On Nov. 10 MATC held its annual Veterans Day celebration hosted by the Military Education Support Office (MESO) and the Veteran Student Organization (VSO) at all four respective campuses. 

At the downtown campus students, faculty and veterans all gathered in the sixth floor cafeteria to listen to guest speakers, give their thanks and enjoy some light refreshments. The guest speakers, Dr. Birdie Cowser, director of VETS Place Central, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama. Her speech reminded us of the importance of honoring our veterans – past, present and future.

Cowser talked about perseverance and that you should never stop trying to reach your goals. When asked what advice she would give any veteran thinking about enrolling at MATC, she simply said, “Do it now!”

It was a short yet effective message that emboldens her outlook on the importance of education, not only for veterans but also for everyone.

MESO advisor Maria Rath, also spoke at the celebration. She gave the good news that MATC was named to Victory Media’s Military Friendly Schools list, a very proud achievement for VSO, MESO, and MATC as a whole. To receive this award the school has to show a commitment to serving veterans, something MESO has been doing for a long time. Their vision is “Serving Those Who Served,” a very honest and honorable mission.

For more information about MESO, VSO or other veteran services at MATC, you can email [email protected]

Jennifer Schmidt, a veteran who served 20 years in the Army, is heading a new initiative through the Veterans on Campus program.  The initiative is designed to help students develop the skills needed to identify friends in distress and how to approach them with kindness and empathy.

To participate in this 30-minute interactive, online activity go to www.kognitocampus.com/login/?pb=k, create an account and follow the on-screen instructions. Schmidt will be happy to answer any of your questions. You can contact her at [email protected].