OPERATION H.U.M.V.E.E
(HELPING UNDERSTAND MEN & WOMEN VETERANS ENTERING INTO EDUCATION)
"Pain is temporary, pride is forever"
Why Did I Feel This Was Important on Our Campus?
Multiple Perspectives Conference
Military Credentials on Campus
Helping Students in Need
Troop Statisticsfrom the Department of Defense
Approximately 1.8 million troops
36,000 U.S. troops “wounded-in-action”
Another 43,000 U.S. troops have “non-hostile injuries” (accidents, illnesses, mental breakdowns)
How does this apply to UNOH
UNOH is a nationally recognized Yellow Ribbon School
UNOH is also recognized as a Military Friendly School for 2011 by G.I. Jobs
Expecting a 30% jump in Wounded Warriors on campuses across the country
Since August 2009 over 500,000 service members have enrolled in school under the GI Bill across the country
Current UNOH Statistics
186 Veterans on campus
22 students taking VC courses
6 students currently deployed
Who are Wounded Warriors?
12-16% are females
84-88% are males
24 – average age of a wounded warrior
Often a more mature group of students who need refresher courses and help advocating for themselves
Types of Injuries
Visible injuries – spinal cord injuries, amputees, disfigurements, etc.
Invisible injuries – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The focus of today’s presentation
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
“An anxiety disorder resulting from exposure to an experience involving direct or indirect threat of serious harm or death; may be experienced alone (rape/assault) or in the company of others (military combat)”
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Damage to the brain triggered by externally acting forces such as a blast
“Barotrauma” – pressure wave, blast wave (69%) – also important to auditory injuries
Penetrating objects put in motion (5%)
Individuals put in motion (remainder not as likely blast related – e.g. vehicular collision)
As Educators, What Can We Do To Help These Students?
Be patient– this is really important when working with individuals with TBI & PTSD. Thought processes, cognition, & physical capabilities may be altered
Be willing to make adaptations in the classroom – A student may need to sit in a particular spot in the classroom, may need a timeline for class events, or just a simple warning to the class that there may be graphic points to a video clip or loud noises in shop
Educator Help Continued
Put own feelings and opinions aside – avoid making comments that reflect personal stance on OEF and/or OIF or previous wars
Recommend they speak with someone for help – often the individuals do not realize they need extra help or do not know where they can turn for the help (list on last page)
Affected Family Members
We may come in contact with many of the following family members of our Veterans:
Spouse Children Siblings Parents
Be supportive – listen, introduce to others in the same predicament, etc.
Guide them to one of the task force members for assistance
What Are We Doing At UNOH To Help Veterans?
Campus wide In-Service
Local Agency Information
Campus Task Force
Open Mind about Accommodations
Who Can These Students Turn To On Campus?
Veteran Task Force Randy Gonzalez (100 building) Robyn King (100 building) Cindy Preston (100 building) Jason Wagner (100 building) Bob Elsass (200 building) Terry Miller (200 building) Dorothy Schroeder (200 building) Tom Grothous (300 building) Gary Tinnel (300 building) Danielle McClure (500 building) Randy Lucius (600 building)