Operation College Promise Newsletter

www.operationcollegepromise.com

Operation College Promise is funded in part through a grant from the American Council on Education & the Wal-Mart Foundation

Operation College Promise

A NJ Association of State Colleges & Universities Initiative

150 West State Street

Trenton, New Jersey 08608

609-989-1100

Director of Programs and Policy Analysis – Wendy Lang

Our Mission—Serving Those Who’ve Served

April 2010
Text Box: First Annual Veteran Scholarship Golf Tournament Hosted by VFW Post 9462, Stockton Veteran’s Affairs Office, and the Stockton Student Veterans Dolce Seaview Golf Resort May 5, 2010 Learn more, here. Text Box: Student Veterans and Supporters: Spring is in full gear and so are a number of exciting programs taking place in New Jersey and beyond. OCP April 21, 2010 Event There are still a few seats left for the Operation College Promise (OCP) presentation of Academic Impressions’ webinar entitled “Academic Advising Strategies for Returning Veterans.” The program, led by Jose Coll, Chair of the USC Military Social Work Program, will be hosted by Thomas Edison State College on April 21, 2010 from 1:00—2:30 p.m. with registration beginning at 12:00 p.m. Register here. American Council on Education’s (ACE) “Veteran Success Jam” - May 3-6, 2010 Sign up today to be part of this historical event that will utilize the latest technology for a three-day brainstorming session to identify innovative solutions to existing barriers facing veterans in higher education. The “Jam” will address issues such as establishing military friendly campuses, awarding of military credit, the new GI Bill, career transition and the psychological health challenges veterans face. For more information and to join the dialogue, go to www.acenet.edu/Jam. Coming Soon ... Certificate for Veterans Service Providers (CVSP) Program 2010 Stay tuned for information on this first-of-its-kind offering hosted by Stockton College and in collaboration with OCP. The CVSP program will be an intensive 2 1/2 day training course with national experts presenting on the timeliest issues facing student veterans. Get prepared for the Fall semester by attending this free event on June 22-24. To request additional information, go here. Yellow Ribbon Alert! Institutional applications for the VA’s 2010-2011 Yellow Ribbon Program are now available on the VA website. Check it out. Tax Deductions for Servicemembers Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, certain additional deductions are now available for servicemembers. For additional information, go to the IRS publication “Publication 3—Armed Forces Tax Guide.” In Memoriam—Congressman Bob Franks We end this month’s newsletter with sad news. Operation College Promise (OCP) lost a great friend and supporter this past weekend in the passing of Bob Franks. Throughout his tenure in the New Jersey Legislature and later in the U.S. House of Representatives, Bob epitomized both good government and pure passion for public service. Unapologetic for his patriotism, he had a special appreciation for the talent and commitment of our servicemembers, active and separated, particularly those of the New Jersey National Guard. Bob’s spirit will continue on through the common dedication we share with him in giving back to those who serve the nation he loved so much.

State News

Governor, Wife Give $141,851 to Family Readiness Council

Richard Stockton College community receives Certificate of Appreciation from the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade. 

A Wrong for Veterans’ Rights?

New Battle at Home for Returning GIs

 

Campus News

The Citizen Soldier

N.J. Veterans Helpline is Hailed as a National Model for Post-Military Mental Health Help

Four Great Ways to Appreciate your Student Veterans

 

National News

Few Veterans Have Applied for Increase in Benefits

New Veterans Face Record Unemployment; IAVA Responds

Tillman’s Legacy—The Tillman Military Scholarship Program

Study Points at a Clear-Cut Way to Diagnose PTSD

No Magic Solution—Loyd Sawyer makes progress, but finds no one pill, method or therapy can soothe his PTSD

Secretary Shinseki Releases Draft Gulf War Task Force Report—Report Provides Roadmap to Transform Care and Services to Gulf War Veterans

Women Veterans:  An Education and Empowerment Forum to Focus on Women Veterans

Jeremy Kane Benefit Run

April 25, 2010

Begins 10:00 a.m.

Cherry Hill East High School to M’Kor Shalom Synagogue


Veterans for Education will be coordinating a 2-mile run in the interest of raising money for a memorial commemorating Jeremy Kane, and other students/graduates who have been sacrificed in Iraq or Afghanistan.  Learn more, here.

Unveiling Celebration of the

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and Celebration of Heroes Festival

4500 Ocean Avenue

Wildwood, New Jersey

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Learn more, here.
Text Box: Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) The DoD announces that the MyCAA program has resumed operation. Learn more, here.