November 11 is a very special day. It's the day we come together as a nation to celebrate all of our military veterans. I'd like to start by offering a KUDOS and thanks for all you do for our country.
On a related note, KUDOS to MiraCosta College, which was recently honored by Victory Media as one of the Military Friendly Schools for 2013, a list that honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to ensure America's military service members, veterans, and spouses are successful at college.
In the past 10 years, MiraCosta College has experienced a 150 percent increase in veteran enrollment and anticipates serving even more student veterans over the next few years. Currently, approximately 1,740 active-duty military and veterans and an additional 1,030 military dependents attend the college each semester.
"We are proud of our student veterans, and we continually seek to enhance the services we provide for those who have served our country," said MiraCosta College Superintendent and President Dr. Francisco Rodriguez. "These students have unique characteristics and needs that MiraCosta College is able to better meet thanks to our college veterans programs."
The Military Friendly Schools media and website, at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, feature the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best schools to suit their unique needs and preferences. The 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year's list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.
"At MiraCosta College, we believe that in addition to offering classes, it is our responsibility to recognize the particular needs of our veterans, including those who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury," said Gilbert Hermosillo, MiraCosta College's dean of admissions and student support.
KUDOS also to the Boots in Business, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's military mentoring initiative, which is now celebrating its first year. In that year, the program, a job shadowing program that allows Camp Pendleton-based Marines who are transitioning out of the military test drive careers, had done a lot.
According to Program Manager Madonna May, 93 service members joined the program since she made her first presentation at Camp Pendleton on Oct. 31, 2011, and they've job shadowed at 78 active companies in the program.
Those service members who go through the program have given the Chamber great feedback.
"The culture shock of leaving the military is too great for some people so they go right back in," said one participant. "This program shows you what it's like to be a civilian again without the overwhelming feelings you'd get if you just got out with no prior experience."
I know first-hand the importance of this program. Earlier this year, a Marine went through the program at The Lund Team. We were so impressed with Alexandra Scanlon, that after she completed the program and left the service, we hired her full time. Though that's not the intent of the program, it does show what happens all the stars align. She's a great addition to our team.
On a related note, KUDOS to MiraCosta College, which was recently honored by Victory Media as one of the Military Friendly Schools for 2013, a list that honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to ensure America's military service members, veterans, and spouses are successful at college.
In the past 10 years, MiraCosta College has experienced a 150 percent increase in veteran enrollment and anticipates serving even more student veterans over the next few years. Currently, approximately 1,740 active-duty military and veterans and an additional 1,030 military dependents attend the college each semester.
"We are proud of our student veterans, and we continually seek to enhance the services we provide for those who have served our country," said MiraCosta College Superintendent and President Dr. Francisco Rodriguez. "These students have unique characteristics and needs that MiraCosta College is able to better meet thanks to our college veterans programs."
The Military Friendly Schools media and website, at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, feature the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best schools to suit their unique needs and preferences. The 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year's list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.
"At MiraCosta College, we believe that in addition to offering classes, it is our responsibility to recognize the particular needs of our veterans, including those who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury," said Gilbert Hermosillo, MiraCosta College's dean of admissions and student support.
KUDOS also to the Boots in Business, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's military mentoring initiative, which is now celebrating its first year. In that year, the program, a job shadowing program that allows Camp Pendleton-based Marines who are transitioning out of the military test drive careers, had done a lot.
According to Program Manager Madonna May, 93 service members joined the program since she made her first presentation at Camp Pendleton on Oct. 31, 2011, and they've job shadowed at 78 active companies in the program.
Those service members who go through the program have given the Chamber great feedback.
"The culture shock of leaving the military is too great for some people so they go right back in," said one participant. "This program shows you what it's like to be a civilian again without the overwhelming feelings you'd get if you just got out with no prior experience."
I know first-hand the importance of this program. Earlier this year, a Marine went through the program at The Lund Team. We were so impressed with Alexandra Scanlon, that after she completed the program and left the service, we hired her full time. Though that's not the intent of the program, it does show what happens all the stars align. She's a great addition to our team.