Texas CVSP Blog by Dr. Kathryn Selber, Texas State University

The Certificate of Veteran Service Providers workshop organized by Operation College Promise and hosted by Texas State University – San Marcos covered a 3 day agenda of important material for our university-based service providers in Texas. With over twenty colleges represented and over 75 providers participating, the conference was a great success! An inspirational beginning session by keynote speaker Joe Brown, former NFL player and Harker Heights Superintendent of Recreation, told his story of achievement, injury, and overcoming adversity through adaptive sports while setting the tone for an inspiring time of sharing ideas and successes. Information sessions included: changes to the GI Bill; transitioning issues; panels on local resources; a student veteran panel from Texas State; a panel of staff and wounded warriors from the Wounded Warrior Project; best practices on support services; and the finale of Military Warriors Support Foundation. There was a lot of great food and trips to Camp Mabry and local points of interest. Great networking and the ever well- organized staff of Operation College Promise were the best! Many thanks Wendy Lang and Lauren—Come back to Texas!

Dr. Katherine Selber
Professor, School of Social Work
Texas State, Veteran Advisory Council, founding member
Veterans Alliance of Texas State, faculty sponsor
Military Family Member

Guest Blog - My CVSP Experience, By Lauren DelRicci

After spending two and a half days with the speakers and attendees of Operation College Promise’s CVSP program on Stockton College campus, I had a few different feelings. Most importantly, I came out of the certificate program feeling wiser, armed with a wealth of knowledge on current VA benefits, different education programs, and the latest and greatest on everyone’s favorite -- Post 9/11 GI Bill.

I was also excited to share the resources with colleagues and students. I think that is the most valuable asset the CVSP program avails… the ability to bring the information back to the college or respective institution.

Finally, I had a distinct feeling of inspiration. I was inspired to continue being involved with the mobilization of veteran’s education outreach. I felt compelled to make a promise with myself to never quit efforts to reach the veteran or service-member, hopefully inspiring them in return to never quit their mission of achieving a degree in higher education.

As a part of the OCP advisory board, I will admit that among the feelings of wisdom, elation and inspiration was exhaustion! However, the time spent working on the project was worth it and at the end of the day when we watched our NBC broadcast at the Absecon VFW, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

Lauren DelRicci is a member of the OCP Advisory Board and the Certifying Official at Burlington County College. She is a graduate of Rowan University and a Navy veteran.