By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
On Tuesday, July 19, Athens State University is going to host an event exclusively geared for veterans of any age with the goal of connecting them with vet friendly resources for careers, education, and community support. The Veterans’ Resource Day is the brainchild of Carolyn Carthen, who heads up the Veterans and International Students Support Department for the University. The ASU Advancement Team let her know that there was some grant money available through the Redstone Arsenal Military and Civilians Club to help make the Resource Day happen, and she is gratified that so many businesses and organizations have come on board.
One thing that happens often with people who want to help and honor veterans is that there are resources available that are far-flung, and “the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.” Carolyn said, “I am excited that vets will have an opportunity to know what’s available. Everything will be under one roof.” In addition, she wanted people to understand that Athens State University is what is known as a Purple Heart College. In addition to supporting anyone who served in our military and has benefits which can be applied to secondary education, there are additional benefits for those who have received Purple Hearts for having been injured in combat. “Purple Heart recipients have to provide proof of having received their medal, and I am proud to say that right now we have two Purple Heart students who are finishing their education.”
The focus of the Resource Day is three-fold: college, career, and community. There will be employers who are seeking to hire, career-building experts that can guide vets toward both education and potential employers, and community support personnel and professional counselors who can respectfully help vets who are struggling.
As of this morning, there were 33 organizations that have decided to come and be involved with the Resource Day. A sampling includes: T-Mobile, Turner Industries, Asahi Kasei Plastics, Carpenter Technologies, Amazon, BOCAR, Alliance HR and Waffle House. There are Kids and Kin, Crisis Services of North Alabama, Still Serving Vets, the Veterans Administration, Disabled American Veterans, Huntsville Vets Association, and several private individuals. Every one of those who will be present have a heart for vets and their families, and Carolyn is pleased to be the one that is going to be able to facilitate a networking event that has the potential to change lives. If you are a vet, know a vet, are related to a vet or care about vets, tell a vet and better yet, bring a vet to the Resource Day on July 19. You never know what kind of difference you might make.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
April 19, 2024
