Florida Governor Crist Lauds USF For Supporting Returning Veterans

Celebrates nation’s first pilot program to help veterans returning to colleges and universities

November 6, 2009 -- TAMPA – Today, Florida Governor Charlie Crist joined together with representatives from the University of South Florida (USF), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs at the USF campus to participate in Uniforms to Mortarboards, a statewide conference to discuss issues important to Florida’s veteran students. The Governor also applauded VetsSuccess on Campus, a new, veteran-specific educational pilot program by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the University of South Florida.

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“Florida has a cherished reputation as a military and veteran friendly state, and I remain committed to continuing to make Florida’s institutions of higher learning accessible to our veterans,” said Governor Crist. “I am proud of the University of South Florida for hosting today’s student veteran gathering and implementing a first-of-its-kind pilot program, VetSuccess on Campus. I am confident that good initiatives like this will assist veterans in meeting their educational goals as they acclimate to civilian life, grow their careers and care for their families.”

With the passing of the New GI Bill, or Post 9/11 GI Bill, federal resources are now available to help veterans meet their educational and career goals. VetSuccess on Campus is a federal trial program aimed at providing support to returning service members who enroll in USF classes under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicating a liaison to the university’s Veterans Services Office to aid veteran students and provide any necessary counsel.

The Governor also formally presented the Veterans Affairs (VA) Sunshine Healthcare Network with the Governor’s Point of Light award. In October 2009, the more than 6,800 volunteers of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Sunshine Healthcare Network were recognized for providing nearly 715,000 hours of service during the 2007-08 federal fiscal year to veterans in Florida, representing the equivalent of 295 full-time positions. The network volunteers also raised more than $1.7 million in monetary donations that are benefiting VA hospitals throughout Florida.

Currently, more than 170,000 service members from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom declare Florida as their home state, while more than 17,000 veterans are presently enrolled in Florida’s higher education system. Currently, USF reports the 10th largest population of veteran and dependent students in the nation and since 1974 has had a Veterans Services Office on their campus.

In addition, Governor Crist launched the Florida Service 2 Scholars Initiative in May 2009 featuring a comprehensive Web site at www.service2scholars.org, Under the leadership of the Board of Governors and in partnership with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Florida’s community colleges and other partners, the Web site showcases the vast curriculums and services available to veterans under the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Source: Florida Governor