In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we are honored to host Duane Bygum, a 30-year veteran of the armed forces and current chair of the Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) Veterans Outreach Program. With a distinguished career spanning the Marine Corps, Air Force, and law enforcement, including his role as Deputy Chief of Police, Duane provides a wealth of knowledge on the transition from military service to civilian success.
Duane shares his personal journey, from his groundbreaking work on the first biometric fingerprint identification system in the Air Force to leading as Chief of Police for the U.S. Navy. After retiring, he discovered the life-changing DRI scholarship program, which helped him gain essential certifications in business continuity, continuity of operations, and disaster preparedness—paving the way for a thriving corporate career.
In this episode, Duane delves into the practical and transformative benefits of the DRI scholarship, a program designed to support veterans within three years of separation or one year before separation. He highlights the application process, eligibility criteria, and the value of in-person learning experiences offered through DRI programs. He also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and building skills that are directly transferable to the civilian workforce.
🎧 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- Duane’s unique insights into transitioning from the military to civilian life.
- The pivotal role of the DRI scholarship in acquiring certifications and securing a corporate career.
- Step-by-step guidance on applying for the DRI scholarship, including essay tips and volunteer activity requirements.
- Why in-person learning often outshines online courses in professional development.
- Advice for veterans on leveraging mentorship and support networks like VET S.O.S.
Actionable Insights:
- Learn how certifications in disaster recovery and business continuity can enhance your career prospects.
- Discover the importance of starting your transition early and preparing for civilian opportunities.
- Explore resources like VET S.O.S. for additional guidance and support.
Why Listen?
Whether you’re a veteran planning your next career move or someone seeking to understand the challenges of military-to-civilian transitions, this episode is packed with actionable advice, inspirational stories, and valuable resources. Duane’s firsthand experiences and passion for supporting veterans make this a must-listen for anyone navigating this critical phase of life.
Join us to uncover how the DRI scholarship and its programs can serve as a lifeline for veterans stepping into new professional territories. Don’t miss this empowering and informative conversation! https://drii.org/ https://foundation.drii.org/what-we-do/veterans-outreach-program/ #vetsos #VeteranTransition #DRIScholarship #DisasterRecovery #BusinessContinuity #VetSupport

In this insightful episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, Shawn Welsh, a proud alumnus of the University of West Florida (UWF), and Dr. Hira engage in a heartfelt conversation with Lori Milkeris, the Director of UWF’s Military and Veteran Resource Center. Lori, an Air Force veteran and mental health technician, shares her compelling journey from military service to her impactful role in higher education.
Lori recounts her transition out of the Air Force in 1998, reflecting on the challenges of reentering civilian life, navigating education as a single mother, and overcoming the mental and emotional adjustments required. These experiences laid the foundation for her passion to help others. Starting as a VA work-study student, Lori identified gaps in support for military-connected students, particularly those facing academic and emotional challenges. Her commitment to early intervention and holistic support propelled her career, eventually leading to her role as director.
The Military and Veteran Resource Center at UWF serves over 2,500 military-connected students, with 1,800 actively using VA educational benefits. Lori shares how the center fosters a community of support through initiatives like a swim team mentorship program, semester checkpoints, and the Pensacola Veteran Support Organization Network, which connects students to a wealth of resources via a comprehensive 58-page guide.
Listeners will learn about the center’s welcoming environment, complete with essential services like snacks, coffee, computers, and printing, as well as its dedication to organizing events such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances that build camaraderie and connection. Lori also emphasizes the significance of Pensacola’s military-rich community, home to five nearby bases, and how it enhances opportunities for veterans.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence and community in supporting veterans’ transitions to academic and civilian life. Lori’s insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for educators, administrators, and anyone invested in the success of military-connected individuals.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the transformative impact of veteran support programs at UWF and beyond. Tune in now! https://uwf.edu/ https://uwf.edu/academic-affairs/departments/military-veteran-resource-center/ #vetsos #VeteranSupport #HigherEducation #MilitaryTransition #UWFVeterans #HolisticSupport

In this inspiring episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh and Dr. Hira welcome Patricia Wei, the Director of Veteran Outreach at Yale University, to discuss the transformative integration of military veterans into the world of higher education. Patricia shares how Yale has cultivated an inclusive and supportive environment for veterans, with a growing presence of 46 enlisted veterans in its undergraduate community and 130 veterans in its graduate programs, amidst a total student population of around 13,000.
Patricia dives into her personal journey of working with veterans, starting as the Director of Admissions for Yale’s Eli Whitney Students Program, which is tailored for non-traditional students. She highlights how the program has evolved to support veterans with unique experiences and diverse backgrounds, emphasizing their significant contributions to Yale's academic and social fabric.
The conversation also explores the wealth of resources Yale offers veterans, including the Yale Undergraduate Veteran Society, the Student Veterans Council, and a brand-new veterans’ lounge. Patricia discusses Yale's partnerships with organizations like Service to School and Warriors Scholar Project, which provide guidance and preparation for veterans navigating the application process. She stresses the importance of veterans not self-selecting out of applying to prestigious institutions, sharing actionable advice on academic readiness, such as leveraging community college courses to demonstrate recent educational performance.
Listeners will also gain insight into how Yale fosters a sense of community for veterans through initiatives like the Fall Welcome barbecue, Veterans Day ceremonies, and other events organized by dedicated staff members. Patricia sheds light on the comprehensive support system that includes tailored advising, flexible programming, and facilities designed to ease the transition to college life for veterans balancing family and work responsibilities.
Addressing misconceptions about veterans in Ivy League institutions, Patricia and Shawn discuss Yale’s proactive efforts to champion multi-generational diversity and foster a culture where veterans' life experiences enrich the broader student body. The episode wraps up with an encouraging message for veterans considering higher education and a reminder of the immense value they bring to academic institutions like Yale.
Whether you're a veteran contemplating your next step or simply interested in understanding how universities can better support non-traditional students, this episode is packed with actionable advice, insights, and inspiration. https://www.yale.edu/ https://admissions.yale.edu/veterans #vetsos ##VeteransInEducation #YaleUniversity #MilitaryToCollege #HigherEducationSupport #VeteranSuccess

In this impactful episode of the VERS podcast, we feature Daniel Avegalio, a Marine Corps veteran and trailblazer in higher education, as he shares his journey from military service to community college administration and his current role at Western Governors University (WGU). With 16 years of experience advocating for military-affiliated students, Daniel’s insights are both inspiring and practical.
Daniel’s Story: From the Corps to Higher Ed Leadership
After serving in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2010 and completing three deployments to Iraq, Daniel faced the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. His determination led him to a student worker role at American River College, where he discovered a passion for supporting veteran students. Over time, Daniel advanced to becoming a college dean, leveraging his leadership skills to implement veteran-focused initiatives.
Western Governors University: A Haven for Military-Affiliated Learners
Now a key leader at WGU, Daniel works with the university’s growing population of 29,781 military-affiliated students (as of October 2023). WGU stands out for its competency-based education (CBE) model, enabling students to earn degrees at their own pace by demonstrating subject mastery. This flexible approach aligns perfectly with the needs of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and working adults balancing education with other commitments.
WGU’s Support Systems and Initiatives
Daniel highlights WGU’s comprehensive support network, designed to help students and alumni succeed at every stage:
- Program Mentors: Dedicated advisors guiding students through academic and career goals.
- Career Services for Life: A lifetime resource offering resume assistance, interview prep, and job placement. - Peer Networks: Peer-to-peer support groups foster connections among military-affiliated students.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like the Naval Community College and the VA expand educational opportunities in cybersecurity, health sciences, and more.
Championing Veteran Success Daniel reflects on the challenges military students face, from identity shifts to balancing educational and personal responsibilities. His mission is clear: to ensure veterans have access to the resources and mentorship needed to thrive. His work at WGU includes building partnerships with employers, hosting career webinars for military spouses, and mentoring other institutions to replicate WGU’s success.
WGU Alumni: A Lifelong Community
With over 360,000 alumni nationwide, WGU fosters ongoing engagement through career development initiatives, employer partnerships, and networking opportunities. Military-affiliated alumni comprise 16% of the student body, demonstrating WGU’s strong commitment to this community.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is a must-listen for veterans, military families, and higher education professionals seeking innovative approaches to education and career success. Discover how WGU’s competency-based model and veteran-centric strategies are transforming lives and paving pathways to meaningful careers.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Daniel’s transition from Marine Corps service to higher education leadership.
- WGU’s innovative competency-based education model.
- Comprehensive support systems for military-affiliated students.
- Building sustainable partnerships with employers and veteran organizations.
- Lifelong career services and alumni engagement at WGU.
https://www.wgu.edu/ https://www.wgu.edu/student-experience/military.html #vetsos #VeteranEducation #MilitaryToCivilian #HigherEducation #CompetencyBasedLearning #WesternGovernorsUniversity

Monteigne Long detailed her transition from K-12 education to higher education and her steadfast dedication to supporting student veterans. With over 14 years of experience in veteran services, Long has played a pivotal role in developing comprehensive programs and initiatives that benefit military-connected students across the Texas A&M University System, encompassing 10 campuses and serving more than 12,000 military-affiliated students.
Her experience working with veterans and military families includes her tenure at the University of Southern California and her current role at Texas A&M University. Her focus has always been on fostering engagement, leadership, and success among student veterans.
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest in the nation, with over 150,000 students across 11 campuses, including a mix of research universities, regional institutions, and historically black colleges and universities. The system serves more than 12,000 military-connected students, with about 1,100 veterans at the main College Station campus. Its long history of military service includes strong partnerships with state agencies such as FEMA and a commitment to serving veterans and their families.
Key initiatives include the Veteran Promise Program, which guarantees future educational opportunities for veterans, and the Meals for Vets program that provides food security.
Each campus features a dedicated Veterans Center, staffed to address the specific needs of military-affiliated students. Programs like first-year seminars for veterans and Veteran Upward Bound at Texas A&M Kingsville help ease the transition to higher education.
Monteigne emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations such as the Texas Veterans Commission and Wounded Warrior Project to provide comprehensive support.
Collaboration with military installations and state agencies ensures seamless transitions from service to education. Strategic admissions advisors work closely with military personnel, helping them navigate their academic journey from enlistment to graduation.
Monteigne highlighted the transformative impact of the Hazelwood Act, a Texas benefit that waives tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents, making education more accessible.
This benefit plays a vital role in attracting and supporting military families within the state.
Innovative Tools for Accessibility An interactive map on the Texas A&M University System website helps prospective students identify and connect with resources at the campus of their choice.
Accessibility to services and streamlined communication among the campuses ensures a cohesive support system.
The Texas A&M University System promotes a veteran-inclusive culture through its core values of leadership, loyalty, and selfless service. Each campus tailors its support to reflect its unique strengths while maintaining strong collaboration across the system. Monteigne underscored the importance of creating a sense of belonging and community for student veterans, helping them achieve academic and personal success.
Actionable Items:
- Enhance the interactive campus map to improve accessibility for prospective and current students.
- Expand successful veteran-focused initiatives, such as Veteran Upward Bound, to additional campuses.
- Continue strengthening the veteran-inclusive culture across all campuses by leveraging Texas A&M’s rich military heritage and values. https://www.tamu.edu/index.html https://www.tamu.edu/veterans/index.html

#vetsos #VeteranSupport #HigherEducation #MilitaryFamilies #TexasAMUniversity #StudentSuccess

In this impactful episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh and Dr. Hira welcome Chad Rairie, Executive Director of ValorAcademic, to discuss how his organization empowers veterans and military families to navigate and succeed in higher education. Chad, a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, Dartmouth graduate, and former senior policy advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense, shares his journey from military service to academia and his mission to improve educational outcomes for veterans.
Chad founded ValorAcademic in 2022 after years of informally mentoring veterans aiming for top colleges. The organization offers comprehensive, personalized advising that supports veterans at every stage of their educational journey—from selecting schools that align with their goals to navigating complex transfer credit processes. ValorAcademic’s services are available to all, with no veteran turned away due to financial limitations.
The discussion highlights the holistic approach ValorAcademic takes, addressing not only academic challenges but also personal and family considerations, such as relocation, childcare, and balancing education with military life. Chad emphasizes the need for institutions to better track veteran graduation rates, as the lack of accurate data often undermines efforts to improve educational success. Additionally, the organization extends its support to military spouses and dependents, providing tailored guidance for their unique challenges.
📌 Key Highlights:
- Chad’s Transition Journey: From being a college dropout to attending Dartmouth and mentoring fellow veterans.
- ValorAcademic’s Mission: Helping veterans and military families achieve their educational goals with a personalized, student-centered approach.
- Systemic Issues: The importance of tracking veteran graduation rates to provide data-driven support.
- Support for Military Families: Tailored advising for spouses and dependents navigating higher education.
- Practical Insights: How ValorAcademic addresses common challenges like transferring credits and adapting to academic life.
- Chad also shares his personal experience with the complexities of higher education, underlining the importance of understanding the "lingo" and processes involved. His insights are not only inspiring but provide actionable advice for veterans and their families seeking to make informed educational decisions.
🎧 Listen now to discover how ValorAcademic is changing the game for veterans in higher education.
🛠️ Actionable Takeaways:
- Explore the resources ValorAcademic provides to veterans and their families.
- Advocate for institutions to track and support veteran graduation rates.
- Reach out for personalized counseling to simplify the educational journey.
Don’t miss this episode if you or a loved one are considering furthering your education post-service! Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring stories and resources. https://www.valoracademic.com/ #vetsos #VeteranEducation #HigherEdSuccess #MilitaryFamilies #ValorAcademic #VetSupport

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn Welsh and Dr. Hira welcome Alec Emmert, CEO of Service to School, for an in-depth discussion about the nonprofit’s mission to empower veterans to pursue and succeed in higher education. Since its founding in 2013, Service to School has supported over 20,000 veterans, partnering with 31 prestigious colleges and 20 graduate programs, including Ivy League institutions and top public universities.
Alec shares details about the groundbreaking Vet Link program, a unique initiative that helps veterans translate their military experiences into academic credentials for college applications. With this program, veterans have achieved significant successes, such as 24 admitted to Princeton and 17 to Harvard in just one year. He also emphasizes the value of free mentorship from ambassadors—veterans with similar military backgrounds who guide applicants through every stage, from essay writing to final submission.
The episode delves into Alec’s personal journey from the Navy to corporate roles, earning advanced degrees, and ultimately leading Service to School. He recounts how his own positive experience with the organization inspired his commitment to its mission. Listeners will learn how veterans can access Service to School's programs multiple times—for undergraduate, graduate, or professional education—and how the organization continues to support veterans post-application with career updates and resources.
In addition, Alec highlights collaborations with programs like the Warrior Scholar Project, which prepares veterans for academic life through immersive boot camps. These partnerships, combined with Service to School’s deliberate selection of schools with high graduation rates and veteran-friendly policies, ensure a comprehensive support system for student veterans.
Stay tuned for information about the VET S.O.S. admissions fairs, where veterans can meet representatives from partner schools virtually. This episode is packed with insights and resources, emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship in transitioning successfully to higher education.
Listen now and discover how Service to School is changing lives, one veteran at a time. Don't miss this inspiring and informative conversation! https://www.service2school.org/ #vetsos #VeteransEducation #ServiceToSchool #HigherEducationForVeterans #VeteranSupport #VetSuccess

In this compelling episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn Welsh and Dr. Hira engage with Nick Lanier, Director of the Center for Veteran and Military Families at Regis College. With a distinguished military career spanning from 1999 to 2012, Lanier shares his personal story of transitioning from the U.S. Army to civilian life after a medical retirement at the age of 38. He discusses the challenges of reintegrating into civilian society, emphasizing the need to adapt military skills to the demands of higher education and the workforce.
Lanier highlights his educational journey, graduating from St. Leo University in 2015, and his eventual discovery of a passion for higher education advocacy. At Regis College, he leads efforts to support military-connected students, a community of over 100 veterans, through personalized guidance and robust resources. Lanier shares insights into the unique challenges faced by veterans in higher education, including the importance of bridging the gap between online and on-campus learners to foster a sense of community.
Regis College’s holistic approach to student support is a focal point of the discussion. Lanier outlines innovative initiatives such as peer mentoring, streamlined access to resources, and a commitment to removing roadblocks that hinder veterans’ success. He underscores the alignment between Regis College’s service-oriented values and veterans’ experiences, particularly in programs like social work, nursing, and public service. Lanier also reflects on the close-knit environment at Regis, where professors are deeply invested in students' personal and professional growth.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the importance of connectivity, community, and advocacy for veterans in higher education. Lanier’s passion for helping veterans navigate their educational paths and integrate into civilian life shines throughout the episode.
Key takeaways include:
- The distinction between transitioning and integrating from military to civilian life.
- The critical role of mentorship and advocacy for veteran success in higher education.
- The unique value veterans bring to educational settings and the workforce.
- How Regis College is creating an inclusive, supportive environment tailored to the needs of military-connected students.
🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Nick Lanier, filled with actionable insights and heartfelt stories that highlight the power of education in transforming lives. https://www.regiscollege.edu/ https://www.regiscollege.edu/admission-and-aid/center-veteran-and-military-family-services #vetsos #VeteransEducation #MilitaryTransition #HigherEdSupport #VeteransCommunity #RegisCollege