HAMPTON — John H. Davis, an Army veteran of multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan, a former paratrooper and infantry squad leader, participated in a discussion about veterans leaving the military with the President from Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC), Dr. Towuanna Porter. Brannon on November 8.
Davis described his time in the service as simple.
“Being in the military is super easy. Just do what they tell you to do,” he told an audience of about 30 people who attended the second “Tea with Dr. B” event of the semester.
Davis offered advice on how to transition from the military to college, the subject of his book “Combat to College.” The hour-long discussion took place three days before Veterans Day.
“In civilian life, I have to figure out what I’m going to wear. I have to figure out what I’m going to do. I don’t have anyone to tell me what to do,” he explained.
This transition isn’t easy, he admitted, but it’s a great next step.
“The university provides an environment that allows you to rebuild yourself after leaving the military. This gives you time. This gives you some space. It gives you resources,” said Davis, who advocates for veterans and helps write legislation focused on college education.
Even if a transitioning veteran doesn’t have a specific plan for what they’ll do with a college degree, they should still go, Davis said.
“College is a place where people go to find themselves, to figure out what they are going to do with their lives, and it can be a place where veterans can find themselves after military service, to rebuild their identity.” , did he declare. said. “A lot of 19-year-old students have no idea what they’re going to do with their college degree, but they go anyway. Veterans can do it too.
This is a particularly important topic with such a large military presence in Hampton Roads, the VPCC noted. According to the College’s Department of Military and Veterans Services, there were 2,271 military-affiliated students at VPCC during the 2022-2023 academic year. This represented more than 26 percent of students.
“I’m really happy that he’s here to share not only his journey, but also some very sound advice for college administrators, those who directly support students, faculty and our students,” Dr. Brannon said.
At the event, economics professor Ian Taylor asked what steps he could take in the classroom to make the transition easier for veterans. Davis suggested more hands-on learning activities.
“The military is a very experiential learning environment,” Davis said. “A lot of times your traditional education tends to be more passive… where the students just sit there and the teacher talks to them. »
Veterans also love competition and teamwork.
“Nothing you do in the military will be done on your own,” Davis said. “The more you can pair veterans with other students, the more beneficial it is for the class as well.” »
Davis also suggests a program he calls “Meet a Veteran,” in which other students interview or speak with a veteran. He said there is a big divide in the country right now, but veterans can help.
“Veterans have a truly unique role to play in healing our nation,” he said. “Were in
all corners of the country. We are between 17 and 100 years old. People respect us and our service.
But first people need to get to know them.
“A lot of people have this misperception about veterans that we’re all angry alcoholics with PTSD. This creates a divide between the two groups,” he said.
Outside of the classroom, Davis suggests getting veterans involved. This may include incentives for them to visit the Veterans Services Center, participate in Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study programs or have a Student Veterans of America chapter, which the college has. It is important to have strong leadership in these organizations, of which they are the driving forces, he said.
“You need to let student veterans know they’re welcome, but also engage in activities to get them into the office: raffles, events, fitness,” Davis said.
Partnering with local nonprofit and veteran organizations (VFW, American Legions, military bases) and making connections can also be beneficial.
“Sometimes these service members feel like they are more a part of military organizations than academic groups,” Davis said.
Still, college is a wonderful place for veterans to begin their civilian journey, he said.
“When you leave the military, you board a ship from military land and sail it to the civilian side,” he said. “Some veterans have the ability to go overboard. Some veterans get lost along the way. Sometimes they stay in between, in this unhealthy mental space I call “Veteran Purgatory.”
That’s what motivated “Combat to College.”
“It helps student veterans because our first stop after military service is often college,” he said. “That first year that veterans leave the military is actually the most important year of our lives, because that’s when we will redefine our civilian identity and develop habits that will lead to our future.”
For more information about veteran services at the College, visit vpcc.edu.
