A MAGAZINE FOR THE MILITARY COMMUNITY | WINTER 2012 PHOENIX

Help for Heroes A road to recovery

Military medical innovations Plan for a successful transition Where’s Kilroy? LETTER FROM THE Executive Editor

As I welcome you to the first edition of our newly redesigned Phoenix Patriot magazine, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude for the sacrifices you have made for our country. Having served in the U.S. Army for 28 I recently went through that transition, FAST FACTS years, I know first-hand the excitement, myself. In 2009, I retired from the U.S. chaos and fulfillment that define military Army Corps of Engineers after nearly life. Whether you are currently deployed, three decades of service. When I began GARLAND H. have proudly worn a uniform in the past my transition, I thought I was set because I WILLIAMS or are raising your family while a loved one have my Ph.D. While that certainly opened Colonel (Retired), Ph.D. serves, your contributions to our freedom doors for me, my retirement coincided BRANCH: have not gone unnoticed. with a period during which defense U.S. Army contractor jobs dried up pending federal Our call to support you budget approval. As often happens in life, YEARS OF At University of Phoenix, our appreciation that obstacle opened a new opportunity in MILITARY SERVICE: for your service is what drives us to do the University of Phoenix Military Division, 28 our very best to support members of a group I didn’t even know existed. the broader military community. This RETIRED: magazine is part of that effort. With it, we A team just for you 2009 strive to provide you with information that Today, I’m excited and proud to be part of HOMETOWN: is relevant to you and your unique lifestyle this team, which was created to address Atlanta, Georgia and hopefully, in some small way, will the unique needs that members of the improve your life. In the Phoenix Patriot, U.S. Armed Forces have in regard to higher we’ll highlight your accomplishments so education. We know that military learners your success may inspire others, and we’ll are at-risk students because of the nature also give you a reason to laugh, wherever of their jobs. At University of Phoenix, you are. we have graduation teams to guide them through the entire process, from the day A culture of evolution they enroll to the day they receive their Any member of the military knows that degrees. Though I have attended a lot of change is a defining characteristic of school in my day, I have never seen this this calling. In this edition of Phoenix kind of support for military students. It Patriot, we introduce a series of stories on is with great pride that I join this effort to transitioning from military to civilian life, help members of the military community something every member of the military achieve their dream of earning a degree, will face one day. paving the way for a better life after military service. Until next time,

GARLAND WILLIAMS, Ph.D. USA2 PHOENIX COL (ret), Associate Winter 2012 Regional Vice President, Military phoenix.edu/military 3 CONTENTS Winter 2012

Features Profiles Staff

PHOENIX PATRIOT is produced quarterly by the University of Phoenix 24 Help Military Relations Department. for Senior Vice President Arra Yerganian Heroes Associate Regional Vice Non-profit veteran organizations help President, Military Garland Williams returning service men and women ease Vice President back into civilian life. Kathleen Fern 8 28 Editorial Director Peter Burch Amir Johnson Jenifer King An Air Force veteran offers transition advice. A former Marine sets goals to achieve success. Senior Editor Sally Benford 16 Strategy Director Allison Don Military Medicine: Senior Writer A history of innovation Julie Wilson Department Writer Some of medicine’s newest discoveries Ken Jensen were initiated by a need for quick, life-saving Design treatments on the battlefield. We can thank PS Studio the U.S. Military for innovations that have Contributing Photographers Bruce Racine found their way into mainstream healthcare. Richard Maack

University of Phoenix 34 42 Military Relations 4025 S. Riverpoint Parkway Aaron Saul Vickey Guiles Phoenix, AZ 85040 An F-16 pilot moves from the cockpit to This Army spouse is a woman of action. Contact us at the classroom. [email protected] P 800.795.2586 F 602.643.0552

or visit us at Departments Connections For Fun alumni.phoenix.edu Editorial Team 6 38 32 LETTERS HOME PRESIDENT’S LETTER TRIVIA A WWII message Dr. Pepicello’s welcome Do you know your military history?

12 40 46 HISTORY UNIVERSITY NEWS “IT” HAPPENS Our military past Scholarships and information A comic strip about life in the military Kathleen Fern Jenifer King Vice President Editorial Director 22 48 PLACES IN HISTORY JUST ASK The Battle of Gettysburg We answer your education questions

23 50 Former U.S. Marine Mason Poe (left and cover) BY THE NUMBERS PARTING SHOT hopes to inspire fellow veterans through the Sally Benford Allison Don Military fast facts A view from the flight deck Senior Editor Strategy Wounded Warriors Project Soldier Ride. Director

4 PHOENIX Winter 2012 © 2012 University of Phoenix, Inc. All rights reserved. phoenix.edu/military 5 LETTERS HOME World War II

SOMEWHERE “We called it ‘the bulge’ IN GERMANY February 19, 1945 and it was one of the From D-day until toughest campaigns the war in Europe ended in May, we’ve yet encountered.” 1945, American soldiers fought on the beaches, hills, fields and forests of France while the folks at home waited for news from their loved ones. Toward the end of 1944, it seemed the war was almost over. In fact, Gen. Eisenhower had privately bet a friend that the Germans would surrender by Christmas. But Hitler had other plans. On December 16, the German Army launched a counteroffensive that led to the war’s toughest European battle. For six weeks, American troops fought both the German Army and brutal winter weather, ultimately prevailing and setting the stage for victory in Europe.

Paul Banks (left and above) was a captain in the 474th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion during World War II. The unit shot down enemy aircraft during the fighting at Utah Beach, Cherbourg, and the Ardennes Forest in Read the transcript of Banks’ letter at phoenixpatriotmagazine.com ONLINE EXTRAS Visit phoenixpatriotmagazine.com one of the war’s bloodiest conflicts: The Battle of the Bulge. The swastikas painted to see additional letters. on the side of the gun represent the enemy planes his unit shot down.

6 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 7 Ready, Aim, FAST FACTS PETER BURCH MSN 2011

BRANCHES: U.S. Air Force, U.S. Air Force Reserves, U.S. Army Reserves

ENLISTED: Retire 1975 RETIRED: PLAN FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS 2009

YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 34

By Julie Wilson TRANSITION TIMELINE: Started two In this edition of Phoenix Patriot, we introduce a series on how to years out make a successful transition from military to civilian life. According MILITARY HIGHLIGHTS: to Garland Williams, associate regional vice president of the Military Security police, Division at University of Phoenix, the key is starting to prepare two medical technician, flight nurse, ejection years or more before your desired retirement date. “You’ve got to systems technician

think through how your valuable military experience can translate COMMENDATIONS: into a civilian career,” advises Williams, who retired from the U.S. Three Commendation Army in 2009 after 28 years of service. “It’s a tough job market out Medals, two Air there, and proper planning can make all the difference.” Force Meritorious Service Medals, two Bronze Stars for service in Desert ighteen to 24 months prior to retirement, military Storm and Desert personnel should give serious thought to what Shield they want to do after they get out. “This includes evaluating the job market and which industries CURRENT JOB: Eare hiring, as well as determining the skills and education Endoscopy nurse required to land the position you want,” Williams adds.

On the following pages, Peter Burch, who served in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserves and Army Reserves, shares his own story of retirement, including how he laid the

8 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 9 TOP TRANSITION TIP: “You have to be really motivated and a good juggler. You have to prioritize what is important to you and have a strong family support system.” groundwork for a fruitful career after In 1981 when he joined the U.S. Air Force offering him a job if he would complete Burch has also had to adjust to living serving his country for more than Reserves, he trained to be a medical his master’s degree in nursing, which and working in a world that doesn’t three decades. technician, his first foray into healthcare. he decided to pursue at University of necessarily share in the strong work Charting a course for success A few years later, he became a registered Phoenix. “As soon as I was finished, I had a ethic that is a keystone of military life. When Peter Burch joined the U.S. Air Force nurse and was assigned as a flight nurse job waiting for me,” he adds. “[In the military,] we do the best that we in 1975, he did so out of a deep sense of for 12 years. He was deployed to serve can with our jobs, showing up on-time pride in his country and a desire to do in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Today, Burch knows he made the right or early,” he says. Sometimes he finds more. With his mother and brother raising “The Army would patch them up,” he decision to stay in a career that allows him himself frustrated with co-workers who him—and college not in the budget—the remembers. “When they were stable, we to help others, which is his true calling. “If do not give 100 percent while on the job. GI Bill was a welcome benefit. But what would pick them up and fly them out.” you don’t nurse from the heart, then you began as a gesture of patriotism and are in the wrong line of business,” he says. A future of giving back sensible way to secure his future turned “In 2006, I went to Homestead Air Reserve “It’s like a dream job [for me].” Despite the challenges Burch has into a surprising lifelong passion. “I never Base in Florida where I was cross-trained faced during his transition to civilian realized how much I would love it once I as an ejection systems technician for Unexpected challenges life, he finds great satisfaction in his got in,” he says. F-16s,” he explains. Transitioning to civilian life after a long current job as an endoscopy nurse at military career was not without its Florida Hospital in Orlando. Still, he has Early adventures A new chapter obstacles. “The hardest thing when you his eye on the future and how he can Like so many before him, at the onset More than three decades after he began come back from war, after carrying a gun continue to serve his country beyond of his military career, young Burch was his military career, the time had come for 24/7 and relying on your buddies and them his retirement. “I want to go to the focused on the excitement of starting Burch to retire. Two years before he left on you, is that it feels like your head is on a Veteran’s Administration and take care his service, with retirement the farthest the military, he began to evaluate what swivel,” he says, of being sensitive to loud of my fellow veterans,” he says. “That thing from his thoughts. He began as a he wanted to do with the rest of his life. “I noises. After seeking treatment, he was way I’d have one hand in the military and member of the security police, guarding looked at the economy and made a choice diagnosed and treated for post-traumatic another in medicine, my two loves.” F-4 Phantoms and weapons of mass to stay in nursing,” he says. A friend who is stress disorder (PTSD), which helped him destruction in England. a doctor added incentive to his decision, ease back into civilian life.

TRANSITION TIMELINE: Plan for a successful transition to civilian life Though you can’t apply for retirement from the military until 12 months prior to your desired retirement date, there are plenty of things you can do to set the stage for a successful departure from the U.S. Armed Forces.

24-18 MONTHS PRIOR 18-12 MONTHS PRIOR 12-9 MONTHS PRIOR 9-6 MONTHS PRIOR 6-3 MONTHS PRIOR 3-0 MONTHS PRIOR

• Begin to think about what skills and • Meet with your superiors to discuss the • Begin attending job fairs to gauge the • Begin the process of collecting your military • Begin your disability evaluation, which • Begin transitioning your military duties to experience you offer future employers and possibility of applying for retirement. market and make contacts. medical records. will factor into your final retirement your successor. what you would like to do after you retire. • Evaluate your finances and create a plan • Post your resume on job search websites and • Sit down with a financial planner to evaluate compensation. • Use your leave days to give yourself free time • Evaluate the job market to see which to pay off any debt prior to your desired with recruiters in your chosen industries. your investments and make adjustments, • Start the job interview process with to secure post-military housing, attend job industries are hiring. retirement date. • Check your clearance level and get copies of as needed. prospective employers. interviews and move. • Research companies and organizations you • Prepare a mock budget that reflects your related paperwork. • Continue to network and participate in job- • Revisit your projected budget and your • Have your final military physical. want to work for. expenses after retirement. Consider hunting activities, such as attending career finances and make adjustments, as needed. • Celebrate your military accomplishments • Do a self-gap analysis to determine the expenses you might have to pay yourself fairs and submitting your resume to job and the new life ahead of you. training, education or certifications you will once you retire, such as health insurance, search websites and recruiters. need to get a job after you leave the military. housing or a work wardrobe. • Investigate your tuition assistance options. • Apply for retirement 12 months prior to your desired retirement date.

10 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 11 HISTORY

DATES TO Did you know? REMEMBER Words to Remember

“I wish to have no connection with any The Curtiss Warhawk, Lockheed ship that does not sail Lightning and Wildcat fighters fast for I intend to go weren’t the only American war JANUARY in harm’s way.” birds put into action during The U.S. Congress creates the Coast Guard — Captain John Paul Jones World War II. At Camp Crowder on January 28, 1915, when it combines in Missouri, the U.S. Army the Life-Saving Service and the Revenue Signal Corps trained more than Cutter Service to form a single maritime “There is many a boy 50,000 homing pigeons to carry force dedicated to enforcing U.S. maritime here today who looks coded messages when it was laws and saving lives at sea. on war as all glory, but important to maintain radio boys, it is all hell.” silence, providing a lifeline to —Major General troops fighting on the front line. William Tecumseh Sherman

“Unfortunately, many people do not consider fun an important item on their daily agenda. DoD photo by TSgt. David McLeod. For me, that was FEBRUARY always high priority in The 100-hour ground war of Desert Storm During the Vietnam War, U.S. whatever I was doing.” concludes as Allied troops enter Kuwait on soldiers put a popular American — General Chuck Yeager February 27, 1991, four days after launching toy, the Slinky, to good use. their ground offensive against Saddam They stretched the coiled wire Hussein’s Iraqi forces. between two trees to serve as radio antennas. U.S. servicemen congregate around the refreshment bar at the Oswego, New York USO canteen in 1943. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection.

troops, so the organization opened canteens across the country. Offering a warm welcome as a home-away-from-home, canteen USO Still Serving hostesses spent time with servicemen, dancing, playing games, By Sally Benford chatting, sharing stories and serving snacks.

Early on, popular Hollywood entertainers put on USO camp shows n February 1941, the U.S. was busy Franklin Roosevelt challenged private Lotteries have more history MARCH for the troops, which took place at military bases around the getting back on track after the organizations to come up with a way to with the U.S. Military than Texans shout the famous rally cry, world in far-flung places like Burma, North Africa and Sicily. Bob Great Depression. Although the entertain the growing number of GIs. Enter just the draft lottery. In 1776, “Remember the Alamo,” after the fort falls Hope became the USO ambassador, an unofficial title he held for country hadn’t entered the war, the the United Service Organization, better the Continental Congress to Mexican troops, led by General Santa the rest of his life. Igovernment began drafting millions of known as the USO. authorized a lottery to finance Ana, on March 6, 1836. The Texans defeat young men to prepare for our national In February, the USO marks more than 70 years of service to the Colonial army. The funds Santa Ana the next month at the Battle of defense, and those troops needed a little Roosevelt’s idea behind the USO was U.S. military men and women. For more information, visit collected helped buy cannons San Jacinto. R&R during their off-duty hours. President to provide emotional support for the www.uso.org. and artillery for the soldiers.

12 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 13 HISTORY

“KILROY GAVE THEM A FEELING OF COMFORT WHEN THEY WERE SCARED TO DEATH AND THEY WANTED TO SPREAD IT AROUND.”

In the early years of World War II, ships were built at such Kilroy story–told in a videotaped interview with several a frenzied pace that they were put into service with the of Kilroy’s children. interiors unpainted, sending Kilroy’s visible inscriptions The most intriguing bit of Kilroy family lore comes from around the world with our troops. James’ son, Robert, who confirmed two oft-rumored Soon, the phrase appeared alongside a comic drawing– Kilroy sightings: one on the Eiffel Tower and one on the most likely a British creation–of an onion-headed Arc de Triomphe in Paris. How could he possibly know character with a drooping nose gripping a fence as he this? Well, Robert admits to scrawling the inscriptions in peers over the top of it. This cartoon became Kilroy as 1959, when he worked at the American Embassy. the image was married to the words. As part of American But the legend has a serious side, too. Tillery, a former history, both the phrase and the image adorn the World Marine, explains that servicemen always marveled at War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. finding Kilroy’s words in the darkest, most inaccessible The real Kilroy–the most authentic one at parts of ships. It meant that no matter where they went, least–wasn’t revealed until 1946, when the he’d been there first and had survived. American Transit Authority (ATA) held a radio “They lived in a world gone mad and needed to know contest to find the origin of the famous Kilroy they’d survive wherever they were going, too,” says phrase. Ship inspector James told his story Tillery. “Kilroy gave them a feeling of comfort when to ATA and was announced the originator of they were scared to death, and they wanted to the phrase. By then, his handiwork had toured spread it around.” the world, showing up all over the Pacific and European theaters on ships, tanks and trucks; There are thousands of Kilroys, and each continues James J. Kilroy on the walls of bombed-out buildings; and in to make the phantom figure’s presence known in the GI latrines. oddest places. Even Adolf Hitler became obsessed with Kilroy. In 2001, Those three words of hope from home are still at work the BBC reported a rumor that during the war, the Nazi in Iraq and Afghanistan today, and if Tillery has his way, Chancellor had his men hunt for Kilroy. Suspecting he they’ll stick around long into the future. He and others, WHERE’S KILROY? might be a canny spy, Hitler ordered his henchman to find including Kilroy family members, are working to win the scribbling menace and shoot him on sight. approval for a Kilroy commemorative stamp. by Leo W. Banks Another Kilroy story comes from the 1945 Potsdam “I’ve forwarded thousands of letters to the U. S. Postal Conference where Harry Truman, Winston Churchill Service’s Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee in support and Joseph Stalin met to decide the fate of defeated of the idea,” says Tillery. “It’s important to keep this great Germany. The amenities available to these powerful tradition going.” leaders included a temporary bathroom built especially ilroy was here. And even if he wasn’t, he’s not going anywhere. For more than 70 years, he’s Certainty isn’t a requirement for legends and after for the occasion. As the story goes, Stalin, who was the been a phenomenon of American military culture, a figure and a phrase that has worked its a fashion, it misses the point. When a story fits the first to use it, emerged from the room, summoned an way into our collective imagination. character of a people, it holds fast through generations K aide, and demanded to know, of retellings, each one adding another layer that might But who was Kilroy really? And why do Americans still care? “Who is Kilroy?” actually be true. Or it might not. Is the Kilroy inscription In stories told by The New York Times in 1946 and The Boston Globe in 2005, the search reaches This story, and many others, come from Kilroywashere. written on the windswept peaks of Mt. Everest? In the back to the early 1940s and the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. There, an inspector org, a website operated by retired air traffic controller Pat dust of the moon? named James J. Kilroy had the job of crawling through ships to check on labor done by the shipyard’s Tillery. Hoping to preserve this slice of Americana, he has We can only wonder. riveters. When Kilroy’s bosses suspected him of slacking off, he began to mark his work, in hard-to- collected hundreds of such accounts, as well as what he miss yellow wax crayon, with his retort, “Kilroy was here.” believes is the true origin of the phenomenon–the James ONLINE EXTRAS Want to share photos of your Kilroy sightings? Upload them at phoenixpatriotmagazine.com

14 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 15 Military medicine: A history of innovation

By Keely Grasser

In 1865, Private Columbus Rush lay wounded on the battlefield at Fort Stedman, Virginia. A shell fragment fractured both his legs, which were amputated later that day. The next year, he was fitted with two artificial legs at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City.

ore than a century later, Oscar Pistorius uses prosthetic legs, too. He uses them to run–fast. The South African athlete is so quick; he qualifies to run Magainst world-class, able-bodied racers. From Private Rush’s early artificial legs to Pistorius’ technologically advanced prosthetics, medical innovation owes much to techniques discovered through military research. And Rush and Pistorius aren’t alone: Many of the medical treatments and processes that take place at doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals throughout the world each day have roots in military medicine.

“It’s a long, huge and rich history,” says Dr. Dale Smith, senior vice-president of the Bethesda, Maryland-based, federally run

16 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 17 surgery photo to come

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan also have advanced prosthetic care and innovation.

Uniformed Services University of the Prosthetics and Orthotics, the largest research [as a result of Iraq and according to Ida Fox, a professor with the damaged peripheral nerves. These nerves Health Sciences. prosthetics company in the country. Afghanistan],” Kistenberg says, adding that plastic and reconstructive surgery unit at carry information from the brain and spinal the pool of funds, from both military and Washington University in St. Louis. cord to the rest of the body. That history of influence within Progress for prosthetics government sources, is the largest mainstream medicine in the United States The world wars, Kistenberg continues, had since WWII. This influence can be traced back to the There has been a call for research projects can be traced back to the Civil War, as well a very fundamental impact on prosthetics. world wars. One of the field’s forefathers, on methods of treating nerve injuries. Fox’s as other U.S. battlefield experiences that One example of recent research is Dr. Vilray Blair, treated World War I soldiers program was awarded funding to create spurred military research. The U.S. didn’t get involved in World War the advancement in arm prostheses. who suffered with facial injuries. He wrote a website, nervesurgery.wustl.edu, which I until near the war’s end, he explains. Kistenberg notes that the technology for a study on facial reconstructive surgery educates practicing surgeons about nerve Surgical advances European countries, involved in the war these prostheses hadn’t changed much that has became the touchstone in the surgery. “So people are more aware of what Many surgical advances came out of the longer, developed more advanced ability to since the mid-20th century because there field. His student, Dr. James Barrett Brown, these injuries entail,” she says. There has been a call Civil War “because it was such a brutal and take care of patients needing prostheses. are fewer arm amputees than leg amputees was involved in the first skin grafts for for research projects bloody war,” explains Robert Kistenberg, Some American amputee vets had to and from a business perspective, larger burn victims. Brown later brought together The information found on the website can on methods of treating co-director and prostheses coordinator depend on these countries for treatment. markets prevail. a team of surgeons to treat World War II be used by all surgeons to help them treat nerve injuries. at Georgia Institute of Technology’s veterans, resulting in more advances to the injuries from car accidents or gunshot prosthetic and orthotic program. After World War II, it was recognized that New research means there is work field of plastic surgery. wounds, Fox explains. the United States wasn’t keeping pace currently being done on an artificial arm The Civil War also spurred advances in with these countries, Kistenberg says, so “that would as close as possible be like Blair and Brown went on to become the Current research prosthetics, and the military undoubtedly surgeons were sent overseas to learn. Two the arm they lost,” Kistenberg explains, first chairs of the plastic and reconstructive Dr. Smith says the full impact of medical has made an impact on the field’s notable post-WWII innovations include including its size, weight, movement, surgery division at Washington University. advancements from the wars in Iraq development. Kistenberg points out sockets for above-the-knee and below-the- function and control. That progress will The school says plastic surgeons who and Afghanistan hasn’t been completely that the war pushed Confederate Army knee amputations. “enhance the quality of life not only for trained under the pair went on to work on established. “Not yet because we are still veteran James Edward Hanger to start his veterans, but for anyone with an arm other important innovations, including processing data from the wars,” he explains. own prosthetics company. It’s reported The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan also have amputation,” he says. improved cleft-lip repair. However, he notes a few examples of that Hanger became one of the war’s first advanced prosthetic care and innovation. new technologies being used on today’s amputees after a cannonball struck him. He Reconstructive surgery Impact of Iraq and Afghanistan battlefields that could potentially have an created his own prosthesis, and founded his “There has been a very significant Military influence has also impacted the Fox explains that some soldiers in Iraq and impact on medicine within the U.S. company, which continues today as Hanger establishment of funding for prosthetics field of reconstructive and plastic surgery, Afghanistan have suffered injuries that

18 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 19 A History of Military Contributions

By Teresa Bitler

Wounded warriors in Iraq and Afghanistan have a 95 percent photo to come chance of surviving their battlefield injuries—the highest survival rate in the history of warfare—if they receive immediate care and are transported to an advanced-level treatment facility within the “golden hour,” the initial 60 minutes following trauma. These combat-tested medical innovations have upped the troop survival rate over the last century and have saved lives on the home front, as well.

WORLD WAR I fermentation process, American enough for soldiers Army Surgeon General mandated (1914-1918) companies began mass-producing to reach a treatment that all soldiers serving in Iraq or penicillin for the battlefield. Penicillin facility. However, the Afghanistan carry at least one entered the combat arena in substance caused hemostatic bandage. the spring of 1943, and achieved skin irritations, incredible success in treating so researchers IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN infections for the remainder of the discovered another (2002- Present) One technology currently being used on “It truly does keep people from bleeding to war and thereafter. variation, 2-octyl- the front lines is the handheld sonogram, death,” says Smith. cyanoacrylate, which One-handed a diagnostic imaging device. “In civil life, Triage Blood banking formed stronger bonds with fewer tourniquet this would be a very expensive thing to put The military is making gains on numerous The French introduced the With the German side effects. In 1998, the U.S. Food Tourniquets date in an ambulance,” Smith says, adding that fronts, including pain management; concept of triage—prioritizing the invasion of Great and Drug Administration approved back to the Romans, The military has played an it may not make sense because in most concussion management; regenerative wounded in an attempt to maximize Britain seemingly its medical use and today it is used but to successfully cases, an ambulance trip is not usually medicine and burn care; and gauze survivors—to the battlefields of imminent in 1940, worldwide. important role as a leader apply one on the long, unlike battlefield evacuations. Yet, dressings designed to stop massive World War I, where United States the U.S. stepped in medical research. upper extremities, handheld sonograms are currently being bleeding, according to the U.S. Army soldiers quickly adopted the up to perfect the OPERATION you need two tested where there are long travel times Medical Command. But mainstream practice. After the Korean and separation of blood into plasma, DESERT STORM hands. Advances in tourniquet to hospitals. adoption of modern wartime medical Vietnam wars, U.S. forces became as well as its transport from blood (1991) technology have changed that, technologies takes time. Smith explains so proficient in its application that collection centers to battlefields though. The Combat-Application- “We also have built a better tourniquet in that civilians usually won’t benefit from triage became standard practice in and hospitals. Dr. Charles Drew Hemostatic Tourniquet, or C-A-T, can be this war that can be used one-handed,” proven military techniques for a decade U.S. hospital emergency room care. implemented a blood-banking bandages applied with one hand. The Smith says. Tourniquets were used for a or longer. process that helped save lives on Since approximately device consists of a band that long time, he explained, but in the 1950s, World War II battlefields, and laid WORLD WAR II 50 percent of those slips onto the extremity and a questions arose about whether or not they No matter how long it takes for battlefield the foundation for a modern day (1939-1945) who die in combat windlass rod that easily twists to were a good idea. By the 1980s, tourniquet treatments to reach hospital trauma blood-banking system. bleed to death in constrict blood flow to the limb. In use had gone away. centers, the military has played an Penicillin minutes, blood- addition to hemostatic bandages, important role as a leader in medical Although Sir Alexander VIETNAM WAR clotting bandages can literally mean the one-handed tourniquet is “The military has begun to bring it back,” he research. For now, it remains to be seen Fleming discovered (1954-1975) the difference between life and now standard issue in soldiers’ said, adding that one-handed tourniquets which cutting-edge advancements will penicillin in 1928, it death. QuickClot, a product that first aid kits, and it has made its may be introduced to mainstream join the long tradition of military medical wasn’t manufactured Wound adhesives uses the mineral kaolin, led the way way into mainstream medicine, medicine very quickly, where EMTs can use innovations that have benefited civilians until World War II, The super-sticky compound in the early days of Operation Desert where EMTs, police and other first them to save the lives of accident victims. around the world. when the need for a cyanoacrylate debuted in spray Storm. As the war progressed, responders use it. wartime antibacterial form during the Vietnam War, when hemostatic bandages became a agent was great. Using a unique medics used it to seal wounds long military staple and in 2005, the U.S.

20 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 21 PLACES IN BY THE History Numbers

The Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg, 3,468 which took place July minutes 1-3, 1863, has been called 7 The number of Medals of the turning point of the Civil War. This Theodore Dittlerline map of the Approximately Honor awarded to United battle shows troop movements, artillery States servicemen since its positions, roads, terrain 3,000 relief and railroads, as active duty Navy well as resident homes. inception in 1861. Of those, SEALs serve on Library of Congress, The average time it takes to walk Geography and Map Division nine SEAL teams. 2,403 were earned by between any two points in the In response to Pentagon, which, at 6.6 million square Army soldiers; 747 earned a request from feet and containing more than 17.5 President John F. by Navy sailors and airman; miles of corridors, is one of the world’s Kennedy, the U.S. largest office buildings. It is three times 297 by Marines; 17 by Air Navy established larger than the Empire State Building Navy SEAL teams Force airmen; and by and twice the size of the Chicago one One and Two Merchandise Mart. a Coast Guardsman. 50 years ago, in January 1962. 12 2,004,613 lbs. The amount of non-perishable food donated THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF LIVES SAVED DAILY BY THE by Department of Defense employees in the U.S. COAST GUARD. 2011 “Feds Feed Families” food drive.

22 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 23 Help for Heroes

By Marilyn Hawkes

Non-profit veteran organizations help returning service men and women ease back into civilian life.

n 2004, military doctors thought United States them suggestions about ways to adapt to their Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Mason Poe would never challenges. “I’m telling them what works for me,” walk again. In April 2004, Poe suffered critical he says. “I let them know that they’re not going at injuries when he was hit by an IED. He lay comatose this alone.” Ifor 31 days as a result of his injuries, and although he Poe’s story illustrates what many veterans returning recovered, Poe’s leg was amputated in June 2010. Since from Iraq and Afghanistan experience. For some, he was hit, the veteran Marine has endured 34 surgeries. transitioning from military to civilian life can be Poe, now 31, became involved with the Wounded challenging. Many who have returned from active duty Warrior Project, an organization devoted to ease the transition by working and volunteering for rehabilitating veterans and helping them transition nonprofit organizations run by veterans who assist back into civilian life. He was asked to be a peer mentor other veterans. for Soldier Ride, a WWP initiative that provides adaptive Wounded Warrior Project cycling opportunities to help wounded warriors restore The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was founded their physical and emotional well-being. with the goal of honoring and empowering the nation’s An avid runner before his injuries, Poe now focuses on wounded warriors who were injured on or after Sept. 11, Wounded Warrior cycling. “I got on a road bike and fell in love with it,” he 2001, according to Daniel Schnock, a 22-year U.S. Army Project’s Soldier Ride says. “It has rebuilt my confidence and let me realize I veteran and director of the organization’s Soldier Ride. helped former Marine can do more.” Staff Sgt. Mason Poe Based in Jacksonville, Florida, the WWP has 16 free rebuild his confidence after being severely Poe says newly injured warriors can relate to him programs and initiatives to help veterans, including the injured in Iraq. because he has “been there and done that.” He gives Peer Mentoring program that develops one-on-one

24 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 25 “Women veterans have a unique experience and they want someone they can talk to who understands friendships with fellow warriors who are further along in the recovery process. that experience.” Project Odyssey is a four-day retreat where warriors receive combat-stress counseling while doing physical activities such as fishing, hunting and mountain climbing. Held in 12 cities across the country, the four-day Soldier Ride helps male and female veterans battle the physical and psychological damages of war. Warriors ride alongside fellow injured service members, encouraging each other to succeed. Poe has participated in three Soldier Rides and says it’s uplifting to see the people who come out to support the veterans. They clap their hands and yell, make signs and wave flags, Poe says. “It boosts your morale.” The Mission Continues The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 by United

States Navy SEAL Eric Greitens, helps The four-day Soldier Ride helps male and female veterans battle the physical and psychological damages Photo caption here returning veterans continue to serve their of war. Warriors ride alongside fellow injured service members, encouraging each other to succeed. country by becoming citizen leaders in their communities. The St. Louis-based organization offers volunteering at a community volunteer gone through incredible experiences and “We have nearly half a million women who have seen combat and Stanton measures success by the feedback veterans a chance to convert their military center and eventually organized a service continue to drive forward with a desire experienced the heartbreak that is war.” she receives. “Women veterans have a unique experience into civilian skill-sets through project engaging more than 60 veterans to help others because we offer them experience and they want someone they can The Fellowship Program, which engages Grace After Fire provides women veterans with resources to help to help the elderly, ill and disabled with the ability to do so. I know we change talk to who understands that experience,” post-9/11 veterans in service projects them through the transition, including an 800-number they can household chores and yard work. lives, because The Mission Continues has says Stanton. After working with them, she with nonprofit organizations serving the call to talk with someone from their branch of the military. The changed mine.” says, “They still call and tell me about their community; and the Service Projects When Pereira got the service project up and organization also offers web-based support through its Facebook plans and successes. That’s how we know program, that brings together veterans, running, he applied for and was granted Grace After Fire page, website and “Grace’s Garden,” an online community of we’re successful.” civilians and active-duty volunteers a fellowship with The Mission Continues, Another nonprofit organization, Grace after women veterans offering peer-to-peer support. through community service projects. which allowed him to continue his volunteer Fire, offers support to women veterans Poe, Schnock, Pereira, Olson and Stanton Grace’s Garden is successful, Olson says, because when a woman efforts. When the fellowship ended, Periera returning from active duty and helps them are among the more than 22 million military Mike Pereira, U.S. Army veteran and veteran talks to a peer who has “walked in those combat boots,” went to work for The Mission Continues as re-engage in civilian life. Grace After Fire veterans in the United States today. With the research coordinator at The Mission it validates her feelings. “If you’ve been there, you don’t have to director of the fellowship program, and is also serves the needs of women veterans help of organizations like Wounded Warrior Continues, came to the organization explain,” she says. Mental-health professionals monitor the blog now a research coordinator. from all eras and branches of the military. Project, The Mission Continues and Grace through the fellowship program. After a and alert Grace After Fire if they identify someone who needs After Fire, veterans have more opportunities downward spiral and diagnosis of post- Pereira says he’s been approached by Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Kimberly help, Olson says. than ever before to transition to civilian life traumatic stress disorder, he tried to numerous veterans in the program who say Olson, executive director of Texas-based Sophia Stanton, a Grace After Fire outreach coordinator and and re-engage in their communities through volunteer with an organization that helped that The Mission Continues has saved their Grace After Fire, says the core military 9-year U.S. Navy veteran, says she helps women veterans find volunteering, civic service and lending each children in Bellingham, Washington. When lives. When veterans express that, Pereira structure is built around the male model. a happy medium between military and civilian life. She offers other a hand in support. they discovered his diagnosis of PTSD, he says it makes him feel like a sergeant in “A 30-year-old woman coming out of a assistance to women who suffer from PTSD, have domestic was denied the opportunity. Devastated, the Army again, contributing to the well- combat experience has different needs violence issues and childcare concerns, military sexual trauma but not defeated, Pereira began being of his troops. “These individuals have than the 60-year-old Vietnam vet,” she says. and drug and alcohol dependence. ONLINE EXTRAS For a list of other organizations that serve veterans, please visit phoenixpatriotmagazine.com

26 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 27 VETERAN PROFILE / Amir Johnson

Amir Johnson uses his A Mind of diverse background as a roadmap to success for His Own himself and others.

By Leo W. Banks

Amir Johnson’s life has been a travelogue. As the child of military parents, he was never in one place for more than two years. During his senior year of high school, he attended classes in four different countries—the United States, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Germany.

Wasn’t that difficult? Disruptive? Stressful? New recruit None of the above. He speaks fluid Arabic. Johnson studied the language “I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people and as a student in Germany, throwing himself into the task experience different cultures,” says Johnson, who and ultimately mastering it. He also speaks German. earned his Bachelor of Science in Management at the Johnson was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to parents University of Phoenix. who were Army through-and-through. They expected “I saw and did things growing up that people typically their son to follow the same military tradition, but wouldn’t get to do in a lifetime. It wasn’t stressful at Johnson had always loved the Marines. all. It was actually exciting.” When he graduated high school in Germany, where Johnson doesn’t exactly have a sit-around personality. there are no Marine recruiters, he told his folks he was He’s goal-oriented, highly motivated and a bit of a self- flying to the States to join the Army and they agreed. admitted perfectionist who puts his heart and soul But he pulled a fast one. As soon as Johnson landed, into a project. he made a beeline for the Marine enlistment office.

When Phoenix Patriot caught up with the 37-year-old, The recruiter wasn’t exactly sold on the idea of he had just stepped off a helicopter at Homestead Air Johnson enlisting. The entrance exam had shown Reserve Base, south of Miami. He was working as a that he’d do well in a clerical job or performing translator between dignitaries from Saudi Arabia, administrative tasks; however, Johnson insisted on the United Arab Emirates and their American being in the infantry or special operations, admitting military hosts. now that he might’ve seen too many movies.

28 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 29 VETERAN PROFILE / Amir Johnson

“Don’t ever say you’re not able to do something. Set a realistic goal and, when you don’t think you can go on anymore, push yourself beyond that.”

discharged from the Marines in 1997, and then spent Johnson’s third child, Ayden, was born in November two-and-a-half years as a police officer in Brunswick, 2009, three months after he began taking classes. He Georgia, before feeling the itch to return to the military. also has two daughters, Kadalhia, 14, and Amanda, 11, but Johnson took the leap and completed his degree National Guard airman program in just 20 months, graduating in April 2011. He enlisted again—this time in the Michigan Air National Guard—and spent four more years on active The graduate duty, when his unit was deployed after 9/11. During Now he works as an interpreter for The Washington his time in the Middle East, Johnson describes being Post, which keeps him extremely busy traveling aboard a blacked-out C-130 transport plane as it from post to post. In addition to his day job, Johnson descended from the night sky over the region, nose and his wife, Beatriz, are throwing themselves into down at a sharp angle, to land in a poppy field. As starting a nonprofit organization called Reflective loadmaster, he was responsible for picking up and Perceptions—a program that mentors young people, dropping off troops and equipment, sometimes under which will be fully operational by early 2012. The enemy fire. couple, who lives in South Carolina, plan to serve at- risk youths by teaching them the skills they will need The recruiter warned that he was making a mistake and “It was dangerous and exciting and I’m proud of it,” he to become well-functioning adults. The two believe recommended that he sleep on it. Yet in the morning, says. “It was my way of responding to the people who When he’s not traveling the world as a language interpreter for The everyone has the resources within themselves to when the recruiter picked him up, Johnson hadn’t attacked us on 9/11.” Washington Post, Amir Johnson and his wife, Beatriz, mentor young be self-sufficient. people through a non-profit they founded, called Reflective Perceptions. budged. Infantry it would be. He was 18. The student “Don’t ever say you’re not able to do something,” Headstrong? Prior to his honorable discharge in March 2010, Johnson says. “Set a realistic goal and, when you don’t “That’s a good word to describe me,” says Johnson. “But Johnson turned his attention to his educational think you can go on anymore, push yourself beyond it was something I really wanted and it turned out to be goals. The workload gave him pause. He knew several that. My Marine recruiter taught me that, so did my one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Physically and military people who were taking classes at University drill instructor and my parents. I want young people to mentally, I did a lot of growing up in the Marine Corps.” of Phoenix, some about to graduate, and he wondered learn that, too.” how they managed to do it all. For the next four years, he added to his list of visited countries as he served in the Mediterranean, the Arctic He credits Enrollment Advisor Brian Turchiano with Circle, Columbia and Chile. Johnson was honorably helping him find his way during a challenging time.

30 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 31 TRIVIA

SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW YOUR MILITARY HISTORY? Well, we’re putting you to the test. Take the Phoenix Patriot Military Trivia Quiz to see how you stack up. You can also join the competition with our online version.

U.S. ARMY U.S. AIR FORCE U.S. COAST GUARD U.S. MARINE CORPS U.S. NAVY GENERAL U.S. MILITARY

1. The first tactical use of an Army 3. What is the longest combat mission 5. The U.S. Coast Guard claims to 7. The Marine Hymn contains the 9. In 1907 President Theodore 11. Under fire and surrounded, which aircraft against an enemy took place distance ever flown? be America’s oldest continuous phrase “to the shores of Tripoli,” Roosevelt initiated a special round- U.S. senior officer remarked, “They’re in 1916. What was the target? seagoing service. It was founded by commemorating the Marines’ first the-world peace mission consisting on our left, they’re on our right, 20,000 miles Alexander Hamilton in what year? battle on foreign soil. That battle of 10 battleships and 16 auxiliary they’re in front of us, they’re behind Pancho Villa’s Raiders in Mexico 16,000 miles is known as what? vessels. What was the name us … they can’t get away this time?” 1765 The Spanish Army in Cuba attached to that fleet? 14,000 miles The Battle of Chapultepec General Douglas McArthur 1775 The German Army in France Roosevelt’s Folly 10,000 miles The Battle of Derna Lt. General Lewis “Chesty” Puller 1783 General Santa Ana in Mexico Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick The Battle of Casablanca Admiral Chester Nimitz 1790 Great White Fleet 4. Current engineering analysis shows The Battle of Gibraltar General Nathan Twining 2. The U.S. Army Golden Knight the B-52 life span could extend America Rules the Waves Parachute Demonstration Team beyond what year? 6. Under the direction of the Coast was officially formed in 1961 for Guard, the largest maritime 8. Which of these ladies was the first 12. Who is the only woman to earn 2020 what reason? evacuation in history transferred woman Marine? 10. What was the name of the first the Medal of Honor? 2025 approximately 500,000 people out nuclear-powered warship? Olympic competition Ruth Cheney Streeter Harriett Beecher Stowe of danger during what event? 2030 Savannah End Russian sky-diving dominance Anne Lentz Mary Quant Hurricane Andrew 2040 Nautilus Companion to other service Lucille McClarren Eve Arden Flooding of New Orleans demonstration teams Enterprise Opha Mae Johnson Mary Edwards Walker Indonesian tsunami Suggested by President Eisenhower Sculpin

9-11 attack on New York ANSWERS

: 1 A, 2 B, 3 B, 4 D, 5 D, 6 D, 7 B, 8 D, 9 C, 10 B, 11 B, 12 D 12 B, 11 B, 10 C, 9 D, 8 B, 7 D, 6 D, 5 D, 4 B, 3 B, 2 A, 1 : ONLINE EXTRAS Visit phoenixpatriotmagazine.com for more trivia questions.

32 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 33 ACTIVE DUTY PROFILE / Aaron Saul

Aaron Saul’s Air Force From Cockpit career can teach a thing or two about to Classroom best-laid plans.

By Leo W. Banks

“I joined expecting to serve four years, and use the educational benefit to finish my degree in accounting,” says Aaron Saul, now stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona. “But I became an F-16 fighter pilot and instructor and I can’t believe how lucky I am.” Luck has certainly played a role, as it often does in life. But luck is also a product of commitment and hard work.

Family tradition Perfect timing Saul’s journey began at Greenup County High He credits great mentors with guiding him School in northeast Kentucky in 1991. As a senior, toward leadership. Following the advice of he followed a family tradition and signed up that same brigadier general, Saul decided to for the Air Force’s delayed enlistment program pursue his educational goals at the University of to become an airman in March 1992. Saul’s dad Wisconsin at Whitewater, where he joined the served two years in Vietnam, and three of his ROTC program to become an officer. uncles were military men as well, all with the He emerged from the university in 2001 as a Air Force. Second Lieutenant with a new career goal in He enjoyed military life immensely, becoming mind. In the aptitude exams required of officer a brigadier general’s personal security officer hopefuls, Saul tested well as a potential pilot—at in the wake of the 1996 terrorist bombing of just the right moment. the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. Saul says “At the time I got selected, they were short of the men and women he served with “were like pilots,” he says. “I was really excited, but nervous, family—the brothers and sisters I never had.” too. I think, maybe, I lacked confidence, didn’t That’s when he began considering the military recognize my own capabilities.” as a career.

34 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 35 ACTIVE DUTY PROFILE / Aaron Saul

Aaron Saul wants his students to experience what he faced during training: the hardest, most rewarding year of their lives.

Having already served seven years in the Air Force, plus two more at Wisconsin, he was older than the other flight school candidates, and most of them had technical or engineering degrees, while Saul had earned a business degree. Common ground So, how does someone transition from a buttoned-down numbers-cruncher to brash pilot? The stereotype amuses Saul, who is often asked if a pilot’s life is similar to that portrayed by Tom Cruise in the hit movie, Top Gun. “First of all, Top Gun was the Navy, not the Air Force,” says Saul, chuckling at the unpardonable sin of confusing the two military branches. More importantly, though, he says most pilots From cockpit to classroom Now an Air Force major with more than 17 years of don’t conform to the image in the film—of In 2006, Saul was stationed at Aviano Air Base outside service, Saul’s life has returned to where it began— Air Force Maj. Aaron Saul’s career has come full-circle. He trains F-16 pilots at swaggering, super-confident personalities in a Venice, Italy, when he began studying for his MBA. in the classroom. In his work at Luke, he is teaching Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. high-risk, high-competition world. Saul says the But he only managed one class before taking a break newly-minted second lieutenants how to fly F-16s, most important skill is intelligence, the ability of almost three years. The work of an F-16 pilot often and the opportunity excites him as much as any to process data at a rapid rate, which demands means 12-hour days and frequent deployments, which he’s undertaken. that candidates trust their training enough to not make for a highly unpredictable schedule. Saul also He wants his students to experience what he over-think tasks. And yes, there is competition, acknowledges succumbing to the temptations of faced during training: the hardest, most rewarding but it’s tempered by a can-do optimism, the travel, spending weekends visiting nearby Croatia and year of their lives. And he wants them to emerge realization that everyone is working toward a Austria, and enjoying the food and ambiance of Italy, holding true to the character trait he sees most common goal. especially Rome. often in pilots—humility. In that way, Saul says, pilots and businessmen His next posting in Ankara, Turkey, eventually allowed “Everybody wants to fly and we’re humbled at the have much in common. him more free time and he buckled down, falling opportunity to do it every day,” Saul says. “But it back on a pilot’s discipline to get the job done. “In flight school we learned to not look at things isn’t just flying, it’s being in the military. We’re all “I stopped making excuses,” says Saul. “Especially that bring us down, but to look at things that very proud to serve.” with online classes, you just have to sit down and bring us up together, as a team,” he says. “The do it. It’s not like a traditional classroom.” same is true for an accountant working in a business. You have to work together to capitalize He earned his MBA from University of Phoenix on strengths and minimize weaknesses.” last August.

36 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 37 UNIVERSITY News

At University of Phoenix, we’re on a mission to make higher education accessible to underserved populations. This includes members of the U.S. military, whether they’re serving in harm’s way, are stationed on American soil or are adjusting to life after retirement.

As the president of one of the largest We hold ourselves to the highest providers of higher education to the standards when it comes to serving all military, I am very proud to be able to offer our students, and those in the military are this opportunity to the men and women in no exception. That’s why we established the U.S. Armed Forces who are sacrificing a Military Division eight years ago. Today, so much of themselves. My own two Military Division Associate Regional Vice sons served in the U.S. Marine Corps, the President Garland Williams and his team younger one in Iraq, and because of this, are devoted to supporting our military I feel a strong connection to and a great students every day, from their initial responsibility for our military students. contact with University of Phoenix to their They deserve the very best, and that is ultimate success at graduation. what we strive to give them. Whether you’re a current student, are In the military, the culture is precise and considering enrolling at University of unambiguous, and its unique language Phoenix or are a member of the extended reflects that directness. After all, there’s military community, we thank you for your no room for doubt when the stakes are contributions to our great nation and wish so high. In the end, it all comes down to you much health, happiness and success. accountability, a value we share at the University. The military is accountable for the defense of our nation just as we at University of Phoenix are accountable for our students, something we take very seriously.

BILL PEPICELLO, Ph.D. 38 PHOENIX Winter 2012 President, University phoenix.edu/military of Phoenix 39 UNIVERSITY News

QUICK Wounded Warrior Project Scholarships AMVETS Scholarships From Enlisted to Employed: BITS Educating Military Veterans for Civilian Careers

This past summer, the University of Phoenix Military Division celebrated the graduation of its 50,000th student. Kudos to both students and staff on reaching this milestone, and here’s to the next 50,000 UOPX military grads.

University of Phoenix has signed the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding and is listed on the DOD website as a signatory. This important University of Phoenix has awarded full scholarships leading to master’s step the DOD has taken provides Continuing a five-year partnership with Veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq face multiple barriers to entering civilian uniform access to the military degrees to seven men and women under a partnership between the AMVETS, the University of Phoenix has careers. Physical and psychological injuries, lack of higher education, and insufficient installations across the country University of Phoenix and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). awarded 50 scholarships to active duty career coaching and support are just some of the obstacles preventing otherwise and ensures that our students service members, veterans and eligible qualified job seekers from transitioning into civilian employment. Last fall, University continue to have access to active The Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor family members. The $7,000 individual of Phoenix Research Institute sponsored a webcast hosted by The Chronicle of Higher duty military Tuition Assistance and empower wounded service men and women. The scholarships are awarded to the scholarships will enable the awardees Education. The webcast featured experts who examined how colleges and universities (TA) beginning in 2012. wounded service personnel who are WWP participants, their spouses and their primary to pursue a degree of their choice at the can better prepare service members for post-military careers and how employers can caregivers, enabling them to complete the University of Phoenix master’s degree program University of Phoenix. benefit from the training, skills and work attributes that veterans bring to the civilian of their choice. workforce. You can view this presentation by visiting http://bit.ly/vKV1Zj Appropriately, the 2011 annual The following WWP participants were presented 2011 scholarship awards. scholarships were announced on Veterans All content presented during the event was provided by University of Phoenix Research Institute. • Mary Alaniz, San Antonio, Texas, wife of a wounded warrior Day. The winners come from throughout • Jason Craft, U.S. Army, Jacksonville, Florida the United States, as well as from off- • Whitney Dickinson, Vilonia, Arkansas, wife of a wounded warrior shore posts. • Patrick Glavey, U.S. Marines, San Diego, California UOPX Among Military Friendly Schools “The University of Phoenix recognizes • Joseph Nyzio, U.S. Army, Bordentown, New Jersey the critical need for America’s active • Brian Orczeck, U.S. Air Force, Greensburg, Pennsylvania duty service members, veterans and • Christopher Yasher, U.S. Army, Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania their families to increase their individual “The University of Phoenix is proud to work with the Wounded Warrior Project and provide and professional strengths to further University of Phoenix has been named to GI Jobs 2012 List of Military Friendly Schools. each scholarship recipient an opportunity to help accomplish his or her educational goals,” contribute to the 21st century workforce The Military Friendly Schools list represents the top 20 percent of the nation’s schools says Dr. Garland Williams, USA Colonel (ret.), associate regional vice president, military. both in the military and beyond,” said that are doing the most to embrace military students, veterans and their families. “These scholarships represent an appreciation of the sacrifices these service members Garland Williams. Schools are chosen through a process of exhaustive research by the GI Jobs Military have made to secure our country’s freedom and symbolize a chance for each recipient to AMVETS National Commander Gary L. Fry Friendly Schools team. This research includes information gathered from government acquire professional skills to further assist in his or her transition to civilian life.” called the most recent scholarship awards agencies, private entities that administer education benefits, and a comprehensive The recipients will complete their studies at one of the more than 200 University of a highly appropriate and timely means of survey of more than 8,000 schools. Phoenix locations throughout the U.S. recognizing military service and sacrifice, especially as Operation Iraqi Freedom For more information on University of Phoenix WWP scholarship program, visit draws to a close and more military http://bit.ly/vv7e8S men and women seek to successfully transition to civilian careers.

40 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 41 SPOUSE’S CORNER / Vickey Guiles

As a military spouse, Woman Vickey Guiles focuses on her family, while making of Action time for her own goals and dreams By Jackie Dishner

Visit military spouse Vickey Guiles on any given day, and you’ll witness her hectic schedule. Like a rechargeable Energizer Bunny, she’s running back and forth inside her home, situated on five acres of land in South Carolina. Most days, Vickey, dressed in stylish leggings and long blouses, high heels and painted toenails, will probably ignore you. Her family comes first.

Multi-tasker Military spouse When Vickey’s not chasing three toddlers around, Vickey, who is finishing her master’s in psychology, she’s picking up toys, reading stories and changing isn’t a single parent, but some days she may feel diapers. When the toddlers nap, she takes a seat at like it. Her husband, Howard, is a U.S. Army sergeant the kitchen table with her older kids—both nearly stationed in Virginia, a little more than three hours teenagers—to help them with schoolwork. Vickey’s away. In 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan for a other chores, such as laundry, housecleaning and year—his second deployment to the Middle East—and cooking, get done in-between her children’s needs. couldn’t watch over his family. Before he left, he knew he wanted Vickey and the kids to be near relatives, so On most nights after 9 p.m., when all the kids are they bought a home near where both he and Vickey tucked in bed and the house is quiet, it’s Vickey’s grew up. time—time for her to hit the books. Despite all that she has going on at home, Vickey makes time for Referring to her two-year-old son and one-year-old- graduate school. She’s near the end of a two-year, twins as “like triplets,” she says it’s only after they are online program with the University of Phoenix. in bed that she settles on the couch with notebook,

42 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 43 SPOUSE’S CORNER / Vickey Guiles

printer and laptop to attend to her studies. “I don’t ever attempt to do my work while the babies are awake—only if I’m behind,” she explains. Around midnight, she calls it a day. “I don’t have any trouble falling asleep at all. A few hours of sleep, and I’m good,” she says. Raised in a large family—her parents had nine children, and she’s a fraternal twin—she says she’s used to the noise and chaos a large family can create. “I like to be busy,” she says, “My husband calls me a ‘busybody,’ but I love taking care of business.” That doesn’t mean life is all sugar and spice for this military spouse. “She takes good care of the children. She keeps a good house. She pays the bills. She’s got a lot on her plate,” says Howard. But it’s her faith that keeps her going. Ask Vickey how she maintains any sense of sanity amid all her responsibilities, and she offers one word: “God.” Psychology major Vickey chose psychology for her graduate degree program. “I always was interested in why individuals act the way they do,” she says. It’s a curiosity that may stem from her childhood, a time when she fell victim to bullies on the school bus. They teased her and her siblings, calling them names. A spiritual upbringing and strict parenting set her on an early course of high expectations. As the middle child, she watched her mother take care of all the kids and learned determination from her. In fact, her next goal is already in the works; she hopes to become an online instructor, which would allow her to utilize her education, be able to take On most nights after 9 p.m., care of her family and, maybe, get more sleep. This when all the kids are tucked in 33-year-old mother of five—now homeschooling Family ties her two oldest—has achieved an impressive 3.85 If it helps to have faith, you also need people in your life who Vickey Guiles and her husband Howard (far right) juggle family bed and the house is quiet, it’s grade point average (GPA). have faith in you. In addition to Howard and Katie, there’s Vickey’s and military responsibilities. younger sister, Sarah Bostick. Sarah, who lives two hours away, is Vickey’s academic counselor, Katie Ryan, has no Vickey’s time—time for her to a mother also, and she’s taking nursing courses. doubt her student will accomplish whatever’s next. hit the books. “My sister lifts my spirits,” Sarah says of Vickey, “No matter what “I hear excuses all day long, yet Vickey has none. she’s going through, all we do is laugh.” She’s always on the ball, never complains,” says Ryan, “…Of all the worries that go along with being Howard calls her a role model for other military spouses and plans a military wife, she’s still focused on her family, as to turn her graduation into a big family party. well as her own goals and dreams. I’m blown away “It’s a pretty big deal,” he says, “I’m so proud of her.” by her.”

44 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 45 46 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 47 JUST Ask

University of Phoenix Military Division answers your questions

Associate Director of Training Rebecca Beltran answers your questions about higher education.

I’m a veteran, and I’m interested in using my I am an active duty service member and Does University of Phoenix accept military Who is Rebecca Beltran? Q GI Bill benefits to complete my education. Is Q a current University of Phoenix student Q transfer credits? University of Phoenix approved to use attending classes on campus. I may be VA funding? deployed overseas soon. Can I still attend Rebecca Beltran is the associate director University of Phoenix? Yes. University of Phoenix is a Servicemembers of training for the Military Division and Opportunity Colleges (SOC). Because of this A a retired member of the U.S. Army. Yes. Many of our students use a variety of VA funding partnership, members of the military (active duty, Beltran is passionate about making sure programs to pursue their education at University of Yes. Because University of Phoenix offers online veterans or reserves) may be eligible to receive A members of the military community have Phoenix. In fact, the University has a special Military courses, you can attend the University from anywhere college credit at University of Phoenix for any military A the information they need to make good Division that supports our military students. Staffed as long as you have an Internet connection. In training that is evaluated by the American Council on decisions about higher education, and her mainly by former military or military reserves, the addition, we have a number of campuses in Europe Education (ACE). Service members are encouraged to team is committed to supporting military Military Division’s employees have been specially and Asia for students who prefer to take their courses take CLEP and DANTES tests to see if they qualify for students from the day they enroll until the trained and certified to understand and offer direction at a ground campus. additional credits. In general, these credits typically day they graduate. when a student is interested in activating and using apply toward interdisciplinary or elective courses for any chapter of the GI Bill. University of Phoenix also offers 24/7 phone support undergraduate degrees. for military students so they can reach military Visit http://bit.ly/ta6UPR to learn more about the veteran enrollment, academic and finance staff regardless It’s easy to determine if your military training is benefits for which you may qualify. of what time zone they are calling from. In addition, eligible to count as college credit. Once you obtain University of Phoenix offers many other resources for an unofficial transcript of your military training from members of the military who want to continue their your enrollment advisor, you can submit it to your Have questions? education while deployed or on TDY. enrollment advisor who will work with you through the We have answers. Submit your process of determining if you qualify for college credit. military-related inquiries about Visit Phoenix.edu for more information. higher-education to In addition, you may qualify for college credit through [email protected] our Prior Learning Assessment for any civilian training you have undergone.

Learn more at http://bit.ly/rP7ouz

48 PHOENIX Winter 2012 phoenix.edu/military 49 PARTING Shot

WE WANT YOU An aircraft director guides an F/A-18C Hornet onto a catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Atlantic Ocean on Feb. 1, 2011. ...to share your story and photos Department of Defense photograph by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kilho Park, U.S. Navy

Parting Shot call for photos: Submit your stories, letters and photographs online at phoenixpatriotmagazine.com. We want to see your unique military images. For consideration, please upload your photos to phoenixpatriotmagazine.com, and we’ll publish the editors’ favorite in each issue of Phoenix Patriot.

50 PHOENIX Winter 2012 Framed by ponderosa pine boughs, Yosemite Falls provides a dramatic backdrop for a frosty landscape America the Beautiful along California’s Merced River. Photograph by Jack Dykinga