a katz/Shutterstock
While the bill that established Veterans Day as we now know it was signed by Congress in 1954, celebrations honoring veterans date back to 1921 when an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site has become a central location for recognizing veterans in their service to the country and their ultimate sacrifice in laying down their lives for freedom. The culmination of World War I was brought about with a peace agreement that was signed on November 11, 1918, at 11 A.M., and became known as “Armistice Day,” which became formally recognized in 1926. Armistice Day only acknowledged those that participated in World War I, and the creation of Veterans Day encompasses the entire population of all individuals that previously served in the armed forces. Most institutions of higher learning service the military-affiliated population and should make a staunch effort to recognize this select group of individuals on a day devoted to their service.
One of the most prevalent factors that propel individuals into the military is the potential to further their education using G.I. Bill benefits. The Servicemembers’ Readjustment Act of 1944 was a controversial piece of legislation at the time of its passing, as it gave a $20 weekly stipend for returning service members, which many believed would deter those veterans from seeking gainful employment. Additionally, this bill allowed battle-harden individuals to attend colleges and universities, an honor previously reserved for the elite. The latter was a significant point of contention in these exclusive circles during that period. One could speculate that many in the upper echelons of society viewed these individuals as less educated and uncultured, with lesser potential for excelling in an academic environment. This sentiment still holds true today, as many of my colleagues report that civilian organizations often inaccurately assess their education and experience when transitioning to the civilian world following their service.
Veterans do not seek preferential treatment in their education journeys, but they would like to be welcomed into a space that is considerate of their needs. Their distinct experiences sometimes call for unique accommodations to assist them in comprehending the curriculum and adjusting to the academic environment. They do not want your sympathy; they desire your understanding. Military service members are those from the civilian populace that make a conscious decision to devote their lives to an organization that is tasked with fighting and winning the nation’s wars. While their motivations may vary (i.e., inspired to serve, educational benefits, medical benefits, financial stability), each respective impetus for military service should be lauded instead of criticized. With less than twenty-five percent of the American population being deemed fit for military service, there is a dire need for individuals compatible with this type of undertaking. It is imperative that institutions of higher learning embrace their military-affiliated population, which includes not only the currently serving member or veteran but also their family members.
Colleges and universities should make a concerted effort to highlight the contributions of their military-affiliated population, especially veterans, and attempt to provide the highest level of service in meeting the educational needs of this group. These individuals have sacrificed time with their families, missed birthdays and holidays, and sometimes placed the requirements associated with their service above the needs of their families. Minor modifications in their learning experience can mean the difference between program success or failure. Instructors should make every effort to understand how seemingly insignificant things, such as seating location within a classroom, can elicit either feelings of anxiety or comfort within a veteran. Combat traumas impact veteran behaviors, but these people should not be shunned for working through their mental health difficulties, especially after the trauma was sustained in defense of our country’s freedoms. As we honor Veterans Day, take a hard look at your institution to determine whether you could be doing more to assist military-affiliated individuals in their educational endeavors. Reflect on what you do well and assess how you can further expound on those efforts. Most military members would classify military service as invaluable in providing opportunities for growth and development. This Veterans Day, create conditions for military members to say the same regarding their educational experiences.
Disclaimer: HigherEdMilitary encourages free discourse and expression of issues while striving for accurate presentation to our audience. A guest opinion serves as an avenue to address and explore important topics, for authors to impart their expertise to our higher education audience and to challenge readers to consider points of view that could be outside of their comfort zone. The viewpoints, beliefs, or opinions expressed in the above piece are those of the author(s) and don’t imply endorsement by HigherEdMilitary.
