Kalata-Week 2-G. V. "Sonny" Montgomery Center for America's Veterans

Activities

-Transfer Orientation

-Freshmen Orientation
-Veterans' Affairs job search for career opportunities
-Shadow a staff member
-Interview a staff member
-Research veterans services and awareness programs across the country
-Learn the military alphabet http://www.militaryalphabet.org/

Reflection

This week has been enlightening! The first item I want to discuss is the “Veterans Affairs Benefits Claim Assistance Issues Drop Box” the Center has. This box, which is located in the student computer lab, allows students utilizing the Center to give feedback on the process and report and issues. This box is locked so that others may not have access to it. I feel this one item encourages feedback and promotes growth. I am so happy to see this!

The second noteworthy item is the fact that Mississippi State’s G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans and its own Colonel McRae were highlighted by Aurora Foundation. The Aurora Foundation is a foundation dedicated solely to aiding and supporting veterans. This article (found via the link) reflects highly on our center and personnel. It also made me realize how much travel in necessary when working in a reputable and progressive center. Veterans Affairs is not standardized at each campus. Discovering Mississippi State is a model was exciting. I also found out that Mississippi State is now earning the respect of other centers within Mississippi due to this press and is being invited to attend and lead Veterans Affairs sessions at professional gathering. Read more about it!

http://aurora4vets.org/blog/2013/6/14/highlight-our-heroes-success

With interviewing the staff, I found that the perception I initially had of the G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans, based wholly on the reputation of the military personnel offices, was completely wrong.  The office is a collaborative, cooperative, familial place. They work together to combine governmental paperwork and deadlines with a holistic, student-centered customer service approach. This balance is difficult; it means there is always a “To Do” list, especially since they are audited once a year.

I feel fortunate having my first experience with Veterans’ Affairs in such a progressive and student-centered office!