Veterans represented in new RSO
Larry Burge
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: News
"Then I transferred to UA," Fink said. "My original major here was geology, but I had a high wall to climb. The Calculus I class just blew me away.
"And even with all the resources offered to me from the UA … I had to switch my degree to earth science."
Scheduled to graduate with his undergraduate degree May 10, he chose earth science for two reasons. He said he had taken many geology courses that would not all apply to his other degree choices, and he wouldn't have to take Calculus II.
"The past several years have been incredible," Gordon said. "I have taken part in developing and maintaining numerous organizations outside of campus. But even if one was to combine all of the excitement from the past, nothing could amount to what was felt in those meetings for the military.
"I knew that my skills would be best put to task getting MPPOC off the ground, and I ran with it. Everyone in that room wanted the same thing, and our strict backgrounds allowed us to reach the first milestone quickly and with unity," he said.
"This is terrific news," said Martindale, psychologist at the Pat Walker Health Center. "Congrats to everyone involved - I know many have really put a great deal of effort into this. I look forward to seeing the future growth of the RSO and services for vets and military members on campus."
For Gordon, "there is much that can be done to assist incoming veterans, whether it be vet friendly housing, university enrollments and course planning, assisting with the disabled vets to ensure that they get proper access to an educational environment that will better their overall experience, and so forth," he said.
"However, the key issue is the fact that there will be many MPPOC members who have gone before the newcomers. That is to say, the current members can assist the incoming veterans in their battle to become accustomed to the civilian lifestyle," Gordon said.
"Furthermore, there will be a forum of people available to discuss experiences and to help the military brethren in their efforts to cope with the stressors of past military involvements," he said.
"And even with all the resources offered to me from the UA … I had to switch my degree to earth science."
Scheduled to graduate with his undergraduate degree May 10, he chose earth science for two reasons. He said he had taken many geology courses that would not all apply to his other degree choices, and he wouldn't have to take Calculus II.
"The past several years have been incredible," Gordon said. "I have taken part in developing and maintaining numerous organizations outside of campus. But even if one was to combine all of the excitement from the past, nothing could amount to what was felt in those meetings for the military.
"I knew that my skills would be best put to task getting MPPOC off the ground, and I ran with it. Everyone in that room wanted the same thing, and our strict backgrounds allowed us to reach the first milestone quickly and with unity," he said.
"This is terrific news," said Martindale, psychologist at the Pat Walker Health Center. "Congrats to everyone involved - I know many have really put a great deal of effort into this. I look forward to seeing the future growth of the RSO and services for vets and military members on campus."
For Gordon, "there is much that can be done to assist incoming veterans, whether it be vet friendly housing, university enrollments and course planning, assisting with the disabled vets to ensure that they get proper access to an educational environment that will better their overall experience, and so forth," he said.
"However, the key issue is the fact that there will be many MPPOC members who have gone before the newcomers. That is to say, the current members can assist the incoming veterans in their battle to become accustomed to the civilian lifestyle," Gordon said.
"Furthermore, there will be a forum of people available to discuss experiences and to help the military brethren in their efforts to cope with the stressors of past military involvements," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Brian
posted 4/09/08 @ 6:22 PM CST
MPPOC could do a better job reaching out to Veteran's on campus. I didn't hear about the luncheon or this RSO until reading this article. Perhaps they can collect email addresses from the UA Veteran Affairs office for those who are enrolled using the GI bill or have enrolled noting they are a veteran. (Continued…)
derekgordon
Derek Gordon
posted 4/09/08 @ 10:15 PM CST
Brian, I'm glad you commented as several others suggested the same. It's worth noting that this was a followup article to one posted solely online a few days ago. (Continued…)
Bill Oliver
posted 4/09/08 @ 11:04 PM CST
Brian,
Thanks for the heads up... It was sure not our intention of missing anyone; however, as stated by Derek, we are working out the bugs. We need the support of all the vets and military on campus. (Continued…)
Derek Gordon
posted 4/16/08 @ 3:14 PM CST
The organizations website is finally up and running. Well, maybe not "finally" as it was setup and developed within a days time, but nonetheless it is operational! Everyone have a look and see what we are all about. (Continued…)
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