In July Board members of Mid South ACME had the pleasure of attending the Tennessee National Guard Education Summit. CSM Jamie Clark, ESO of the Tennessee National Guard objective is to see an increase in the number of Guard members pursuing a post-secondary education. Currently, only about 8% of Guard members are using Federal Tuition Assistance funding.
The goal of the summit is to provide institutions of higher education information regarding education benefits that are available to members of the National Guard as well as update schools on recent changes to Federal Tuition Assistance. This allows institutions to be better informed and able to help provide Guard members with accurate information and assist them in enrolling in school. Mid South Acme was also given the opportunity to speak about our organizational goals and objectives. A big thank you to CSM Jamie Clarks and the Tennessee National Guard for planning and holding this summit. MidSouth ACME (Advisory Committee on Military Education) held its 2nd Annual Symposium on April 22 and 23, 2015, at the Glen H. English Army Education Center, Ft. Campbell, KY. This year’s theme was “What Does it Mean to be Military Friendly vs. Military Helpful?” The keynote speaker Marc Barker, President of the National Association of Veteran’s Program Administrators, (NAVPA), provided invaluable information on ways military educators and administrators could evolve from military friendly to military helpful. The MidSouth ACME Board of Directors followed up with a discussion of additional strategies for recognizing opportunities to further advance military friendly organizational culture. Lawrence Buford, ESO, and Cathy Owens, ESS, provided informative and instructional discussions of the DOD MOU and Ft. Campbell Post Access Regulations. They reiterated that adherence to these policies is not optional and schools interested in contacting service members on post should make contacting the ESO their first step. Katie Lopez, Director of Military Affairs, Christian County Chamber of Commerce and Regional Coordinator of In-Gear Career, discussed programs that are military helpful for spouses. Her focus was on enhancing military spouse career opportunities and income economic factors. Keynote Speaker Marc Barker, President of the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators, shares about the organization and what he believes it means to be truly Military Helpful. Katie Lopez, Christian County Chamber of Commerce Director of Military and Governmental Affairs and Chair of Fort Campbell Chapter of In-Gear Career, shares with the audience information about In-Gear Career and what the focus of this group is. Soldiers from the Soldier for Life Higher Education Track had an opportunity to hear from Active Duty and Veteran Soldiers who provided insight on how to transition to the classroom. Keith Wenstrand, Armed Forces Service Corporation, spoke about his organization and the assistance they provide to transitioning soldiers.
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