Program Supports Student Veterans As They Transition Back Into Civilian Life

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Chattahoochee Technical College has established an initiative to support student veterans attending classes at one of its eight campuses.

The Green Zone project will help to create an awareness of, and education about, military culture and those service members trying to transition into civilian and college life.

“The purpose of the Green Zone Program is to serve our veterans and veteran family members enrolled at Chattahoochee Technical College as they have served and supported us in defending our country and our freedom,” Communication and Veteran Services Coordinator Barry Munday said.

While the term Green Zone describes a safe and secure place, Munday said it’s more about the people providing support to student veterans rather than a physical location. Green Zone participants can offer comforting reassurance and help individuals identify and connect with the appropriate resources.

The college currently has 89 faculty and staff members among all eight campuses who have completed the training and are certified as Green Zone participants.

“The transition from the military to the academic community can be overwhelming for these soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen as well as their families,” Munday said. “Our increased awareness of their needs allows us to better provide support and assistance as they begin or continue their journey in college in pursuit of their personal goals and objectives. Often a listening ear can make a tremendous difference.”

Faculty and staff who are knowledgeable on the issues faced by student veterans and their families and the resources available to assist them are identified by a Green Zone emblem outside of their office door and/or on their syllabus.

As an ongoing trend on college campuses, there have been Green Zones popping up at colleges across Georgia and the U.S.

Technical College System of Georgia Director of Military Affairs Patricia Ross was researching strong veteran support programs when she came upon Operation Green Zone at Fayetteville Technical Community College near Ft. Bragg, N.C.

She evaluated the program and its practical applications for technical colleges in Georgia. Now all TCSG campuses have Green Zones.

“As more veterans look to colleges for education and training required to transition to the civilian workplace, it’s important for staff and faculty to understand military culture and some of the challenges in order to help student veterans succeed,” Ross said.

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

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