MWSU Military & Veteran Services

Thank you Jennifer Morris and Missouri Western Alumni Association for hosting this fabulous event! It was great meeting those in attendance this evening.

Military Alumni gather at Hi-Ho before the football game! Alumni Board member Dave Ober '85 and past Distinguished Alumni Colonel James Beesley '81 join new Alumni Director Jennifer Morris '01

Don't forget to stop by and say hi tomorrow night from 4:30-5:30 at Hi-Ho Bar & Grill! Visit with other Griffon military alumni and stick around to watch a live stream of the first Missouri Western Football game of the season. See you there!

The Missouri Western Alumni Association will be hosting a meet & greet for all MWSU military alumni one week from today on Thursday, August 29th! Stop by Hi-Ho Bar & Grill and say hello and stick around to watch the live steam of the first Missouri Western Football game of the season with other Griffon alumni. Hope to see you there!

The Missouri Western Alumni Association will be hosting a meet & greet for all MWSU military alumni one week from today on Thursday, August 29th! Stop by Hi-Ho Bar & Grill and say hello and stick around to watch the live steam of the first Missouri Western Football game of the season with other Griffon alumni. Hope to see you there!

Together, we remember. Together, we climb.

The Center for Military & Veteran Services and Center for Diversity & Inclusion invite you to honor the spirit of resilience and bravery that emerged from one of the darkest days in U.S. history. On that tragic day, 412 first responders, including 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 emergency medical technicians, rushed into the burning towers of the World Trade Center, risking everything to save lives.

Participants in this event will climb 2071 steps, symbolizing the 110 floors of the Twin Towers. Your participation is a powerful way to keep the memory of these heroes alive and to show our support for all who continue to serve and protect our communities.

Please join us at Spratt Stadium on Wednesday, September 11th. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. with opening remarks at 8:30.

Open to the public! Whether you are climbing or cheering on the participants, don't miss this event as we uphold the promise to

Come join our team!

Missouri Western State University is currently seeking applicants for the position of Financial Aid and Military & Veteran Services Coordinator! This position shares responsibility for overseeing VA educational benefits programs while administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid. The coordinator performs various complex administrative tasks related to reviewing and processing financial aid. This position assesses VA student benefit certifications and scholarships, provides counseling and advises students of opportunities, review, research, and resolve discrepancies, and utilizes various software programs to process applications and maintain files.

To view the full job listing, please visit our website at https://mwsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/3341

"The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.
On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2023 is on Tuesday, July 4."
Stay safe out there and enjoy your holiday!
Read more about the history of Independence Day at https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th

"Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans." -The National Museum of African American History & Culture.
To read more about the history and legacy of Juneteeth as well as other historical events of equal urgency, head to https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

"I am a believer in the ACFT. I think it's a better test," Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told Military.com in an interview in October. "My goal is we need to increase our culture of fitness. I think the ACFT does that."
https://www.military.com/daily-news/how-do-you-measure-heres-how-soldiers-are-scoring-army-combat-fitness-test.html?ESRC=eb_240611.nl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eb&utm_campaign=20240611

How Do You Measure Up? Here's How Soldiers Are Scoring on the Army Combat Fitness Test. Most soldiers in the Army are passing the service's physical fitness test -- 98% of active-duty men and 95% of active-duty women -- after troops have been taking it for about five years, according to internal data reviewed by Military.com.

📣 Volunteers Wanted! 📣

Silverstorm Equine Rescue is looking for a few volunteers to help out around the rescue this summer!
together this summer to get some w**d eating, tree trimming (not climbing trees), 1-2 guys to help clean out the barn, and a few other chores done.
If you're interested in volunteering, call or text Cindy Becker at 816-294-8185

Additionally, it's very important that all volunteers are calm, nice, and gentle to the animals as some have been abused.

Some of the tasks volunteers will be doing include: moving equipment, w**d eating, tree trimming (not climbing trees), clean out the barn, fixing fences, etc.

Lastly, be sure to reach out to the Center for Service to get credit for any volunteer hours towards 3 (FREE) general education credit hours!
https://www.missouriwestern.edu/center-for-service/

www.silverstormrescue.com

The U.S. Flag Code is not legally enforceable, but adherence to it is considered a sign of patriotism and respect. The code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the U.S. flag, and also gives specific instructions on how the U.S. flag is not to be used.
By following these guidelines, individuals and organizations show respect for the American flag and the values it represents.

Flag Etiquette and the U.S. Flag Code By following these guidelines, individuals and organizations show respect for the American flag and the values it represents. The U.S. Flag Code is not legally enforceable, but adherence to it is considered a sign of patriotism and respect.

"You'll continue to invest time and resources into developing your network long after you leave the military.
As your civilian career grows, evolves and even after you retire, your network relationships may morph, too. But the people who are part of your network will keep you relevant and top of mind with the people who matter most to you (professionally)."
Read the full article here:

How and When to Begin Networking for Your Post-Military Career Being proactive about networking is a good practice before you find your first post-military job and throughout your career.

"Signed into law in August 2022, the PACT Act gave millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances while in uniform, or their survivors, the potential to receive disability compensation, health care, or dependency and indemnity compensation, with qualifying service going back to the 1960s."
Read the full article at:

The Next Deadline for Backdated PACT Act Payments Is Coming Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know Those vets or family members who hadn’t yet filed a PACT Act claim but instead declared their “intent to file” a claim ahead of last summer’s deadline locked in the earliest possible effective date for their benefits.

Nearly eight decades after the end of World War II, paratroopers old and young, active and retired, from across Europe and North America, have converged here to honor and commemorate the men who jumped into Nazi-occupied France during the D-Day invasion on the morning of June 6, 1944.
Among those jumping to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord were six cast members from the 2001 HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers." They had prepared specifically for this moment, training at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, just like the men of Easy Company, 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) of the 101st Airborne Division did before their historic jump into Normandy.
Read the whole article and watch the jumps at:

Watch 'Band of Brothers' Cast Members Jump into Normandy for D-Day's 80th Anniversary “There aren't any surviving members of Easy Company left anymore, and we are, in a way, the face of those men who have now gone.”

In this episode of theSITREP, Paul discusses 14 different VA benefits that Veterans qualify for when they are receiving 100% Service-Connected Disability.

VA Benefits for Veterans with 100% Disability Update | 100% VA Service-Connected | theSITREP In this episode of theSITREP, Paul discusses 14 different VA benefits that Veterans qualify for when they are receiving 100% Service-Connected Disability: (1...

President Biden has signed legislation granting a 5.2% pay raise for active-duty, Guard, and reserve members in 2024.
Additionally, military retirees and veterans receiving disability checks will see a 3.2% cost of living adjustment.
This increase aims to support military personnel and their families amidst rising living costs, providing financial stability and recognizing their service.
To read the full article, go here:

Biden Signs Law Backing Military Pay Increase for 2024. Here's How Much More You’ll Get. Current troops get a big bump in basic pay for the second year in a row in 2024. Veterans receive an above-average increase as well, and common allowances are also going up.

"We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies." -Moina Michael
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. The meaning of Memorial day and history couldn't be complete without the birth of the the “National Moment of Remembrance”, which was a resolution passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”

"Aside from a nationwide surge in parades, burger and beer sales and visits to veterans cemeteries, there are certain traditions that happen every Memorial Day. Even if you aren't planting flags at a cemetery or you don't know anyone who fell in service to their country, there are still things you can learn, observe and even teach to others."
Read the full article at:

4 Things to Remember Every Memorial Day Aside from a nationwide surge in parades, burger and beer sales and visits to veterans cemeteries, there are certain traditions that happen every Memorial Day. Even if you aren't planting flags at a cemetery or you don't know anyone who fell in service to their country, there are still things you ca...

"VA’s new proposal would give expanded presumptive benefits to veterans who served in locations where Agent Orange was tested, used, or stored outside Vietnam, including locations in Canada, India, and military locations in 12 U.S. states, including Montana."
Read the full story at: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2024/2/va-moves-to-expand-agent-orange-veterans-benefits-using-authorities-from-tester-s-pact-act

“It’s our job to provide every Veteran with the world-class care and benefits they deserve, no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love, where they are from, or how they identify,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. "
Read the full story at:

VA announces 2024 Equity Action Plan, new actions to ensure that all Veterans receive the health care and benefits they earned | VA Wilmington health care | Veterans Affairs The Department of Veterans Affairs released its 2024 Agency Equity Action Plan to help ensure that VA delivers on its promise to provide world-class care and benefits to all Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

"Officials said the change is "in line with the Coast Guard's goal to be an employer of choice" and also reduce barriers for those thinking about joining the service."
Read the full story at:

Coast Guard Tweaks Tattoo Policy to Allow Bigger Designs on Hands, Ink Behind Both Ears The move is part of ongoing personnel changes aimed at recruiting and retention.

The Missouri Western State University Foundation currently has a fellowship program available to assist eligible MWSU students in continuing their education at graduate school.

The John Sublett Logan Business Fellowship exists to assist outstanding students in obtaining a graduate degree in Business, Law, Accounting or Economics.

Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024 to the Foundation in Leah Spratt Hall, Room 111 or via email to [email protected].

Go here HERE for fellowship eligibility and application process:
https://foundation.missouriwestern.edu/logan-business-fellowship/

There are all kinds of different versions of the GI Bill. Follow our helpful tips to see which one you or your dependent qualify for!

Exciting news!
Read the full story at:

Army Eliminates Online Training Requirement for Noncommissioned Officers, Saying It's Too Burdensome The Army has eliminated a significant part of its online training for enlisted troops -- a learning program that has drawn the ire of the rank and file for years -- and in effect revamped how it handles enlisted promotions.

If you're in the Missouri National Guard, you may be able to apply for State Tuition Assistance!
Missouri National Guard Education and Incentives

"Leapfrog assesses hospital error rates, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as safeguards the facilities use to prevent patient harm, to determine grading levels."
Read the full story here: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/05/08/9-military-hospitals-receive-top-marks-patient-safety.html?ESRC=mr_240513.nl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mr&utm_campaign=2024051

9 Military Hospitals Receive Top Marks for Patient Safety The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit aimed at improving patient care, published grades for 21 Defense Health Agency facilities in its latest list.

Federal Tuition Assistance is for currently serving service members and pays for $250/credit hour. Here are some tips on how to actually apply.

"Many of the military branches have started offering more flexibility around when troops must report to their new duty stations. A service member’s current chain of command can often work with the unit they’ll join at the new location to smooth out any delays in arrival, according to TRANSCOM."
Read more tips and tricks at:

No snakes in couches: What to know for a smooth PCS move in 2024 Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times' 2024 Permanent Change of Station Guide ahead of peak moving season.

"Senate lawmakers on Tuesday evening confirmed 11 senior military nominees that had been stalled for months, putting an end to the nearly year-long political blockade by Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville which had created leadership problems across the Defense Department."
Read the full story here:

Senate OKs 11 four-star nominees, ending ongoing nomination fight The senior officials were the last remaining individuals involved in the protest by a Republican senator over the Pentagon's abortion access policy.