July 18, 2013 | SharkAdmin Veterans helping veterans has been an idea kicked around at Northwest Vista College for a few years, but the concept will finally come to fruition this fall semester thanks to employees volunteering to help student who are current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The concept behind NVC’s “Vet to Vet” or V2V program is to help current and former members of the military transition to college by providing them with support and tools to succeed. Marie Morgan, director of NVC Student Life, said the program will be piloted in the fall semester with the goals to help these students reintegrate to normalcy; enhance communication since some of them may find it easier to communicate with a veteran; and to make the student’s educational experience more meaningful and effective. Debi Gaitan, vice president of Student Success, said faculty member Dennis Gittinger recommended a year ago a program like this was needed for students. “I knew he was on to something really good. The Vet to Vet program has rolled out with amazing support from our faculty and staff,” Debi said. “Their experience is amazing and our students can make great connections with them. I appreciate our Vet to Vet team and their desire to support our students in the special way.” Marie said there are 15 Vet to Vet advocates (NVC employees who are veterans) that have volunteered to help our current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Advocates like Jesse James Harbert III and Amorette Rockenbaugh have already begun informing students about the program and offering their services. All of the advocates have their bios and contact information on the Vet to Vet webpage which is located at www.alamo.edu/nvc/current-students/v2v/. The page also includes a blog to engage students. Dennis said there is an instant connection when one vet meets another. It’s a connection that transcends differences in age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and pretty much every other index used to describe the human condition. Vets who have been in combat have a certain credibility with each other that is impossible to duplicate without that shared experience, Dennis added. “The Vet to Vet program seeks to capitalize on the natural connection between veterans. It may be that student vets will find it easier to have candid conversations with those on staff who share their common experience,” said Dennis. “Having a vet who understands both the system and the veteran who’s trying to navigate it can be a tremendous resource for the veteran student, and may be the catalyst needed for the student’s success.”
