It’s time to make your move with a mortgage from Navy Federal. We offer no-down-payment (100% financing)1 options. Plus, enjoy:
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Federally insured by NCUA. 1Product features subject to approval. 100% financing loans may include an additional funding fee, which may be financed up to the maximum loan amount. Available for purchase loans only. 2Special offer available for purchase and refinance first mortgages. Certain product exclusions may apply. You must lock your rate with Navy Federal prior to submitting rate match request to qualify for this offer. Loan Estimate from competing lender must be dated and received within three calendar days of locking your interest rate at Navy Federal. Please note that other documentation used to show competitors’ terms will not qualify for offer. The terms of the competing loan must be identical to Navy Federal’s loan; for example, a 30-year, fixed-rate product with mortgage insurance is not identical to a Navy Federal 30-year, fixed-rate product that does not have mortgage insurance. If the loan does not close within the commitment period, the rate match may be voided. Note: The initial Loan Estimate from a wholesale lender/broker is not an acceptable document for a rate match submission unless the Lender Information section on the Loan Estimate is completed. To receive $1,000, you must provide a signed, executed copy of the final Closing Disclosure and a copy of the mortgage note within 30 calendar days of your loan closing with the original competing lender. Offer not valid if original loan terms or conditions change prior to closing. Once approved, $1,000 will be automatically deposited into your Navy Federal account within 30 calendar days of receiving the necessary documentation. Recipient is solely responsible for any personal tax liability arising out of this incentive. 3Cash back from $400 to $5,050 is available in most states. No cash back in AK, LA, MS, OK. The program is not available in Iowa or outside the U.S. You must register with RealtyPlus before contracting with a real estate agent and be represented by the assigned RealtyPlus real estate firm at closing to qualify. Standard listing fees apply. Contact RealtyPlus for terms and conditions © 2018 Navy Federal NFCU 10153-A_bliss (2-18)
From the demands of your civilian job, to military obligations and your family, how can a member of the reserve component possibly do it? There are ways — and success stories to help illuminate the path to success. In this issue of Reserve & National Guard Magazine, we take a look at all aspects of getting your education, whether you are just getting started or you are going back for a different degree.
Now, I am very pleased to announce that Bianca Strzalkowski has joined the AmeriForce family as an assistant editor! She started freelance writing for our company in 2016, and has been a Marine Corps spouse since 2001. She and her husband, who is preparing to retire from the Marine Corps after spending his career as a CH53 crew chief, have three sons, ages 22, 11 and 9.
Last year, Bianca completed her own education journey, graduating with a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Journalism — 18 years after starting it. In this issue, she talks about how to vet an online college before you commit, tech tools military students can use to succeed and how to tell if a college is really “Military-friendly.”
Other information in this issue includes non-traditional ways to use your GI Bill benefits, benefits special to members of the reserve component and one Guardsman’s rise to the top through determination and continuing education. The story of Missouri Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Joseph E. Hamlett, Ph.D., on page 22 is sure to motivate you to reach for your own goals in every aspect of your life.
And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out our new website! Our new, dedicated site for Reserve & National Guard is www.usareserveandguard. com and our parent website www.ameriforcemedia.com will take you anywhere you want to go, with topics on all things military.
Thanks for sharing a part of your day with us at Reserve & National Guard Magazine! Be sure to let us know how we’re doing and send any article ideas or suggestions to me at Editor@ameriforcemedia.com, or to Bianca at assistant.editor@ameriforcemedia.com.
Image: Shutterstock_391714894
Warmly,
Jennifer G. Williams
Editorial Director AmeriForce Media, LLC
The Reserve & National Guard is published six times a year for reservists and members of the National Guard. Copies are available through participating Reserve and National Guard training centers at no cost.
Unit distribution requests can be made online at: www.AmeriForce.net/Order.
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The Reserve & National Guard by AmeriForce Media is published by AmeriForce Media, LLC, Bloomington, Ind., a private company. Information and advertisements in this publication do not constitute endorsement by any branch of the military or the Department of Defense. No part of this publication may be copied without the express written permission of the publisher. AmeriForce Media, LLC, the publisher, and publisher’s agents make no endorsement of any advertised services or products and none should be inferred.
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is the new assistant editor for AmeriForce Media. A proud Marine Corps wife of 16 years, she has experience in news reporting, social media management, and content marketing. Bianca currently resides in Jacksonville, N.C., with her husband and two children, but continues to root for her beloved Yankees and Giants.
is a freelance writer, Army wife, and mother of three. Over the past 10 years, she’s discovered she enjoys coffee, lifting weights, and most of the menial tasks of motherhood. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found hiding behind the sewing machine or with her nose in a book. You can follow her on her website, whatrebeccathinks.com
retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years. He is currently enjoying retired life, but misses his time in uniform. He recently got involved once again with the Civil Air Patrol, and currently is working to integrate the program with local schools.
Reserve Marine Cpl. Abdrahman Nasr, a squad leader with Company F, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, provides perimeter security while an M88 recovery vehicle is refueled, during exercise Winter Break 2018, near Camp Grayling, Michigan, Feb. 10. Reserve Marines spend two weeks each year building their capabilities at an Annual Training exercise. This year, the Camp Lejeune-based tank company is taking advantage of Camp Grayling’s rugged training areas to test their offensive, defensive and maneuver capabilities in an austere cold weather environment.
An Air Force Combat Arms Instructor assigned to the 307th Security Forces Squadron [Air Force Reserve] demonstrates how to load 7.62 mm rounds during annual weapons training Feb. 9 at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The range allows for Airmen to fire six to nine round bursts up to a distance of 1500 meters under the guidance of instructors and a range safety officer. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Callie Ware
Actor, musician, and humanitarian Gary Sinise (center) and the Lt. Dan Band perform while surrounded by kids on stage at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) during their sixth annual Invincible Spirit Festival. The festival included a three-hour concert by the band, activities for children, a rockclimbing wall, food cooked by Team Irvine, and 149 volunteers who set up and served food at the event. Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band debut their first military concert at NMCSD in 2012. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Melissa K. Russell
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers buddy up to apply camouflage upon creating hasty fighting positions atop a hill during CSTX 78-18-03, at JEB-Ft. Story, VA, March 3, 2018. CSTX 78-18-03 is a Combat Support Training Exercise that ensures America’s Army Reserve units and Soldiers are trained and ready to deploy on shortnotice and bring capable, combat-ready, and lethal firepower in support of the Army and our joint partners anywhere in the world. U.S. Army Reserve photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sofia
To submit a photo of your National Guard or reserve unit in action, please send photos (300 dpi or greater please) and information to Editor@ AmeriForce.net. Please include “RNG Spotlight” in the email subject line.
by Rebecca Alwine
Making time for ourselves as adults is tough. When you add in a civilian job, your military commitment, maybe a spouse and kids, there are times it seems downright impossible. Society continually puts pressure on us to “do it all” and do it all well. But, it really can’t all be done. Not with any sense of accomplishment or pleasure.
Online education is an excellent option for so many within the military community. With the flexibility, portability and affordability, it makes it easier to continue learning through deployments, moves, and the other unpredictable moments of military life. Spouses and service members can benefit from a variety of programs that focus on the military community. But, the big question remains. Just how do you fit online education into your already busy lifestyle? We have some ideas.
Time blocking is all the rage right now, which means color coordinated calendars and lists are totally acceptable. Make this work for you by identifying how much time you need each week for school work, dividing it by the number of days you can realistically spend studying, and then find that time. Maybe it’s 30 minutes before the day starts. Or it’s a three-hour block at the library on Sunday afternoon. Whatever fits into your schedule, write it down and block it off. Make it a non-negotiable appointment.
Yes, we all have the same amount of time each week, but how we use it differs. Some may carve out two hours a day for the gym, or an hour for quiet meditation. Spend a week or two tracking what you do all day and see if you can find some “extra” time for studying. Experts recommend planning on two to three hours per credit of studying a week. So if you’re taking one three-credit class, you’ll want to find nine hours a week. Some of that may be cutting out a television show, studying on your lunch break, or even using the time on your commute if you take a train or are in a carpool.
This suggestion is usually met with hesitation. But, if completing your education is the goal, ask yourself if there are other things you are doing that you don’t absolutely have to do right now? Do you have to volunteer at the school, or with your unit’s family group? Do you have to be the one to coach the soccer team? What
can you give up, temporarily — or outsource for a few months — to find more time to complete your schoolwork and finish that degree or certification? Maybe something as simple as trading the soccer practice chauffer duties with a neighbor will free up an hour block that you can then use to study.
We know that there are so many
times your education is put on the back burner, but with online education being as flexible as it is, now is the time to carve out just a small piece of time to get it done.
Just keep your eye on the prize—and keep in mind the rewards of your new degree or certification. Think of how great you’re going to feel when it is done.
Promise.
Every branch offers ways to pay for school, but some go above and beyond. While the Post-9/11 GI Bill opened the door for many reserve component personnel to utilize these education benefits, different branches offer tuition assistance and other programs designed to make getting a degree
And while the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) is being phased out, the benefits gained through the Post-9/11 GI Bill more than make up for the program for most people.
For those currently in college, you may be able to take advantage of ROTC scholarships, which can pay for your tuition. ROTC Cadets gain practical experience in management and problem solving while training to become military officers. After graduation, you can choose to serve part time at a unit close to home and begin your civilian career while still serving your country.
Most — but not all — reserve branches offer a form of tuition
The high price of tuition doesn’t have to stand in the way of a great education — particularly if you are a member of the reserve component.
that much simpler—and more affordable!
assistance to help its service members pay for school. Some are now relying on the great benefits offered through the GI Bill programs, both the Post-9/11 and the earlier Montgomery GI Bill Select Reserve (MGIB-SR). Benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.
For example, there currently \ is no designated Navy Reserve tuition assistance (TA) program for Reservists not on active-duty — but those activated under Title 10 may qualify for TA. To be eligible to receive military tuition assistance, service members must be enlisted Naval Reservists ordered to activeduty for 120 days or more, or Naval Reservist Officers ordered to activeduty for two years or more. Visit www.navycollege.navy.mil/tuitionassistance/ for more information.
In the same vein, Marine Reservists qualify for Marine Tuition Assistance (TA) only if they are active reserve Marines, and remain in that status while attending school. Each member receives $4500 per fiscal year, with a cap of $250 per semester hour, $166.67 per quarter hour, and $16.67 per clock hour. Contact your education office at mfreducation@usmc.mil for more information.
The Air Force Reserve offers several education options, including student loan repayment in selected career fields. The training for
most career fields leads to college credits applicable to Community College of the Air Force degree programs — giving you a head start in accumulating credits for your degree. The Air Force Reserve also encourages on-the-job training and continuing education on all levels: Certain experiences, like those gained by aviation mechanics, can help Reservists qualify for special certifications/licensure, such as FAA licenses, at little or no cost. Visit https://afreserve.com/benefits/ for more information.
The Army Reserve will help you pay off your college loans with the Army’s Student Loan Repayment program. Soldiers who enlist in the Army Reserve for six years are eligible for repayment of up to $50,000 for selected specialties. The Army Reserve also offers tuition assistance which covers 100% of course costs for approved courses (up to $250 per credit hour and up to $4,500 per fiscal year). In addition, there are various scholarships available for qualified army reservists. Visit www.usar. army.mil/Featured/Resources/ Educational-Benefits/ for more information.
It’s a great time to be a member of the National Guard!
Not only are there a number of scholarships designated for members of the National Guard, but nearly every single state and territory with a National Guard also offers education benefits for its members— usually for attending
schools in that particular state.
Several states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio and Tennessee pay 100% tuition for in-state schools.
Some states, including Florida also pay for fees and even books. Vermont offers no-interest loans as needed, and other states vary their benefits and qualifications.
Visit www.nationalguard.com/ education to find out more about the various programs available to members of the National Guard and to connect with a local Education Services Officer to see which scholarships or programs are available to you.
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed either the annual maximum cap for private institutions or the resident tuition and fees for a public institution. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution. This can help service members pay higher private school, graduate school or out-of-state tuitions.
The bottom line is, if you are in the military and want to earn a degree, there is really no monetary reason why you can’t. So contact your local education office to see what benefits you may have earned, and hit those books!
The term “military-friendly” is the newest buzzword attached to marketing campaigns focused on attracting service members, veterans, and their families. But, how can student veterans decipher between a catchphrase and an institution that is truly pro-military? Experts say research, research, research.
Military education benefits make veterans an attractive demographic for post-secondary institutions. The challenge becomes navigating through hundreds of school options, and finding the best fit for your needs, desired major, and schedule. Ashley Adamovage, founder and president of Southeastern Council on Military Education (SECOME) — a multistate coalition of educational institutions, corporations and military organizations providing support for students in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, recommends students find a college or university that offers a supportive learning experience through action.
“Student veterans should first understand what it means to truly be “military-friendly,” while understanding what their individual needs will be once they enroll in higher education. Many institutions have adopted the phrase “military-friendly,” however, claiming to support the military student should be policy, not just a slogan,” she said. “It is important to select a school where policy ensures the success of student veterans through enrollment to graduation and beyond.”
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), for example, “is an association of 3000 degree-granting colleges and universities and recognizes 60 institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations,” according to its website. It conducts periodic reviews of institutions and houses a database of over 7000 schools, accredited by itself or a Department of Education-approved organization. Checking the list is a good first step in narrowing down the field of choices: http://www.chea.org.
Proof is in the numbers — and in opinions. Just as customers check online reviews before purchasing products or services, students should do the same before committing to one of the most expensive and important investments of their life. Adamovage shares there are several indicators that can help student consumers gauge what level of service they will receive.
All colleges are not created equal, especially when it comes to future earning potential. Accreditation determines the value of an institution’s programs and degrees after an agency — regional or national — evaluates what standards the school does or does not meet. This is especially important when the time comes to use that degree on a resume and job application.
“[Students] should request data from an institution that verifies high retention and graduation rates. In addition, they should review student feedback, and satisfaction of the institution itself,” she said. “Finally, students should be aware of their individual needs and their ultimate goal when completing a program of study. If it is to obtain a prestigious career after graduation, then they should perhaps look into the school’s career services and the partnerships in which they have to aid students in career placements after program completion.”
Social media is a great option for seeing what other students have to say about instructors and schools
Social media is a great option for seeing what other students have to say about instructors and schools, and admissions is the starting point for asking for the above data. Another option is to connect with the Student Veterans of America (SVA) — an organization providing military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. Chapters are located on campuses around the globe and members can offer insight from students with similar needs. A full listing of chapters can be found at http://studentveterans.org/chapter.
After researching performance and rating, students should look at what support exists beyond registration. Adamovage says there are ways a school can demonstrate a militarysupportive culture.
“Simply stated, it is the responsibility of the institution to support its students, while maintaining accreditation standards and offering quality programs. … Policy should reflect an institution’s support to military-affiliated students that are designed to increase student completion rates in order to obtain institutional strategic goals, such as increase retention and graduation rates,” she said. “Quality support services and programs that are implemented by institutional policy, should include best practices such as, but not limited to, awarding applicable academic credit from military experience, priority enrollment, military-affiliated career services, scholarships in addition to DOD and VA benefits, department within an institution solely focused to supporting military-affiliated students (i.e. one point of contact to alleviate burdens that arise from navigating through a large
bureaucracy), and faculty and staff trainings to increase knowledge and awareness of military-affiliated students.”
An example
One example of what to look for is: does the school have a designated department for student veterans — a simple search of the school’s website will answer that question. Adamovage adds that if military
students have concerns at any stage of their educational career, formal complaint systems exist through the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and State Advisory Councils on Military Education (ACMEs) — like SECOME — also offer an outlet for military-affiliated students to access support. Contact information for current ACMEs can be found at http://www. ccmeonline.org/acme.
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By Bianca M. Strzalkowski
College isn’t for the faint of heart, especially for non-traditional types who balance a course schedule around drill weekends, day jobs, family obligations, and other responsibilities. Student veterans can make the experience a little more manageable by loading their virtual backpacks with digital tools. Whether you attend online or in-person, these seven tech tools can help you get organized and ace those exams. And, they are free. (Yes, we said free).
Before the semester even starts, you’re going to need textbooks – and they are costly. A survey showed students spend an estimated $1200-$1400 per year on books and supplies, according to findings by the College Board Chegg offers a budget-conscious solution with rentals, e-books, and full purchase options, touting over 80% off pricing.
Website: https://www.chegg.com
Transitioning from the uniform to a classroom takes some adjustments. It may be challenging to find peers to relate to as you get used to a new way of doing things, even if you’re attending online. Student Veterans of America has set up chapters on campuses around the globe connecting veterans to resources and support.
Website: http://studentveterans. org/chapter/directory
Pens and paper are so 2017. Wouldn’t it be convenient to be able to keep notes on the devices you always have with you? There’s an app for that. Evernote lets you write notes and clip items from the web, storing them in one organized spot. Plus, the basic plan is free and it syncs with a phone, computer, tablet, etc.
Website: https://evernote.com
If you have an exam to cram for or a paper due, CliffNotes is the perfect study buddy. The online resource breaks down text in a way that is easy to navigate, but also helps identify the most important information to know. The study guides are broken up by course, like economics or French I, providing a categorized outline of the subject matter.
Website: https://www.cliffsnotes.com
APA. MLA. Chicago/ Turbian. Oh-so many rules for citing, oh-so little time to get up to speed. Every college, course, and instructor have a different set of guidelines for a works cited page, to include footnotes or not, etc. And, if done improperly, you can end up with a loss of points or worse – accused of plagiarism. EasyBib makes it easy for you by generating citations for you, depending on which style you need.
Website: http://www.easybib.com
Scientific calculators run close to $100 and are so complicated, they require a booklet of their own. Math brains got together to marry a calculator and an app, coming up with RealCalc. It is a downloadable app for a cell phone, and has all the goods, such as standard scientific functions plus history, memories, unit conversions and constants, according to its website.
Website: https://www.quarticsoftware.co.uk
Some classes are just a little harder to grasp. Cue tutors. It’s such an asset to have subject matter experts on-hand to help make sense of course material, and in some cases, they are free. Your military service may qualify you for free access to qualified tutors through Tutor.com. Eligibility includes “Active duty service members in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard (including full-time and/or deployed National Guard and Reserve)” and “Coast Guard Reservists (regardless of status), their spouses and their children (grades K-college).”
Website: https://military.tutor.com
Military education benefits make college an attractive option to pursue, but if it has been awhile since you experienced the traditional demands of a classroom a few extra resources can make the transition easier. Digi-tools offer convenient options for accessing support through the devices you probably use on a daily basis. Access your needs before the next semester starts so you can get familiar with these apps and websites ahead of time.
As a member of the military, you know what it means to be ready for anything. Shouldn’t you make sure your family’s finances are ready, too? It all starts with the right amount of life insurance.
Talk to Military Benefit Association today and find out about our new 10- and 20-year Level Term insurance. It’s affordable with a fixed rate for the level term period. Call us now. And see how financial readiness can be easier than you think.
Online education has become a convenient tool for busy, nontraditional types that want to earn a degree while balancing other responsibilities. Still, virtual learning doesn’t equate to easy. Students choose this route for several reasons — including flexibility — but experts highlight that there is a unique obligation that accompanies this type of classroom setting.
Dr. Leah Matthews, Executive
Director ofDistance Education
veterans succeed means, assuring that such students have the attitude and aptitude for distance education,” Matthews said. “To start, potential students should honestly assess their motivation by asking themselves ‘Do I have the self-discipline needed to avoid distractions, stay organized, and complete my assignments when the going gets tough?’”
Associate Vice President for Veterans Initiatives for the University of Maryland University College (UMUC), are a review of the programs and accreditation.
“From my perspective, I’d look at probably two different things … and I put them under the guide of what I call programs. Obviously, the first one is simply academic programs because at the end of the day, when all is said and done, you go to an institution of higher learning to get a degree,” he said. “When they look at the rubric of programs, is the school regionally-accredited or nationallyaccredited? Is it a public state university, is it a for-profit, private, and everywhere in between? And, what’s the quality of the programs.”
AccreditingCommission (DEAC) — a private, nonprofit organization that operates as a national accreditor of institutions that primarily offer distance education, says it is important that students understand they have significant responsibility for the learning experience when they choose the route of distance education.
“Students engage in learning in a digital networked culture that demands participatory learning and authentic engagement. Helping military service members and
Because of the commitments associated with serving in the military, such as deployments, online courses may be the only feasible way to complete a degree, license, or certification. But, students should be cautious about where they invest those military education benefits because all programs do not hold the same value.
There are several ways to vet a school to increase the likelihood for a quality experience. The first, according to Keith Hauk,
Hauk, who retired after a long career in the Army, references UMUC’s cybersecurity program as an example. He explains that many schools have cybersecurity academic programs, and one factor that helps his school’s program stand out is the designation they received from agencies that matter when it comes to future career goals.“ … our cybersecurity program, we are a certified center of academic excellence as determined by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. So, they’ve evaluated all of our cybersecurity programs and they’ve given us that designation,” he explained. “Depending on what it is you’re interested in, in terms of pursuing your degree, look at the overall quality of academic programs at the school, and for the ones your particularly interested in, how do other organizations that actually use those students view those institutions.”
Accreditation is akin to value. In order for that degree program to hold meaning on a resume and to future employers, it is necessary for it to have been properly vetted by an accrediting agency to ensure it meets certain standards.
• College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
• National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
• Council of Higher Education Accreditation
(regional accrediting agency): www.chea.org/
• Distance Education Accrediting Commission: www.deac.org/
Hauk also recommends reviewing what foundational structure is in place for students, what he refers to as the support side of programs: policies and support staff.
“What are the things that school does to directly assist you as a student?” Hauk said. “Whether you’re uniformed military or a spouse or a dependent child, what are the things that that schools does to assist you in basically navigating your way through the academic environment.”
He added that military-connected students come to higher education with a very unique set of challenges, often different than what a nonmilitary connected student faces. So, it is important for them to look at what a school has available through support programs to help meet those exceptional needs. Examples are:
• Flexible course scheduling,
• What credit will they give you for your military experience, and
The good news is the Department of Defense (DoD) is a proactive partner when it comes to where they will permit education benefits to be spent. Tuition assistance, for example, must be applied to an institution that meets their requirements. Even if it is personal funds or scholarships being utilized, students can perform a quick review of vetted schools on the Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) website. The DODcontractor works as a liaison to guide schools in creating ‘militaryfriendly’ policies, while garnering a commitment from them to allow for ease of transfer.
Many institutions in SOC’s degree network system “have two-way guaranteed transferability, making it easier for service members to complete associate and bachelor’s degrees no matter where they move during their military careers,” according to the agency’s website.
A list of member schools can be found at http://soc.aascu.org/ degree-network-system.
For any student, pursuing a degree program while working, the responsibility is great. The added worry of wasting precious resources — time and money — on the wrong program can create a grave financial burden that ultimately hinders educational success. Through academic and military organizations, there exists a concerted effort to prevent these mistakes by arming military-connected students with vetting tools. As with any big commitment, performing legwork and research ahead of time can maximize the likelihood that a student will be empowered with a degree in hand that holds value for future career endeavors.
• How many credits do they let you transfer in for your degree.
Master Sergeant Linwood Harrison, recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, plans to earn a master’s degree and work in the intelligence field after his retirement. He knows that military friendly AMU understands the challenges he faces and the personal investment he is making. Reach higher at www.AMUonline.com/RNG 1901-18-902379_AMU_Military_Linwood_RNG_4.6x4.2_4C_r0.indd
Master Sgt. Joe Hamlett was about to drop his retirement paperwork, but had a sudden change of heart.
Today, the Grandview resident is the state command chief master sergeant of the Missouri Air National Guard and a senior enlisted advisor to the Adjutant General.
Hamlett is a man on a mission to motivate junior Airmen to achieve more than they may think is possible.
Chief Master Sgt. Joseph E. Hamlett’s military career began in 1981, when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, first as a combat engineer, then as a water supply operator. In 1985, he joined the active duty Air Force, then transferred to the Air National Guard in 1993.
Fast-forward to 2005.
Hamlett was working as a dualstatus military technician, as a turbo prop mechanic in the engine shop of the 139th Airlift Wing, in St. Joseph. That year, he turned 40 and began pondering his future.
“The last 12 years of my life have been a whirlwind,” Hamlett said.
“If you would have asked Tech. Sgt. Hamlett, in 2005, ‘What are you going to be when you grow up? Where are you going to end up?’ I
would have had no answer — no clue — any of this was possible for me.”
He began to wonder if he would retire with a sense of accomplishment, whether or not he had given his all and gone as far as he could.
A switch flipped in his head. His first step was to go back to school and earn his associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force.
“I wanted something more than just thinking about retirement at 60 and walking away,” Hamlett said. The associate degree was initially to get a credential to validate his years of service before retirement. But when he entered the classroom, Hamlett began to think bigger and rethink both his military and civilian careers.
“I hadn’t dreamed since I was 15 years old, when I thought I would be an NBA superstar,” Hamlett said. “I stopped growing. I wasn’t going to be like Dr. J. (Julius Erving), my idol. I really had not dreamed anything, until I went back to school and saw the possibilities.”
After earning his associate degree, he kept going.
“Nine years later, almost to the day, I had a doctorate degree,” Hamlett said. “I go back to that day, that’s when I realized I controlled my own destiny. I realized I wanted more out of life and my military career. Almost 13 years later, I’m in the senior enlisted position in the state of Missouri. I just go back to that day, when I made that decision to change my attitude, my thoughtprocess, my mindset, and to realize I could do more, and that I wanted to do more.”
This change was noticed by his coworkers as well.
“He had a change in confidence in himself when he was in school,” said Master Sgt. Douglas Duke, a propulsion work leader for the 139th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “He’s always been approachable,
volunteered for deployments and stepped up,” Duke said. “But he probably saw no light at the end of the tunnel.”
Career progression can be a challenge in the Air National Guard, especially for full-time personnel. A benefit of the Guard is having highly experienced technicians, but those seeking to lead at higher levels may face hurdles.
During the earlier period, Hamlett received crucial advice from a trusted colleague and gave up his full-time technician position and returned to serving as a traditional, part-time drill status Guardsman. This decision gave Hamlett opportunities to grow in his military and civilian careers.
He became a department supervisor and senior leader in the civilian sector, and became a quality assurance inspector in the maintenance group, then first sergeant, wing first sergeant then group superintendent at the 139th Airlift Wing before assuming his current duties in August 2017.
Hamlett’s higher education focus has been on business administration and organizational leadership, but he values the experience even more than the coursework.
“It’s not about the actual degree you’re earning. It’s not about the skills you’re trying to acquire. It’s about opening your mind to the possibilities,” Hamlett said. “To me, that’s what education is. It’s allowing you to see things from a different viewpoint, and not being so closed-minded or narrowminded in your approach to things. That’s what education did for me. It opened up my mind to all the things that are out there.”
In addition to his command chief duties, Hamlett is now an author, parttime college professor, and a small business-owner focused on leadership development and consulting.
He encourages young and old alike to never give up, but said it may not be easy.
“It’s not too late. The oldest person earning a doctorate in our class was 76 years old,” Hamlett said. “You’ll have roadblocks, barriers, things in your way, obstacles, but you still control your destiny.”
His words of encouragement to those pondering their own dreams are, “Why not?” Everyone has the ability to achieve extraordinary results. “It may take you a little longer to get where you want to go, but you can still get there,” Hamlett said.
As state command chief, Hamlett advises the Adjutant General
on all matters affecting the readiness, training and professional development of all enlisted members of the Missouri Air National Guard. His vision for the enlisted force is clear: Be committed and disciplined enough to do the right things.
Hamlett tells Airmen there are no limits.
“It’s about getting out of your comfort-zone,” he said. “You’ve already proven that by joining the military. You’ve already separated yourself from 99 percent of the entire population in the U.S. You’ve already said, ‘I’m willing to sacrifice myself for you, someone I don’t even know.’ To me, you’ve already clearly identified yourself as someone special. You’ve clearly separated yourself from your peers.”
The traditional G.I. Bill education benefits are often thought of as being tied to a four-year brick and mortar university with ample amounts of prerequisite classes. While this type of education is appropriate for some people, not all want to subject themselves to this type of experience.
Fortunately, alternative education is offered to those who wish to use their G.I. Bill for technical and vocational education. Not only does this non-traditional educational experience make a better fit for some folks, but also allows them to make good money right out of the box. The demand is high for these types of careers and jobs are readily found across the nation.
The Department of Labor cites that skilled workers in the trades have an average salary of around $25 an
hour — from electricians who make $25 an hour, pipefitters who make $27, to electronics installers and repairers who pull in on average $28 an hour. That is not bad money, and the work certainly is in demand with many companies looking for workers.
The question is, how does one get trained for these jobs? The answer can be at a technical school, with an apprenticeship, or even doing some on-the-job training at some corporations.
Technical schools are a great way to get into a trade. While you do have to attend traditional classes, the structure involved and being around others with similar interests can be a good thing. The social aspect of going to a campus is often overlooked — many veterans find the day-to-day interaction with peers to be of some comfort after separating from the military. While you won’t get the same camaraderie as you did in your old unit, you will be able to make new acquaintances and expand your contacts in your new world.
As far as the costs involved with getting your education and training in a technical career, the advantages are substantial. In fact, according to The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE):
• Students can attend public community and technical colleges for a fraction of the cost of tuition at other institutions: $3,520, on average, in 2016-2017.
• According to research in Texas, Colorado and Virginia, graduates with technical or applied science associate degrees out-earn bachelor’s degree holders by $2,000 to $11,000.
• 27% of people with less than an associate degree, including licenses and certificates, earn more than the average bachelor’s degree recipient.
As you can see, you may be able to both save money while paying for your education as well as make more than those with a four-year degree!
six months as wages increase.
Apprenticeships also are a very attractive way to get technical training. And guess what?
The G.I. Bill can pay for your apprenticeship, too!
But don’t think that these apprenticeships are a walk in the park. The Department of Labor states that the length of an apprenticeship program can vary depending on the employer, complexity of the occupation, and the type of program. Furthermore, the DOL says that: “Registered apprenticeship programs typically range from one year to six years. During the program, the apprentice receives both structured, on-thejob training (OJT) and job-related education. For each year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will normally receive 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a recommended minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction.” As you can see, you have to work at it, but again, the rewards are a well-paying career in a stable trade.
You also can find various apprenticeships offered by the
various trade unions at their locals. A great example is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Oregon who offer a five-year apprenticeship, where if accepted into the program, an apprentice can expect “… apprentices are assigned to an electrical contractor for a minimum of 8000 OJT hours; there is no guarantee of 40 hours per week. Apprentices will complete a total of 10 terms of school; classes are currently one day per week at the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center.” Similar programs are offered for pipefitters, steamfitters, and various other trades through their respective unions.
And while you are going through your apprenticeship program, don’t forget that you are eligible to use your G.I. Bill benefits for more than just the cost of your education. Know that “Veterans in an approved program can use their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefit and receive a taxfree housing stipend which is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an E-5 with dependents. The stipend starts at 100% and decreases by 20% every six months as wages increase.”
• 80 percent of your applicable MHA during the second six months of training
• 60 percent of your applicable MHA during the third six months of training
• 40 percent of your applicable MHA during the fourth six months of training
• 20 percent of your applicable MHA during the remainder of the training
• Post-9/11 G.I. Bill recipients will also receive up to $83 per month for books and supplies
Broken down, this means that you will receive 100% of your applicable MHA during the first six months of training in these increments: As you can see, the smart money is on technical and vocational training to pay off in the long run. By starting your education in a technical field, you will save money in the short term, be able to use your G.I. Bill to pay for expenses and make more money right out of the gate once you finish your nontraditional use of your G.I. Bill.
And you may even have leftover benefits you can transfer to your dependents!
The stipend starts at 100% and decreases by 20% every
by AFM Staff
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in the National Guard and Reserves constantly learn new things.
From using new equipment to deploying new strategies, these service members take every opportunity to learn and grow in their military positions — to be ready for whatever comes their way. And many units utilize drill weekends to help prepare and educate their people so they can be ready for the ultimate yearly test — annual training.
Here are just a few recent training exercises across the force:
Oregon Guard
During a recent monthly drill weekend, Soldiers from the Oregon National Guard’s 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion and the 162nd Infantry Regiment engaged in tactical training at the Regional Training Institute (RTI) at Camp Rilea to practice setting up and using new equipment and to sharpen their skills.
Sgt. Charles Domina, a Multi-Channel Systems Operator and Maintainer with C Company, 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, trained to set up a 15 meter High Capacity Line of Sight (HCLOS) radio system terminal. The purpose of this system is to provide line of sight communication
between other HCLOS terminals, which are capable of passing quite a bit of data to each other without needing to interface with a satellite system.
“A typical drill weekend for us usually is maintaining our equipment because where we’re at, we don’t necessarily have the space needed to train on our equipment,” Domina said. “Coming out here really allows us the opportunity to get pretty widespread; we have another HCLOS antennae that’s going up about two miles from here that we’re going to communicating with.”
Other training that took place over the weekend included route clearance, using the Buffalo Mine-Protected Clearance Vehicle and the Husky Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector and learning how to use High Mobility Engineering Excavators at dig sites.
Spc. Kevin Winterfield, B Company, 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, said, “This is my favorite part of drill—scaling out a dig site and training to do our job.”
Staff Sgt. Hubbard Howe, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment spent the weekend at RTI conducting infantry battle drills, including route clearance and movement to contact, ultimately resulting in a raid on a mock village.
“This is why I joined,” Howe said. “There’s something just really exciting about getting together as a platoon, building your skills, going out and tackling these complex missions, and preparing for the ultimate annual training that we get to do each year.”
The West Virginia National Guard’s 167th Airlift Wing conducted a week-long emergency response training event that culminated in a full-scale exercise, March 2. The training program, CAMR, or Counter CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) All-hazard Management Response, was facilitated by Federal Resources, contracted by the Air National Guard.
Discussion-based training sessions, or table top exercises, were conducted at the Martinsburg, W.Va. air base Feb. 27 through March 1, giving 167th AW emergency responders an opportunity to talk through their roles during various multi-jurisdictional, multi-hazard response scenarios.
Table top exercises are beneficial because they allow responders to thoroughly discuss a situation that would normally be time sensitive, said Staff Sgt. Joshua Robins, a command and control operator for the 167th AW.
“In the Command Post we do not have the time to think about who we need to notify, it must be automatic. The flow of information can determine whether or not the incident has a positive or negative outcome,” Robins said.
The 167th AW’s security forces, fire department, bioenvironmental engineering, emergency management and the patient decontamination team were among the functions involved in the final CAMR training event.
“The full-scale exercise…brought all the functional areas together. This training better prepares us for our domestic operations and ensures the wing is ready to react and respond to a CBRN or HAZMAT incident on the installation,” said Master Sgt. Gary Fletcher, the 167th bioenvironmental engineering
superintendent and the lead planner for the CAMR exercise.
CAMR is not a required exercise but it helps the wing meet many of its annual training requirements.
“These types of exercises help us fine tune our skills and find out what our capabilities are. We think we know what they are, but until we do these exercises we really don’t know,” said Master Sgt. Patrick Judy, the 167th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent.
Marines with Fox Company, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, tested their ability to conduct operations in the deep snow and extreme cold of the harsh northern Michigan winter during exercise Winter Break 18, aboard Camp Grayling, Michigan, Feb. 6-14.
This was the first time the Camp Lejeune-based tank company conducted training specifically designed to improve their ability to operate in austere cold weather environments.
“Especially for Fox Company, this training gives us something else to work on outside of Camp Lejeune,” said Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Lloyd, the master gunner of Fox Co., 4th Tank Bn., 4th MarDiv. “It tasks us to an environment the Marines don’t normally operate in.”
The Marines began with land navigation, formations, night driving and a class on concealment and camouflage, which is more challenging in a snowy environment, particularly for an armored vehicle as large as the Abrams M1A1 Main Battle Tank. Throughout the week, Marines advanced to platoon offensive and defensive operations, then company level operations.
For many of the Marines taking part in the exercise, battling the cold was only a portion of the experience.
“Being out here is definitely cold, but it gets us out and into a different environment.” said Sgt. Michael Colbert, a tank crewman with Fox Co., 4th Tank Bn., 4th MarDiv. “We’re able to challenge ourselves on how we
operate as a unit. Whether it’s hot, cold or raining, it doesn’t matter what the environment really is. Here in the Marine Corps, you learn how to lead, how to organize and be productive.”
Friction was built into the training exercise and there were unexpected challenges as well.
“Cold weather affects everything we do,” said Capt. Andrew Bender, commanding officer of Fox Co., 4th Tank Bn., 4th MarDiv. “In short, it has to be
more deliberate. A lot of what we do is limited by weather that routinely gets down to single digits or below zero. In addition, the thought process. Simply thinking and responding to unknown uncertainties, friction points and chaos tends to be slower in Marines who aren’t acclimatized to an environment of such an extreme nature.”
Named as one of the top Military Friendly® schools, Columbia Southern University offers flexible online degree programs and affordable tuition rates to military families. CSU’s programs are designed to be taken at your own pace, freeing up more time for the important things in life, like spending time with the ones you love.
To learn more about CSU’s online degrees, certificates and continuing education courses, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Military
By Rebecca Alwine
Perhaps this story is familiar. It’s about a week before your service member’s annual physical training test, and they ask you to make some more salads for dinner. Or perhaps you see them doing some extra push-ups around the house and correctly assume it’s about that time again.
Sometimes, our service members ramp up the fitness and healthy eating. Other times we, as spouses, make it a priority. Either way, being the one forced into it can be annoying, even if you are secretly grateful. For families that find themselves at the mercy of someone else’s food shopping, or cooking, there are some ways to cope with the “health kick” while being supportive and making your own decisions.
The first time I set out to complete a Whole30, I did so with the support of my husband. He has always gladly eaten whatever I’ve placed in front of him. In over 10 years of marriage, there have only been two meals that were such complete flops that we had to order pizza. So I knew, that he would eat my “healthy food” as long as it was placed in front of him.
I also knew, that if he snacked at work or when he was out of the house, it wouldn’t bother me. So, spouses, I encourage you to be supportive at home. Don’t bring home chocolate or ice cream. Don’t suggest pizza or wings for dinner. Offer to help cut up vegetables or grill chicken, or even do the dishes.
There is almost nothing worse than leaving a workout feeling good about yourself and having someone else knock you down. It is essential, in all things, that you feel the support of your family. There are many ways that a family can be supportive of someone who is working to lose weight or to get in better shape.
Family walks in the evening, hikes on the weekend, or even visiting the gym together are all great ways to encourage your spouse on their fitness journey. If your spouse knows you are supportive of them, they will continue to work hard. And spending extra time together is a great benefit!
One way to support your spouse is to jump in with both feet. Is there a downside to fully embracing this health kick? Probably not. Could it benefit you greatly? Probably so. But, even if it means eating vegetables all day, every day, if it makes your spouse happy, it’s for a good reason.
You may also find you like this new lifestyle, or your PT score improves.
Supporting your spouse in any endeavor is setting your entire family up for success. Your children will see how relationships strengthen through compromise. Your spouse will see just how much you value and respect them. And you may even see some improvement in your health as well.
Be supportive at home
Embrace it wholeheartedly
Since its enactment in 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill has already translated into an investment of more than $53 billion to support the postsecondary education of more than 1.4 million service members, veterans, and their families.
National Guard members in college had the highest incomes ($47,503), on average, relative to reservists ($34,937), active duty personnel ($35,413), and veterans ($30,538)
Reservists were the most likely among military-connected undergraduates (68%) to receive VA/DoD education benefits, whereas fewer than half of National Guard students (46%) received these benefits.
National Guard (59%) and reserve (57%) members were most likely to receive grants, whereas roughly half of veterans (52%) and active duty (48%) received such aid.
Only15% of all student veterans are of traditional college age (18–23)
