VET NET Ally Handbook

California State University, Long Beach 2014

Table of Contents Welcome ......................................................................................................................................... 4 Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................... 5 Confidentiality Statement ............................................................................................................... 6 Mission Statement .......................................................................................................................... 7 Being an Ally .................................................................................................................................... 8 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 9 The Seminar – A Summary ............................................................................................................ 11 VET NET Ally Program Development ......................................................................................... 11 Introductions and Welcome ................................................................................................. 11 VET NET Ally Program Overview ........................................................................................... 11 Who are our Veterans? ......................................................................................................... 12 Why I Joined .......................................................................................................................... 12 Basic Training -- Military 101 ................................................................................................ 12 Break/Combat Equipment Hands-On Experience ................................................................ 13 Challenges for Veterans ........................................................................................................ 13 Status Exercise ...................................................................................................................... 13 CSULB Campus Initiatives ..................................................................................................... 13 Situational Awareness........................................................................................................... 14 Student Panel ........................................................................................................................ 14 Becoming an Ally ................................................................................................................... 14 The Services .................................................................................................................................. 16 United States Army .................................................................................................................... 16 United States Navy .................................................................................................................... 17 United States Marine Corps ...................................................................................................... 17 United States Air Force .............................................................................................................. 18 United States Coast Guard ........................................................................................................ 18 Famous Veterans .......................................................................................................................... 20 CSULB Policies and Advising ......................................................................................................... 21 Academic Advising for Student Veterans .................................................................................. 21

1

Extended Application for Combat Veterans .............................................................................. 21 Priority Registration for Selected Student Veterans ................................................................. 22 GE Credit for Basic Training and Credit Evaluation at CSULB .................................................... 22 Disabled Veterans ...................................................................................................................... 22 Readmission of Members of the Armed Forces ........................................................................ 23 The G.I Bill ..................................................................................................................................... 24 The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill ................................................................................................................ 24 The Montgomery G.I. Bill........................................................................................................... 24 What is PTSD? ............................................................................................................................... 26 How does PTSD develop? .......................................................................................................... 26 What are the symptoms of PTSD? ............................................................................................. 27 What are other common problems? ......................................................................................... 28 Can children have PTSD? ........................................................................................................... 28 What treatments are available? ................................................................................................ 28 Vet Resources – CSULB ................................................................................................................. 29 Veterans Services....................................................................................................................... 29 Counseling and Psychological Services ...................................................................................... 29 Disabled Student Services ......................................................................................................... 29 Vet Resources – Long Beach ......................................................................................................... 31 Emergency Response ................................................................................................................. 31 National Crisis Hotlines .............................................................................................................. 31 Mental Health Access for Veterans ........................................................................................... 31 Mental Health Outpatient Services ........................................................................................... 31 Family Service ............................................................................................................................ 31 Medical Services ........................................................................................................................ 32 Housing/Shelter ......................................................................................................................... 32 Low Cost Dental ......................................................................................................................... 32 Clothing and Hygiene Products ................................................................................................. 32 Vet Resources – Orange County ................................................................................................... 34 Emergency Response ................................................................................................................. 34 Crisis Hotlines ............................................................................................................................ 34 Mental Health Access for Veterans ........................................................................................... 34 Family Mental Health Resources ............................................................................................... 35

2

Benefits ...................................................................................................................................... 35 Housing/Shelters ....................................................................................................................... 35 Employment .............................................................................................................................. 36 Legal ........................................................................................................................................... 36 Education Services ..................................................................................................................... 36 Medical Services ........................................................................................................................ 36 Dental Services .......................................................................................................................... 36 Additional County Resources .................................................................................................... 36

3

Welcome Thank you for participating in the California State University, Long Beach VET NET Ally Seminar. Our goal, stated simply, is to provide veterans with a welcoming and supportive environment in which to pursue their academic pursuits. We appreciate your support of the student veterans and service members of CSULB. This program, the first of its kind, provides our campus with a visible network of knowledgeable supporters of veterans and service members. By becoming an Ally, you will have the opportunity to openly support those who have volunteered to serve in the defense of our nation. While our seminar attempts to cover many topics of great importance to veterans studying at CSULB, we are painting with wide brushes, so we encourage you to continuing learning about the specific issues faced by veterans in higher education after today’s seminar is over. This handbook should be seen as a resource to help you in that endeavor, and we hope that you will take the time not only to become familiar with its contents but to maintain an interest in the issues facing veterans identified through other mediums as well. Finally, we are here to support you in your efforts to provide a welcoming environment to our student veterans and service members. Feel free to contact us or your fellow VET NET Allies if you have any questions about your role as an Ally. Sincerely,

The VET NET Ally Program Marshall Thomas, Ed.D. Director of Veterans Services, California State University, Long Beach Patrick O’Rourke, Ed.D. Director of Active Duty and Veterans Services, California State University Chancellor’s Office Michael Barraza, Psy.D. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

4

Acknowledgments First, thank you to all the men and women who have volunteered to serve in the defense of our country, and specifically the Vet Net Student organization that gives those veterans who study at CSULB a place to commune with one another. The creation of this program would not have been possible without the work of Dr. Pamela Ashe in the development of the Safe Zone program at CSULB and the work of Dr. Elena Macias in the development of the AB540 Ally Program. The programs they created provided the model framework upon which the VET NET Ally Program is built. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of them and to those with whom they collaborated. Special thanks to the Robinette Estate for providing the funding necessary to present the initial offerings of VET NET Ally Seminar in 2010. Finally, a special thanks to the CSULB Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program for supporting the creation of this program as my dissertation project. Marshall Thomas, Ed.D.

5

Confidentiality Statement One of the most important aspects of being a VET NET Ally is that you are entrusted with providing an atmosphere of safety to those that come to you. In the simplest terms, VET NET Ally confidentiality means that what a student says to you is confidential and stays with you. By posting your VET NET Ally sticker, you are sending a message that information shared with you will not be shared with others, unless the student has given you permission to do so. This is particularly important for students who have not openly declared that they are service members or veterans, since a common concern is whether they should identify themselves as service members or veterans. Confidentiality is essential in order for students to share their reactions, opinions, and feelings with you. It is, however, also important to recognize that there are limits to confidentiality. It would not be appropriate to maintain confidentiality if a person shares that they intend to physically harm one’s self or another person. Protecting the immediate safety of the individual is more important than protecting their confidentiality. If you have any concerns about what constitutes confidentiality or the limits to confidentiality, please contact CSULB Counseling and Psychological Services personnel at 562-985-4001.

Adapted from the California State University, Long Beach Counseling and Psychological Services Safe Zone Ally Handbook and the California State University, Long Beach AB540 Ally Handbook.

6

Mission Statement The mission of the VET NET Ally Program is to 

establish a network of visible Allies to provide support, information, and assistance for service members and veterans,



provide service members and veterans with comfortable access to trustworthy, knowledgeable, and sensitive people who can provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment,



provide an opportunity for CSULB faculty and staff to demonstrate support for service members and veterans,



provide all students on campus an opportunity to respond to instances of discrimination or harassment based on perceived or self-reported status as a service member or veteran,



educate members of the university community about the needs and concerns of service members and veterans,



assist university personnel in understanding that discrimination based on status as a service member or veteran is harmful to the campus environment for all,



foster a campus atmosphere that supports the academic freedom and professional, personal and social success of service members and veterans; and



advance the university’s progress towards a campus that discourages discrimination and openly celebrates diversity.

Adapted from the California State University, Long Beach Counseling and Psychological Services Safe Zone Ally Handbook and the California State University, Long Beach AB540 Ally Handbook.

7

Being an Ally As an Ally, you are responsible to  respect the Individual’s right to privacy as detailed in the Confidentiality section of this handbook,  refer individuals to proper resources you are aware of as appropriate, and  display your VET NET Ally symbol in a visible space. As a VET NET Ally  You have permission to be imperfect when encountering a veteran or service member.  Remember that it is OK not to know everything about veteran or service members’ experiences and status.  You should remember that being an Ally is not a statement of support for any political viewpoint or an indication of your views on military conflict. It is a statement of support for those CSULB students who have chosen to serve the United States in one of the branches of the armed forces.  You should be committed to working toward a safe, confidential support network for CSULB Veterans and service members. Finally  By becoming a VET NET Ally, you join other CSULB Ally programs in supporting specific groups of students on our campus. While the content of the VET NET Ally program is specific to veterans and service members, it is our sincere hope that the spirit of treating all people with respect and dignity will extend to all members of the CSULB campus community.

Adapted from the California State University, Long Beach Counseling and Psychological Services Safe Zone Ally Contract.

8

Definitions Active Duty Full time duty in one of the military services. Armed Forces The five military services of the United States; the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. Combat Veteran Any veteran who has served in a combat role during his or her service in one of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. DD - 214 The official Department of Defense form that summarizes a veteran’s service. Provided to each veteran at the time of discharge, the DD-214 details a veteran’s training, promotions, awards and decorations, and indicates the type of discharge the veteran received (i.e. “honorable”). The DD-214 id the official document used to prove eligibility for veteran benefits. G.I. Bill The primary educational benefit available to veterans since the conclusion of the Second World War. The two current versions of the G.I. Bill are the Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill. Each is discussed in the G.I. Bill section of this handbook. OEF Operation Enduring Freedom. This is the operational name for the war in Afghanistan. OIF Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is the operational name for the war in Iraq. National Guard State-based reserve components of the Army and Air Force which fall under the jurisdiction and command of the Governors of the 50 states. The National Guard May be called into active duty during times of national crisis or conflict as active components of the Army or Air Force. (See Reserves below) Reserves Sometimes considered “part-time” military service, the reserves are made up of service members who live in their home communities as civilians, but train with local military

9

units. Most reservists serve one weekend a month and for two weeks of “annual training” each year. The reserve components of each service may be “activated” during times of national crisis, as has been the case during the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Tens of thousands of reservists have served in one or both of these regions. Service member Any person currently serving as an officer or enlisted member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard on active duty, in a reserve status, or as a member of the National Guard. Veteran or Vet Any person who has served as an officer or enlisted member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard in an active duty or reserve role. Past service in one of the components of the National Guard also establishes veteran status. Vet Net Student veteran organization at California State University, Long Beach. The term is also used at other institutions to identify other veterans support groups.

10

The Seminar – A Summary What follows is a description of the development of the VET NET Ally Program and the individual modules of the seminar itself.

The text is adapted with minimal changes (to address current practice) from Marshall Thomas’s dissertation, which is cited at the end of this section.

VET NET Ally Program Development

The VET NET Ally program was developed and presented as a four-hour seminar by the Director of CSULB Veterans Services, Dr. Marshall Thomas; the former-director of CSULB Veterans Affairs Services, Dr. Patrick O’Rourke; and staff psychologist formerly of the CSULB office of Counseling and Psychological Services, Dr. Michael Barraza. Each member of the development and presentation team presents modules that provide information or experience in one of four major theme areas: program purpose, policies and procedures related to veterans in higher education, military and post-military culture and transition, and personal identity issues associated with status as a service member or veteran. To make the information accessible to participants and to create a logical flow of information and experience, the modules are organized in a manner that follows the path of veterans choosing military service, transitioning into the service, becoming acculturated to a military lifestyle, exiting the service, transitioning back to civilian life, and becoming a student. The seminar culminates in a panel of student veterans who are asked questions by the seminar presenters and participants. The following sections describe the contents of each of the modules as they are currently presented. Introductions and Welcome

VET NET Ally Program presenters are introduced to seminar participants. Each presenter’s military service is recognized, and his current position at CSULB is identified. A brief description of how the program came to be is presented. Seminar participants are asked to introduce themselves, identify their positions at the university, and tell why they have chosen to participate in the seminar (if they so desire). Many participants choose to reveal their own record of military service or their relationship to a veteran friend or family member. VET NET Ally Program Overview

This module, which supports the theme of program purpose, provides participants with a program overview and definitions pertinent to the seminar. This module references the complete mission statement of the program (which is published in the VET NET Ally Handbook) and includes a discussion of the primary goals of the program: to educate members of the

11

university community, to foster a supportive campus atmosphere, and to establish a network of visible Allies for student veterans. To highlight the importance of visibility of Allies, participants are introduced to the VET NET Ally decal to display on their office door or other visible location in their workspace that they are provided with at the conclusion of the seminar. The decal, designed by Dr. Thomas, consists of imagery often associated with military service: a black five pointed star on an olive drab field surrounded by a field of khaki/tan with the words VET NET ALLY emblazoned in black stenciled font (see VET NET Ally Handbook cover). An important component of an effective ally program is establishment of norms of behavior for confidentiality (Poynter & Tubbs, 2007), both during the seminar and for future interactions with student veterans. To that end, participants are introduced to the complete statement of confidentiality (see VET NET Ally Handbook). The Department of Defense publishes The Dictionary of Military Terms, a 768 page book that defines over ten thousand terms and acronyms in current use in the military services. To acknowledge and begin to bridge what may be a vocabulary gap between veterans and nonveteran participants of the VET NET Ally seminar, a brief set of definitions relevant to the seminar is presented. Who are our Veterans?

This module provides participants with background information related to the number of veteran students attending the university, the branches they served in, the number of veterans who have indicated combat service and where they have served. To provide a snap shot of the colleges on campus where veterans might be found in greater numbers, the number of veteran students in various majors is presented. Why I Joined

The first of two modules addressing issues of personal identity, “Why I Joined,” introduces participants to many of the published reasons that people choose to join the military. A brief discussion of these reasons is conducted. The presenter then discusses his personal reasons for having joined the U.S. Army and entertains questions about the choice he made. Basic Training -- Military 101

In this segment of the seminar, participants are introduced to the concept of transitioning from civilian life to military service. Cultural contrasts such as military vocabulary, military customs and courtesies, and the concept of military camaraderie are introduced. To illustrate some of the differences between military and civilian life, photos of service members engaged in service related activities are presented, as are photos of service members in uniform, the latter to illustrate the history, both personal and service specific, that each service member wears by way of a uniform, a component of culture that does not have a parallel in civilian life. Recognizing that this cultural transition from civilian to service member requires a period of initial training, participants are shown a video-taped segment of Marine Corps boot camp. This brief video vignette, which includes scenes of boot camp and interviews of men and women being trained, highlights many of the concepts presented in other parts of the seminar. Cultural

12

concepts such as fellow service members as “family,” physical fitness, tradition, and rite of passage are presented in the video. Beyond underscoring intangible facets of military service, the video is also used to call attention to the fact that all of the branches of service require an initial training to indoctrinate newly joined members into the culture of the service. By first looking at the power of that indoctrination and discussing the subsequent lifestyle of the service, seminar participants are provided with a base from which to compare and contrast civilian and military cultures and appreciate the effort some veterans may be required to expend when transitioning back to civilian life. Break/Combat Equipment Hands-On Experience

During the two breaks provided during the seminar, participants are encouraged to handle and try on combat equipment borrowed from a local National Guard unit. The equipment has included body armor, Kevlar helmets, equipment harnesses, and CamelBak Hydration systems. Though heavy, participants are informed that the gear they are handling is less than half of the weight of the full combat load that service members in combat areas commonly carry. Participants are further encouraged to imagine carrying such a load in the desert heat which often hovers over one hundred degrees. No weapons or ammunition are used in this demonstration. Challenges for Veterans

This module presents a summary view of some of the practical challenges that veterans face when transitioning from military service to the academic world. In particular, the different nature of the bureaucracies that are the Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration, and the university are discussed. The university is identified as a potential bridge between veterans’ military service and civilian employment and as an avenue of personal and professional success. The need for expanded counseling and outreach, academic alignment of service related education with university credit, healthcare support and referral, assimilation, and peer networking are also presented. Status Exercise

The Status Exercise module is a small group discussion related to whether or not a student veteran would disclose his or her status as a veteran to various campus members. Participants are broken down into groups of four to five people and given a scenario that describes the personal background of a veteran and a situation the veteran might find himself or herself in in an academic environment. For example, would a student veteran who felt discomfort or shame about his actions in a combat zone wish to disclose his status as a veteran in a classroom environment, to friends, to a professor, or in a romantic relationship? Each group is given time to discuss the vignette they are presented with and then are asked to share their conclusions with the larger group. CSULB Campus Initiatives

This module of the seminar provides information about veteran specific services at CSULB. Special attention is paid to the functions of the Veterans Services Office and the Veterans Network Student Organization, which are the two primary means by which veterans stay

13

connected to their benefits and to other veterans at the university. Additionally, partnerships with other on-campus and community veterans service organizations are identified. Situational Awareness

This module, which focuses on policies and procedures, is a large group discussion centered on specific incidents that have occurred on the campus. Depending on available time, two or more brief situations are presented for discussion. Two examples that have been discussed follow. The first gives details of an unnamed student veteran who has experienced the cancellation of a class he was enrolled in making him ineligible for G.I. Bill benefits. The group of participants was asked to collectively suggest ways to assist the student regain eligibility for benefits in a timely manner. The second situation focused on a veteran’s experience in a classroom wherein an instructor discussed the political impact of the military conflict in Iraq. The veteran, who was uncomfortable discussing the subject in a public setting, was identified as a veteran by a fellow student, and was pushed to participate by the instructor who expressed negative views about U.S. military actions in Iraq. Participants were asked to discuss how the situation should have been handled. This activity is designed to provide participants an opportunity to weigh in on a veteran specific issue from their professional perspectives aided by their experiences on the campus. Time concerns often require that this module be modified during the seminar. When that occurs, the presenter discusses a variety of actual campus-based situations, such as an anti-war rally or a student serving in the National Guard or reserves who is required to withdraw from classes due to a unit deployment. Student Panel

A group of student veterans (typically four or five) is invited to discuss their service and postmilitary service experiences with the seminar participants. To ensure that the panel members are not influenced by any of the other materials presented, they are not present for any other portions of the seminar. Ideally, the panel should be composed of both women and men and represented a cross-section of veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force. Panelists and seminar participants are informed that any member of the panel may choose not to answer any question they are not comfortable with. Panelists are asked to tell their reasons for both entering and leaving the service and are asked to describe the most responsibility they had placed upon them while in the service or to describe their proudest accomplishment in the service. After these questions are answered, seminar participants are encouraged to ask questions of the panelists. Becoming an Ally

The final module of the seminar, titled “Becoming an Ally,” emphasizes the role that Allies should play on campus. The condensed version of the “VET NET Ally Mission Statement” (see VET NET Ally Handbook) is covered. At the end of this portion of the seminar, members of the student panel present VET NET Ally decals to those who participated. Rules for the display of the VET NET Ally decal are established. Specifically, participants are instructed that visibility of the decal is important, but that placement of a decal should purposefully indicate the Ally status of only the person who has been a seminar participant. Participants are instructed that decals should never be placed in a space that might indicate that other non-ally persons have become allies. This instruction is drawn from several studies that suggest that non-allies,

14

especially non-supporters, of a particular group may be offended at being associated with the group, or that students within the group might be unintentionally misled into believing that an individual has not attended the seminar is an ally, which could lead to misunderstandings.

Thomas, M.W. A Safe Zone for veterans: Developing the VET NET Ally program to increase faculty and staff awareness and sensitivity to the needs of military veterans in higher education. Ed.D. dissertation, California State University, Long Beach, United States -California. Retrieved February 25, 2011, from Dissertations & Theses @ California State University, Long Beach. (Publication No. AAT 3425191).

15

The Services Each of the services has a unique character, culture, sometimes even language. While service to the country creates a common bond between all service members and veterans, service specific loyalties can run deep. Calling a Sailor “marine” or a Marine “soldier” may evoke a negative response, or a friendly “mini-lesson” on the titles of service members in each branch, especially the branch the veteran served in. What follows is a brief description of each service United States Army Established on June 14, 1775, the Army is the oldest and the largest branch of the Department of Defense. According to the Department of Defense, there are 553,326 men and women serving on active duty in the Army1. The Army is complemented by a Reserve (205,000 members)2 and Army National Guard (360,814 members)3 component, which brings the total number of service members in the Army to over one million. The Army is the branch of service “organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained combat incident to operations on land” (10 U.S.C. § 3062). In support of this mission, the Army is divided into more than a dozen “basic branches” including infantry, artillery, signal corps, aviation, and others. To serve the training and deployment needs of the land-based mission of the Army, bases, usually called Forts, are located throughout the United States. Large numbers of Army personnel are also stationed in locations around the globe, the largest concentration in Germany. As of September of 2009, approximately 156,000 Army personnel were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Members of the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard are called Soldiers. For more information about the Army refer to www.army.mil.

1

U.S. Department of Defense. (2009, September 30). Active duty military personnel strengths by regional area and by country. Retrieved February 6, 2010, from http://siadapp.dmdc.osd.mil/personnel/MILITARY/ miltop.htm. 2 Stulz, J.C. & Caffie, L. (2009) The United States Army Reserve 2009 Posture Statement. Retrieved February 6, 2010, from http://www.usar.army.mil/arweb/mission/ARPS/Documents/ARPS.pdf 3 National Guard Bureau (2010) The National Guard Posture Statement 2010. Retrieved February 6, 2010, from http://www.ng.mil/ll/Congress_Reports/2010%20National%20Guard%20Posture%20Statement.pdf

16

United States Navy Established on October 13, 1775, the Navy is both the second oldest and second largest of the armed forces in the Department of Defense. The Navy is composed of 329,518 active duty service members1 and is complemented by 126,000 Navy Reservists4. According to U.S. law, the Navy is “organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained combat incident to operations at sea” (10 U.S.C. § 5062). According to the official website of the Navy, “the mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas”5. Due to its seafaring mission, most Navy bases in the United States are located on the coasts, though nearly one third of active duty naval personnel are “afloat” either in surface or submarine vessels in various regions around the globe. As of September of 2009, approximately 23,500 Navy personnel were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Enlisted members of the Navy and Navy Reserve are called Sailors. For more information about the Navy refer to www.navy.mil. United States Marine Corps Established on November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps is the smallest of the U.S. armed forces in the Department of Defense. There are just 204,153 active duty Marine Corp personnel1 and approximately 39,600 reservists6. The Marine Corps mission includes air, land, and sea operations primarily conducted in support of amphibious assaults (attacking land-based targets from the sea). The Marine Corps “provide[s] fleet marine forces of combined arms, together with supporting air components, for service with the [Navy] in the seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and for the conduct of such land operations as may be essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign…and shall perform such other duties as the President may direct” (10 U.S.C. § 5063). Due to its amphibious mission and naval traditions, Marine Corps bases and air stations are located primarily along the east and west coasts of the U.S. The largest Marine duty stations overseas are located in Japan. Additionally, Marines guard U.S. embassies around the globe and may serve aboard naval vessels at sea. As of September of 2009, approximately 22,400 Marine Corps personnel were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. 4

Today’s Military. (2010). Navy Reserve. Retrieved February 6, 2010 from http://www.todaysmilitary.com/servicebranches/navy-reserve 5 http://www.navy.mil/navydata/organization/org-top.asp 6 Lawson, J. (2010). Understanding Reserve duty - how duty is fulfilled in Marine Forces Reserve. The Continental Marine Magazine – 2010 Almanac. Retrieved February 6, 2010 from http://www.marforres.usmc.mil/ MFRNews/ConMar/Almanac10.pdf

17

After Boot Camp or Officer Training all personnel serving in the Marine Corps are referred to as Marines. For more information about the Marine Corps refer to www.usmc.mil. United States Air Force Established on September 18, 1947, the Air Force is the youngest of the military services. Currently, 334,671 men and women serve in the Air Force1, with an additional 107,6793 serving in the Air National Guard, and 69,500 in the Air Force Reserve7. The Air Force is “organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations” (10 U.S.C. § 8062). Additionally, the Air Force is responsible for space and ballistic missile operations. Air Force bases are located throughout the U.S. and overseas with the greatest number of Air Force personnel stationed abroad located in Germany and Japan. As of September of 2009, approximately 28,400 Air Force personnel were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Air Force personnel are collectively referred to as Airmen. For more information about the Air Force, refer to www.af.mil. United States Coast Guard Created on August 4, 1790, the Coast Guard lays claim to being the oldest continuous sea going service in the U. S. (as the Continental Navy was disbanded for a short time after the Revolutionary War and not reformed until 1794). The Coast Guard is unique among the armed forces in that it is not a part of the Department of Defense. Instead, it is a part of the Department of Homeland Security except when reassigned by Congress or by order of the president during time of war, when it may become a branch of the Navy. Its 42,000 active duty members and 8,000 reservists have as their missions “Search and Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement, Aids to Navigation, Ice Breaking, Environmental Protection, Port Security and Military Readiness”8. Although often associated with the east and west coasts of the U.S., the Coast Guard has a nationwide presence in large part due to its maritime public safety mission and the extensive range of America’s inland waterways.

7

United States Air Force Reserve. (2010). U.S. Air Force Reserve Fact Sheet. Retrieved February 6, 2010 from http://www.afrc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-060712-018.pdf 8 USCG Careers Retrieved from http://www.uscg.mil/top/careers.asp

18

Though most of their duties are confined to U.S. coasts and waterways, Coast Guardsmen have served in every major armed conflict including the Iraq War. Coast Guard personnel are referred to as Coast Guardsmen. For more information about the Coast Guard, refer to www.uscg.mil.

19

Famous Veterans The list of well known veterans is quite long. Here are a few notable veterans who went on to successful careers after serving. Alan Alda – Actor – U.S. Army Reserve Ice T – Rapper, Actor – U.S. Army Tony Bennett – Singer – U.S. Army Humphrey Bogart – Actor – U.S. Navy Drew Carey – Actor, Comedian - U.S. Marine Corps Johnny Carson – Talk Show Host – U.S. Navy Bill Cosby – Actor, Comedian, Author - U.S. Navy John Glenn – U.S. Senator, Astronaut – U.S. Marine Corps Al Gore – Former Vice President – U.S. Army Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel – Author – U.S. Army Alex Haley – Author – U.S. Navy Don Knotts – Actor - U.S. Marine Corps MC Hammer – Rapper – U.S. Navy Colin Powell – Former Secretary of State – U.S. Army Dan Rather – News Anchor – U.S. Marine Corps Shaggy – Reggae singer - U.S. Marine Corps Fredrick W. Smith – Founder, Chairman, and CEO of FedEx – U.S. Marine Corps George Steinbrenner – Owner, New York Yankees – U.S. Air Force Lee Trevino – Professional Golfer - U.S. Marine Corps Montel Williams – Talk show host – U.S. Marine Corps / U.S. Navy Former U.S. Presidents that served           

Chester A. Arthur James Buchanan George H. W. Bush  George W. Bush  Jimmy Carter  Dwight D. Eisenhower  Millard Fillmore Gerald Ford James Garfield Ulysses S. Grant  Benjamin Harrison

          

William Harrison Rutherford B. Hayes  Andrew Jackson Thomas Jefferson Andrew Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson John F. Kennedy Abe Lincoln James Madison William McKinley

20

          

James Monroe Richard Nixon Franklin Pierce James Polk Ronald Reagan  Theodore Roosevelt Zachary Taylor  Harry Truman  John Tyler George Washington

CSULB Policies and Advising Academic Advising for Student Veterans Department Academic Advisors should be aware that student veterans accessing GI Bill and other Veterans Administration (VA) benefits need to have an approved academic plan on file with the Veterans Services office in order to receive their benefits. This plan should be coordinated with the student veteran’s academic advisor who should sign and date the plan showing that it is current and accurate. The School Certifying Official at the Veterans Services office reviews this document when certifying the student’s request for benefits such as the Post-911 GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation, or the Montgomery GI Bill. If the academic plan is not followed, the student veteran will not receive his/her VA benefits. Student veterans accessing the Post-911 GI Bill receive housing allowance at a rate equal to the percentage of full-time course load they are pursuing each semester (rounded up to the nearest tenth). For example, an undergraduate student taking 12 units would receive full housing allowance, where a student taking 9 units would receive 80%. When classes are canceled, the Veterans Services office would appreciate your assistance in helping your student veterans find substitute classes which will meet their academic requirements. Substitution is essential if the student veteran is to receive VBA benefits. Many student veterans use their housing stipend to pay for rent. A reduction in "certifiable" academic courses could mean loss of critical benefits for the student veteran. Extended Application for Combat Veterans Combat veterans that have redeployed from a theater of combat in the last six months or have recently been released from the hospital for service-related injuries while deployed may be eligible to apply late to the university. CSULB will automatically extend the application deadline for members of the U.S. military who return from a combat zone including but not limited to Iraq and Afghanistan. For a period not to exceed six months following (1) return from combat service or (2) release from a hospital stay resulting from combat wounds, whichever is later, a returning combat veteran will be eligible for the following extended admission application deadlines:  Undergraduate programs: June 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.  Masters and Credential programs: July 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester

21

To apply for this application extension, military combat veterans must submit the following documents to the Director of Evaluation and Records, Enrollment Services within the timeframe listed above: 1. the appropriate application for admission, 2. application fee, and 3. a copy of military orders indicating the theater of combat, hospital, or medical facility showing the date of return from combat or release from the hospital or medical facility. If a veteran meets the application extension criteria, they will be notified of the additional documents needed to consider their admission application. Other deadlines (file completion, intent to enroll, etc) will be adjusted as needed depending on the timing of the admission application. The above policy does not exempt military personnel from meeting the established academic requirements for enrollment and admission to California State University, Long Beach. Extension of the application deadline should not be considered any indication of the admissibility of the veteran to the University nor to impacted majors or graduate programs. Priority Registration for Selected Student Veterans Active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and veterans who have been discharged from service in the last four years may apply for priority registration for classes at CSULB. Student Veterans who think they may be eligible should contact the Veterans Services office. GE Credit for Basic Training and Credit Evaluation at CSULB Student veterans can receive up to three units of Area "E" General Education credit if they have attended basic training. Based on the approval of the GEGC, Enrollment Services will now be able to follow the ACE recommendation on Basic Training or Recruit Training as well as the recommendation of the Executive Order:  Up to 3 Units of Area E GE credit will be granted



As the ACE recommendation on the number of units to be awarded varies by branch and sometimes by the type of experience the service member has completed, any units recommended by ACE in excess of the three units granted for Area E will be awarded in lower division general elective credit.

Disabled Veterans All student veterans are encouraged to sign up for services at CSULB's Disabled Student Services (DSS) office and the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office. Both offices provide professional staff services to assist student veterans with injuries in an academic environment. These offices are often times used in conjunction with VA hospital services or Vet Center assistance. DSS and CAPS can provide referrals for student veterans attending CSULB who may require extended healthcare support through the Veterans Administration.

22

Readmission of Members of the Armed Forces The Higher Education Opportunity Act entitles members of the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve to readmission to the University if their separation is caused by either voluntary or involuntary service on active duty for a period of more than 30 days. In general, members called to active duty are expected to provide written or verbal notice of such service to the appropriate campus official unless such a notice is precluded by military necessity or would compromise national security. After completing a period of service, a student may defer notifying the campus of the intent to return for no more than three years. The cumulative length of absence from continuous attendance, however, cannot exceed five years. In those cases, the University would be free to impose the established leave of absence policy and ordinary admissions practices. Readmission can and should occur whenever it is requested for a subsequent term. Section 66025.8 of the California Education Code provides enrollment priority to members of the Armed Forces returning from active duty (veterans). The student's best interest should be considered, however, if the readmission is for any term in which instruction has already begun. In those cases, advisement should be provided to assist students in locating available classes and in determining whether or not they can recover the missed assignments. Students should not be readmitted after census date. A student hospitalized or convalescing from an illness or injury during the performance of service is expected to notify the campus of the intent to return no later than two years after the end of recovery. If student veterans still have questions regarding CSULB's policy or procedures concerning military deployments they should inquire with Enrollment Services or the Veterans Services office.

23

The G.I Bill Currently, there are two primary types of G.I Bill that veterans may be participating in. General information about each (adapted from the Veterans Administration Website) follows. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of service in one of the branches of service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. A veteran must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill became effective training or education on or after August 1, 2009. The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing. For a summary of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, see http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Benefit_Comparison_Chart.htm#911amount. Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, and vocational/technical training. All training programs must be offered by an institution of higher learning and approved for GI Bill benefits. Additionally, tutorial assistance, and licensing and certification test reimbursement are approved under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay tuition based upon the highest in-state tuition charged by an educational institution in the state where the educational institution is located. For more expensive tuition, a program exists which may help to reimburse the difference. This program is called the “Yellow Ribbon Program”. For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Program see http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/YRP/Yellow_ribbon.htm. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill to dependents. The Montgomery G.I. Bill The Montgomery GI Bill – for veterans who served on active duty, called "MGIB" for short, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for:  College  Technical or Vocational Courses  Correspondence Courses  Apprenticeship/Job Training  Flight Training  High-tech Training  Licensing & Certification Tests  Entrepreneurship Training

24



Certain Entrance Examinations

The Montgomery G.I. Bill has a variety of categories that differ based on when a veteran served, how long he/she served and whether or not the veteran contributed to the program during the first year of his/her enlistment. Benefits may also vary based on whether the Department of Defense put extra funds in the veterans account due to participation in one of the service College Funds. For more information on this program see http://www.gibill.va.gov/ pamphlets/CH30/CH30_Pamphlet_General.htm

25

What is PTSD? Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an stress disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something horrible and scary that you see or that happens to you. During this type of event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. You may feel afraid or feel that you have no control over what is happening. Anyone who has gone through a life-threatening event can develop PTSD. These events can include:      

Combat or military exposure Child sexual or physical abuse Terrorist attacks Sexual or physical assault Serious accidents, such as a car wreck. Natural disasters, such as a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake.

After the event, you may feel scared, confused, or angry. If these feelings don't go away or they get worse, you may have PTSD. These symptoms may disrupt your life, making it hard to continue with your daily activities. How does PTSD develop? All people with PTSD have lived through a traumatic event that caused them to fear for their lives, see horrible things, and feel helpless. Strong emotions caused by the event create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD. Most people who go through a traumatic event have some symptoms at the beginning. Yet only some will develop PTSD. It isn't clear why some people develop PTSD and others don't. How likely you are to get PTSD depends on many things. These include:      

How intense the trauma was or how long it lasted If you lost someone you were close to or were hurt How close you were to the event How strong your reaction was How much you felt in control of events How much help and support you got after the event

Many people who develop PTSD get better at some time. But about 1 out of 3 people with PTSD may continue to have some symptoms. Even if you continue to have symptoms, treatment can help you cope. Your symptoms don't have to interfere with your everyday activities, work, and relationships.

26

What are the symptoms of PTSD? Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be terrifying. They may disrupt your life and make it hard to continue with your daily activities. It may be hard just to get through the day. PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event, but they may not happen until months or years later. They also may come and go over many years. If the symptoms last longer than 4 weeks, cause you great distress, or interfere with your work or home life, you probably have PTSD. There are four types of symptoms: reliving the event, avoidance, numbing, and feeling keyed up. 1. Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms): Bad memories of the traumatic event can come back at any time. You may feel the same fear and horror you did when the event took place. You may have nightmares. You even may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback. Sometimes there is a trigger: a sound or sight that causes you to relive the event. Triggers might include:   

Hearing a car backfire, which can bring back memories of gunfire and war for a combat veteran Seeing a car accident, which can remind a crash survivor of his or her own accident Seeing a news report of a sexual assault, which may bring back memories of assault for a woman who was raped

2. Avoiding situations that remind you of the event: You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event.   

A person who was in an earthquake may avoid watching television shows or movies in which there are earthquakes A person who was robbed at gunpoint while ordering at a hamburger drive-in may avoid fast-food restaurants Some people may keep very busy or avoid seeking help. This keeps them from having to think or talk about the event.

3. Feeling numb: You may find it hard to express your feelings. This is another way to avoid memories.   

You may not have positive or loving feelings toward other people and may stay away from relationships You may not be interested in activities you used to enjoy You may forget about parts of the traumatic event or not be able to talk about them.

27

4. Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal): You may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger. This is known as hyperarousal. It can cause you to:     

Suddenly become angry or irritable Have a hard time sleeping Have trouble concentrating Fear for your safety and always feel on guard Be very startled when someone surprises you

What are other common problems? People with PTSD may also have other problems. These include:     

Drinking or drug problems Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or despair Employment problems Relationships problems including divorce and violence Physical symptoms

Can children have PTSD? Children can have PTSD too. They may have the symptoms described above or other symptoms depending on how old they are. As children get older their symptoms are more like those of adults.  

Young children may become upset if their parents are not close by, have trouble sleeping, or suddenly have trouble with toilet training or going to the bathroom Children who are in the first few years of elementary school (ages 6 to 9) may act out the trauma through play, drawings, or stories. They may complain of physical problems or become more irritable or aggressive. They also may develop fears and anxiety that don't seem to be caused by the traumatic event.

What treatments are available? When you have PTSD, dealing with the past can be hard. Instead of telling others how you feel, you may keep your feelings bottled up. But treatment can help you get better. There are good treatments available for PTSD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of counseling. It appears to be the most effective type of counseling for PTSD. There are different types of cognitive behavioral therapies such as cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. A similar kind of therapy called EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is also used for PTSD. Medications can be effective too. A type of drug known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is also used for depression, is effective for PTSD. United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (2010). What is PTSD? Retrieved February 7, 2010 from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/what-is-ptsd.asp

28

Vet Resources – CSULB Veterans Services (562) 985-4279/5115 Foundation Building Room (FND) 220 www.csulb.edu/veterans Services include  Benefit certification for veterans educational benefits and for the dependents of veterans using the CalVet fee waiver  Assistance for recently redeploying veterans (last six months) who want to apply late  Support and oversight for the VetNet, the student veterans on-campus organization  Awareness initiatives and presentations such as the VET NET ALLY Program  Referral assistance for off-campus support concerning healthcare, employment, and transition Counseling and Psychological Services (562) 985-4001 Brotman Hall (BH) 226 www.csulb.edu/caps Services include  Individual and group psychotherapy  Crisis intervention  Referral services  Training and supervision  Outreach and program development  Consultation  Program evaluation Disabled Student Services (562) 985-5401 Brotman Hall (BH) 270 www.csulb.edu/dss Services include  Academic advising  Tutoring  Disability parking  Campus and agency liaison

29

         

Test taking services and accommodations Note taking Reader services Registration assistance Priority registration Scholarship applications Admission advising Research assistants Financial aid advising Disability management

30

Vet Resources – Long Beach Emergency Response If you have a life threatening emergency, please dial 911 National Crisis Hotlines National Suicide Prevention Lifeline If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please call (800) 273-8255, Vets Press 1 National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) Mental Health Access for Veterans VA Mental Health Treatment Center (MHTS): (562) 826-5737 or (562) 826-2304 VA Medical Center 5901 E. 7th Street, Building 126, Room W-128 Long Beach, CA 90802 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm National Veterans Administration (VA) - Telecare 24-hour Hotline: (877) 252-4866 Mental Health Outpatient Services Military One Source – www.militaryonesource.com: (800) 342-9647 Long Beach Mental Health Center: (562) 599-9280 1875 Long Beach Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90806 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm (Wednesday 8:00 to 7:00) Mental Health America – Village ISA: (562)437-6717 456 Elm Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm Drop-in Center: MTWRF 9:00am to 5:00pm; Wednesday 10:00am to 2:00pm Family Service 2 locations in Long Beach 5500 Atherton Street, Suite 416 Long Beach, CA 90815 (562) 493-1496

31

1043 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 436-3358 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Some evening and weekend appointments available. Medical Services VA Medical Center: (562) 826-8000 5901 E. 7th Street, Building 126, Room W-128 Long Beach, CA 90802 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Long Beach Comprehensive Health Care Center: (562) 599-8787 1333 Chestnut Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 Walk-in hours: 7:30am to 7:30pm Saturdays 8:00am to 4:00pm Housing/Shelter VA Homeless Outreach: (562) 826-8000 ext. 2852 Jeff Boucher VA Supported Housing (VASH): (562) 826-8000 ext. 2087 John Alexander or Jean Moonilal Multi-Service Center: (562) 733-1147 1301 W. 12th Street Long Beach, CA 90813 Low Cost Dental Community Care Dental Center: (714) 843-0892 17752 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, CA 92647 USC School of Dentistry: (213) 740-2805 925 West 34th Street Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641 UCLA School of Dentistry: (310) 825-2337 Clothing and Hygiene Products Red Cross: (562) 826-8000 ext. 4664 VA Medical Center, 5901 E. 7th Street, Bldg 1 Room 222 (2nd Floor next to chapel) Long Beach, CA 90802

32

Lutheran Social Services (562) 599-1321 1611 Pine Ave. Long Beach, Ca 90813

33

Vet Resources – Orange County Emergency Response If you have a life threatening emergency, please dial 911 Crisis Hotlines Centralized Assessment Teams, Orange County: (866) 830-6011 or (714) 517-6353 National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please call (800) 273-8255, Vets Press 1 Mental Health Association in Orange County – 24-hour Helpline: (800) 832-1200 Mental Health Access for Veterans VA Mental Health Treatment Center (MHTS): (562) 826-5737 or (562) 826-2304 VA Medical Center 5901 E. 7th Street, Building 126, Room W-128 Long Beach, CA 90802 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm National Veterans Administration (VA) - Telecare 24-hour Hotline: (877) 252-4866 Vet Center 12453 Lewis Street, Suite 101 Garden Grove, CA 92804 (714) 776-0161 26431 Crown Valley Parkway Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 348-6700 Orange County Health Care Agency – Behavioral Health Services Veteran Services, Prevention & Intervention Division - Santa Ana (714) 480-4678 Adult Mental Health Services, outpatient Clinics: Evaluation & Treatment Services: (800) 723-8641 or (714) 834-6900 Anaheim: (714) 517-6300 Costa Mesa: (714) 850-8463

34

Fullerton: (714) 447-7000 Mission Viejo: (949) 454-3940 Santa Ana: (714) 480-6767 Westminster: (714) 896-7566 Alcohol and drug Abuse Services Aliso Viejo: (949) 643-6930 Anaheim: (714) 517-6140 Santa Ana: (714) 480-6660 Westminster: (714) 934-4600 Military One Source – www.militaryonesource.com: (800) 342-9647 Family Mental Health Resources Children Youth Services, Orange County Health Care Agency Clinics Costa Mesa: (714) 850-8408 Laguna Beach: (949) 499-5346 Mission Viejo: (949) 770-0855 Placentia: (714) 577-5400 Santa Ana: (714) 480-6600 Westminster: (714) 896-7556 Western Youth Services: (714) 704-5900 Family Support Network: (714) 854-7762 Regional Center of Orange County: (714) 796-5100 Benefits Veterans Service Office: (714) 567-7450 1300 S. Grand Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92705 Department of Veterans Affairs Telephone Assistance Service: (800)-1000 Housing/Shelters American Family Housing/ Shelter for the Homeless, Midway City: (714) 897-3221 Collets House (for women and children), Huntington Beach: (714) 596-1380 Family Forward (for families), Irvine: (949) 552-2727 Kathy’s House (for women and children), Costa Mesa: (949) 248-8300 Mary’s Shelter (for teens), Santa Ana: (714) 730-0930 National Coalition for Homeless Veterans: (202) 546-1969 Helping Our Mentally Ill Experience Success (HOMES) (housing expense assistance): (949) 851-2766 HUD Veteran Resource Center/ Orange County HUD (800) 998-9999 or (714) 480-2991

35

Employment Cal Works Santa Ana: (714) 358-1980 Anaheim: (714) 765-4350 Irvine: (949) 341-8000 Legal Veterans Court: (714) 569-2226 Education Services Orange County Department of Education, Costa Mesa: (714) 966-4000 Medical Services SOS Free Clinic, Costa Mesa (medical and dental): (949) 650-0640 The Hurtt family Health Clinic (sliding scale): (714) 247-4348 One Hope Drive Tustin, CA 92782 Lestonac Free Clinic: (714) 633-4600 1215 E. Chapman Ave Orange, CA 92866 Dental Services Euclid Dental Services, Garden Grove: (714) 530-1039 La Amistad Family Dental Clinic, St. Joseph Hospital, Orange: (714) 771-8005 Additional County Resources Health Referral Line: (800) 564-8448 2-1-1; 211 or (888) 600-4357 Wellness Center, Santa Ana: (714) 361-4860 Veteran Network of Care: www.orange.networkofcare.org/veterans

36