vets sponsored guest speakers Captain
Shannon Meehan and Professor Roger Thompson. The event was a huge success with over 50 attendees including students, veterans, and faculty members. Shannon shared his story about his experience as a tank platoon commander in Iraq. As a leader he had to make some difficult decisions which led ended up killing a family of civilians. To read the whole story, please purchase his book: Beyond Duty, Life on the Front Line in Iraq. Military service is unlike any other profession, and places unique stresses and situations on members.
Chancellor Martin Comes Through!
UW Adopts Yellow Ribbon Program
By Stephen Lee
In May, Chancellor Biddy Martin announced that the University of Wisconsin – Madison would participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, committing to fully support currently enrolled non-resident student veterans starting in the fall semester of 2011.Through the Yellow Ribbon Program the VA would match dollar-for-dollar any money the UW-Madison would put forward for student veterans. This is an amazing show of support from the Chancellor and many others in the administration. In particular the Dean of Students, Lori Berquam, and Assistant Dean of Students, John Bechtol. The future of the Yellow Ribbon Program here at UW-Madison is not set in stone and it is incumbent on us to ensure that as service members transition to student veterans that the University of Wisconsin remains a viable option.
By Stephen Lee
In May, Chancellor Biddy Martin announced that the University of Wisconsin – Madison would participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, committing to fully support currently enrolled non-resident student veterans starting in the fall semester of 2011.Through the Yellow Ribbon Program the VA would match dollar-for-dollar any money the UW-Madison would put forward for student veterans. This is an amazing show of support from the Chancellor and many others in the administration. In particular the Dean of Students, Lori Berquam, and Assistant Dean of Students, John Bechtol. The future of the Yellow Ribbon Program here at UW-Madison is not set in stone and it is incumbent on us to ensure that as service members transition to student veterans that the University of Wisconsin remains a viable option.
Notable Changes to the Post 9/11 GI-Bill
By Dan Dreher
Revisions to the Post 9/11 GI-Bill have been made and changes are due take effect on two important dates this year, August 1st and October 1st. The majority of these changes are positive ones and were strongly influenced by Student Veterans of America at the national level. Below is a brief break down of the upcoming changes the Post 9/11 GI-Bill.
Effective August 1st
Revisions to the Post 9/11 GI-Bill have been made and changes are due take effect on two important dates this year, August 1st and October 1st. The majority of these changes are positive ones and were strongly influenced by Student Veterans of America at the national level. Below is a brief break down of the upcoming changes the Post 9/11 GI-Bill.
Effective August 1st
- Tuition and Fees
- Pays all public school in-state tuition and fees.
- Private and foreign school costs are capped at $17,500 annually.
- Housing allowance is prorated by the student’s rate of pursuit (rounded to the nearest tenth).
- A student training at a rate of pursuit of 75% would receive 80% of the BAH rate.
- Break or Interval pay is no longer available.
- BAH will be prorated for the last month based on how many days of school is in session.
- If the semester ends on the 15th, BAH will be paid for the first 15 days of that month.
- If the semester begins on the 20th the housing allowance will be paid from that date through the remainder of that month.
- Allows reimbursement for more than one “license or certification” test.
- Fees paid to take national exams used for admission to an institution of higher learning, such as the SAT, ACT, GMAT or LSAT can be reimbursed.
- Allows students to use the Post-9/11 GI-Bill for:
- Non-college degree (NCD) programs: Pays actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees at public NCD institutions.
- Housing allowance is now payable to students enrolled solely in distance learning.
- Allows students on active duty to receive a books and supplies stipend.
From the Editor's Desk
Hello Veterans, I hope this you are enjoying your summer whether you are taking summer classes, traveling, or working. First and foremost, I would like to apologize for the hiatus of this publication. The office staff has made a commitment to return to a regular release of this
publication. In order to do so, we are constantly seeking for content to include. Since this publication is made for you, please tell us what you would find most useful or interesting.
As you will see in issue we are going to be highlighting a student veteran in each issue, so if you are willing to be interviewed please
contact us letting us know so. We are doing this as a way help get the
student veterans know one another a little better. We have a rich
community of veterans on this beautiful campus and we would like to build bonds within this community.
On a final note, this is just a reminder that our office is available to use. If you have any questions about benefits, we are a great place to start. It is also a great place to hang out, if you just need to chill out for a bit. The office is also a great place to study or work on group projects. For those who have not yet been to the office, we are located on the third floor of the Student Activity Center (SAC).
Best Wishes,
Kyle Krahn
publication. In order to do so, we are constantly seeking for content to include. Since this publication is made for you, please tell us what you would find most useful or interesting.
As you will see in issue we are going to be highlighting a student veteran in each issue, so if you are willing to be interviewed please
contact us letting us know so. We are doing this as a way help get the
student veterans know one another a little better. We have a rich
community of veterans on this beautiful campus and we would like to build bonds within this community.
On a final note, this is just a reminder that our office is available to use. If you have any questions about benefits, we are a great place to start. It is also a great place to hang out, if you just need to chill out for a bit. The office is also a great place to study or work on group projects. For those who have not yet been to the office, we are located on the third floor of the Student Activity Center (SAC).
Best Wishes,
Kyle Krahn
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