 "Photo: Deborah Harrison")
The Alamo Colleges have a growing population of veterans and military students.
In August, Board Chairman Denver McClendon announced: “We are one of the 50 top community colleges chosen by the military to take courses in. I’m very proud of that fact.”
Jerardo Gonzalez of the district’s office of institutional research and effectiveness, said there are roughly 843 active-duty military students registered at one of the five colleges of the district. Though preliminary, there should not be much of a difference once certified, he said.
In addition, the veterans affairs office on this campus assists about 1,400 veterans in cashing in their G.I. Bill benefits.
History sophomore Jack Mandabille, a work-study student in veterans affairs, said there are many enrolled through the Hazelwood Act available for veterans who enlisted outside of Texas. Mandabille said this is the largest number of veterans to be enrolled in college since World War II. He credits that to Chapter 33 incentives in the Post 9-11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which went into effect Aug. 1, 2008.
In addition to full tuition, Chapter 33 provides veterans with $1,240 per month for housing and a book stipend.
Gloria Gonzales, senior secretary in the veterans affairs office, said “there has been a tremendous increase” in veterans returning to college. She said there are a variety of chapters available to veterans, but they all cover tuition and are aimed at helping veterans get an education and a job. “That’s the whole purpose of the G.I. Bill, to help them get a job out in the world,” Gonzales said. “If you’re a vet or a dependent and entitled to receive benefits, use them wisely, but use them.”
Beneficiaries also are allowed to use these benefits, and Gonzales encourages everyone who is eligible to take advantage of the opportunities. “Don’t let it go to waste.”
Mandabille, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years and left as a corporal, said he attends this college because he is “very new to the area and a couple of my friends recommended it.” He said, “I think it does a very good job helping veterans. This community, in its own, is very friendly to veterans.”
San Antonio was once home to five Air Force installations and an Army post, Fort Sam Houston, established in 1876 and now home to the Army Medical Command, 5th U.S. Army, U.S. Army South and Brooke Army Medical Center.
With its multiple medical facilities, Fort Sam Houston calls itself the largest and most important medical facility in the world.
The city also played a significant role in development of aviation and the U.S. Air Force. With so many resources, the city is a favored military retirement center.
In addition to the veteran benefits, military spouses are eligible for the career advancement account, or CAA, which will pay up to $6,000.
Steven Sparks, continuing education’s director of operations, said, “This program takes the financial burden out of the way.”
Sparks said the program began here in September, but he has “spoken with counselors and they anticipate this being a long-term” program. He said the district is “in tune with trying to meet with needs and military bases.”
He added, “The Alamo Colleges provide the most flexibility for students regarding training and meeting students’ needs. We’re geared up because of our resources to meet the demand of the community. We’re also so affordable. We’ve become the provider of choice and I’m very proud of it.”
