Veterans represented in new RSO
Larry Burge
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: News
Although the UA was established in 1871, a student population never has had official representation on campus until March 31, when U.S. military veteran students, as well as any current student in the military, officially became represented by the group MPPOC, Military Past and Present on Campus.
"My involvement began with a listserv email from Off Campus Connections," said Derek J. Gordon, newly elected MPPOC president.
"A few UA employees had an idea to develop an organization to serve the military on campus," he said. "[Co-staff adviser] Jeffrey W. Martindale arranged two luncheons and invited all military people on campus who responded to the e-mail. At that point, I wasn't sure what to expect. But once I was there, I saw a great desire for an RSO dedicated to the people who serve this great country.
One of the veterans who helped organize MPPOC was UA geosciences undergraduate William D. Fink. After he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1993, Fink was shipped out in '94, right after his graduation from Springdale High.
"I was in Marine combat training at the School of Infantry," he said. "We were doing some squad on the offense combat exercises and planning to take this bunker. They were lobbing these 60 mm mortar simulators at us, and one of them hit very close to me. [The explosion] took out my right eye, got some shrapnel in [the right side of] my head. I spent another year in a medical unit while they ran an investigation as to what went wrong. They diagnosed me with [post-traumatic stress disorder] and processed my honorable discharge."
After that, Fink said he worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a postal clerk for seven years. But he found himself very uncomfortable working indoors and decided for his mental health that he needed a change.
After a few months at home, Fink decided to attend college by using his GI Bill Chapter 31, vocational rehabilitation for his service-connected injury. He enrolled in NorthWest Arkansas Community College in the fall of 2003 and received his associate's degree in science, he said.
"My involvement began with a listserv email from Off Campus Connections," said Derek J. Gordon, newly elected MPPOC president.
"A few UA employees had an idea to develop an organization to serve the military on campus," he said. "[Co-staff adviser] Jeffrey W. Martindale arranged two luncheons and invited all military people on campus who responded to the e-mail. At that point, I wasn't sure what to expect. But once I was there, I saw a great desire for an RSO dedicated to the people who serve this great country.
One of the veterans who helped organize MPPOC was UA geosciences undergraduate William D. Fink. After he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1993, Fink was shipped out in '94, right after his graduation from Springdale High.
"I was in Marine combat training at the School of Infantry," he said. "We were doing some squad on the offense combat exercises and planning to take this bunker. They were lobbing these 60 mm mortar simulators at us, and one of them hit very close to me. [The explosion] took out my right eye, got some shrapnel in [the right side of] my head. I spent another year in a medical unit while they ran an investigation as to what went wrong. They diagnosed me with [post-traumatic stress disorder] and processed my honorable discharge."
After that, Fink said he worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a postal clerk for seven years. But he found himself very uncomfortable working indoors and decided for his mental health that he needed a change.
After a few months at home, Fink decided to attend college by using his GI Bill Chapter 31, vocational rehabilitation for his service-connected injury. He enrolled in NorthWest Arkansas Community College in the fall of 2003 and received his associate's degree in science, 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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