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Gov. Bevin announces solution to tuition assistance shortfall
GOVERNOR BEVIN ANNOUNCES SOLUTION TO THE KENTUCKY NATIONAL GUARD TUITION ASSISTANCE SHORTFALL
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2015) – Last week it came to the attention of Governor Bevin that nearly 700 Kentucky Guard members had been denied tuition assistance due to an unforeseen funding shortfall. Upon hearing of this situation, Governor Bevin immediately began to work with Adjutant General Hogan and State Senator Chris McDaniel to find a solution to allow these Guard members to enroll in classes for the spring semester.
Today, Governor Bevin met with leaders of the Kentucky higher education institutions to request that the Kentucky National Guard members be able to enroll for the spring semester with the understanding that the state will reimburse the universities for any funding shortfall in the upcoming budget session.
“I am pleased to announce that we have found a solution for the Guard members who were denied tuition assistance due to a lack of funds,” said Governor Bevin. “This afternoon I met with the university and community college presidents and they have graciously agreed to front the tuition assistance for the Guard members until the state is able to provide reimbursement.”
“This solution will ensure that the Kentucky Guard members’ academic enrollment is not adversely impacted while we work to finalize funding,” Governor Bevin continued. “I thank the leaders of our higher education community, Sen. McDaniel, and Adjutant General Hogan for partnering with us in this effort to restore the benefits that had been promised. This program is a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women serving us proudly in the Guard.”
The General Assembly set aside $5.3 million for the program, but that is approximately $1 to $2 million short of the total amount needed to fully fund the requested assistance. The Administration is looking at funding options both within the current budget as well as the budget for the upcoming session. The House and Senate leadership have expressed commitment to ensure that this obligation is met in the next budget cycle. The Kentucky National Guard members that have been affected should directly contact their higher education institution with questions.
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John Bond, aka “Coach Bond” has been a driving not just for the athletes on his team, but for all of the cadets at the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan. (Photo courtesy Appalachian Challenge Academy)
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
HARLAN, Ky. — The Appalachian Challenge Academy has established itself as a force to be reckoned with since opening its doors in Harlan only a couple of years ago. Hundreds of cadets have graduated the 22-week program thus far, some going back to high school with a path toward college or vocational-technical schools, others getting jobs or joining up with the military.
And while the cadets are certainly due credit for their own success, let’s face facts: all the desire and determination in the world is in vain without the proper guidance; it takes teachers and mentors to set the example and point young people in the right direction.
Better known as “Coach Bond,” John Bond brought his skills from decades of teaching in the public schools to teaching and mentoring cadets at the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan. (Photo courtesy Appalachian Challenge Academy)
One such mentor is John Bond, better known in Harlan County as “Coach Bond.” A graduate of the University of Kentucky and English teacher/girls basketball coach from Cumberland High School, Bond couldn’t just go home when it came time to retire. Rather than settle down, he took on a new role as a language arts and history teacher at the ACA.
“The Appalachian Challenge Academy means a lot to this area,” said Bond. “It takes kids that have fallen off the path to success and disappeared, and brings them back into a classroom to build confidence in them. It is all about a second or third chance to succeed.”
In coaching, everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. This is the same with teaching. Cadets enter the Academy in the same way, and we have to coach them to prepare them for the GED. Teaching them to try their best and to work hard toward a goal also helps prepare them for life after the Academy.
First, they have to want the help. That is the most important thing, that they are willing to accept the help we can offer. Second, they have to have aspirations, to want better things in life. Sometimes they do not develop these goals until we get a hold of them. Third, they have to accept that in life everything does not always work out like you plan and things change so they have to be able to adapt.
Better known as “Coach Bond,” John Bond brought his skills from decades of teaching in the public schools to teaching and mentoring cadets at the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan. (Photo courtesy Appalachian Challenge Academy)
The biggest boundary is raising cadet confidence levels, and getting them to buy into hard work to understand that they are the ones who have to help themselves,” said Bond. “You can teach anyone if they have the right attitude.”
Bond cites the example of a cadet who came to the academy unused to working hard. “He thought he didn’t have to put forth an effort to get an education. He was well mannered, courteous, and always willing to help but needed focus. We finally got him settled and on the right track. He recently called to inform us that he completed his high school equivalency test and plans to attend college for welding and computer science. That is a huge success to me that he did not give up after graduating from the Academy. I expect him to continue his growth and become a successful adult.”
Bond’s reputation with the academy staff is a measurement of his success.
“Coach Bond has a passion about him that catches the young men and women’s attention, especially when he teaches or coaches,” said Master Sgt. Tonia Henry. “He pulls out each person’s special trait and helps them to develop it. He never gives up or quits on a person, and he does not allow you to give up or quit on yourself.”
“Coach Bond has a big and caring heart for the cadets here at the academy,” said 1st Sgt. Lee. “He told me he wished he could help all of the cadets get a good start in life by helping them get on the right path. He is always trying to encourage our cadets to do their best.”
Ryan French, ACA Instructor had high praise for this coach turned teacher. “Coach Bond is a man that despite his infancy in Youth Challenge, is a wealth of knowledge to all that graces his presence. From his professional insight to his vast wisdom on everyday life matters, Coach Bond is an motivation to every cadet and colleague that he is around.”
Kentucky Youth ChalleNGe is designed to help youth, ages 16-18, get a jump start on life. The 22-week credit recovery program is geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects. The program has been around for nearly 20 years. More than 100,000 cadets have graduated from the program nation-wide.
For more information on Appalachian Challenge Academy contact Josh Coldiron, 606-574-0303 or 855-596-4927 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Editor’s Note: Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffmann, from Owensboro, Ky., is a signal support system specialist with the 149th Brigade Support Battalion in Louisville. Originally from Texas, Hoffmann moved to Kentucky after Basic Combat Training to pursue her education. She recently graduated with her bachelor’s degree in human resource management while deployed to Afghanistan with Agribusiness Development Team 5.
Commentary by Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffmann, Agribusiness Development Team 5
Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffmann with Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 5 recently graduated with her college degree from Ashford University while deployed to Afghanistan. Hoffmann’s father accepted her diploma during the school’s commencement in Moline, Ill., May 5, 2013. (Courtesy photo)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -Many Soldiers choose to join the military for a number of reasons: building of skills and abilities, supporting the war, better life for their families, fitness goals and education opportunities. In my personal experience, I joined the National Guard for a few reasons. The biggest reason was to ensure I could obtain my education without the financial support of my family and take responsibility for my future.
I was awarded my Associate’s in Arts with emphasis in Music and Art History at a community college hoping to pursue my Music Business degree at Eastern Kentucky University. After spending a year on campus, I needed a change. I enjoyed EKU, but I was struggling financially and I had lost the passion to follow my dreams in the music industry.
After dropping out of college in 2007 to work full time, I realized I needed to refocus and take a hard look at what I wanted out of my education. I decided to volunteer to deploy to Iraq and start school online while I was in country. Like most Soldiers, I came up with every excuse why I did not have the time to get started. After I returned from deployment, I determined I had procrastinated enough and started searching www.militaryonesource.mil for a suitable university.
I found Ashford University, called to get set up and the rest is history. The benefits of Ashford were astronomical compared to what I had experienced in the past. They have a veteran’s program that waves all of the tuition fees, the credit hour was no more than $250, and the electronic books were free and downloadable. It is an incredible resource enabling a student to access classes and books all from a laptop or phone while on the go. The class requirements are ideal for traveling and stationary Soldiers, the instructors are highly knowledgeable and flexible, and (best of all) many class mates are people just like you.
It took me a little over three years to finish my bachelor’s in human resource management. I was able to take breaks in between and my advisor always helped me get right back on track. GoArmyEd has also come a long way since it was established. Ashford is very familiar with the student voucher process, the transactions, and transcript updates. All are completed between Ashford University and the Kentucky National Guard’s education department.
Staff Sgt. Sidney Hoffmann (right) with Sgt. Jamie Pungirum, both with Kentucky’s Agribusiness Development Team 5 in Afghanistan. (Courtesy photo)
As I was coming to the end of my degree, I knew it would be a challenge to maintain my high GPA while going through pre deployment training as well as turning in assignments on time. Not once did I have an issue meeting the requirements. One day, while waiting my turn to qualify on the M9 and M16 range, I responded to my classmates through my phone using the Ashford University Application. That’s just an example of how easy it is to make it happen.
I finished my degree this past February with a 3.84 GPA, graduated with honors, and became a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda. I really wanted to attend or at least participate in my graduation somehow from Afghanistan. With the eager assistance from Ashford, they asked me to find a proxy to go in my place, and they would take care of the expenses. They made my father and my grandfather feel right at home. As I watched the video of the ceremony from Afghanistan, I became emotional and in awe of the profound sound of the audience cheering when they announced my name and explained why my father was accepting my degree. The feeling of accomplishing one of my major goals in life is a relief and both my family and I were able to take part in it together.
Click here to see the story of Hoffmann’s father accepting her diploma.
My message to the Soldiers out there is to give education a chance. Ashford University is one of the many military supporting universities out there, but it all starts with the individual. Forget the excuses, how much it costs, and make the time. If you want it bad enough, MAKE IT HAPPEN. There are so many resources and support systems to help a Soldier increase their education.
It is never too late to start and you will be surprised in the amount of pride you will hold for yourself when you receive that diploma.
Story courtesy of Ashford University
Tom Hoffmann receives an Ashford University diploma on behalf of his daughter, Sidney, who is currently serving in Afghanistan. (PRNewsFoto/Ashford University)
SAN DIEGO -- A special pin complemented Tom Hoffmann’s cap and gown as he waited eagerly to cross the stage with nearly 1,200 graduates at the Ashford University spring commencement ceremony held earlier this month in Moline, Ill. The pin, which was given to him by his daughter Sidney Hoffmann just before she was deployed, was a yellow ribbon with a blue star banner pendant, indicating you have a child actively serving in the military. Tom traveled to commencement from just outside of Dallas to accept a diploma on behalf of Sidney, who is serving in the armed forces (Kentucky National Guard) in Afghanistan.
“It’s very exciting to be able to be a part of your child’s graduation, but to get it for her while she is serving our country is an honor,” said Mr. Hoffmann. “Like any father, I pushed her to complete her education and continued to push even when she was deployed. This is a big milestone. She was committed to getting a degree as well as serving her country.”
Tom Hoffmann accepts his daughter’s diploma during commencement ceremony in Moline, Ill., May 17, 2013. (Photo courtesy of Ashford University)
Sidney, 29, completed her bachelor’s degree in human resources management with magna cum laude honors. She began her college career at a traditional university; however, Ashford University’s progressive online platforms provided Sidney the flexibility necessary to continue her educational pursuits while being deployed overseas.
“This truly was a rewarding experience,” said Sidney. “The distance learning program allowed me the ease of working a full time job while providing the flexibility to participate on time with my classmates and instructors. I really appreciate everything Ashford has done for me and my family. I am truly grateful to the faculty and staff that made it possible for my father to take part in this momentous occasion.”
In a private ceremony prior to graduation, Ashford University President Dr. Richard Pattenaude presented Mr. Hoffmann with a challenge coin to present to Sidney when she returns home.
Click here to see the video of Mr. Hoffman accepting Sidney’s diploma.
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Click here for more photos and info on the Kentucky National Guard Youth Challenge Program
Appalachian Challenge Academy cadets during a visit to the state capitol building in Frankfort. (Photo by Will Daniels, Appalachian Challenge Academy)
HARLAN, Ky. — Harlan native Josh Coldiron has been named the director of the Kentucky National Guard’s Appalachian Challenge Academy.
“I am honored to be a part of the Appalachian Challenge Academy,” said Josh Coldiron, the new director of Appalachia Challenge Academy. “We will continue to work hard to provide this incredible opportunity for the youth of our region.” (Photo by Will Daniels, Appalachian Challenge Academy)
Sponsored by the Kentucky National Guard and administered by the Department of Military Affairs, the Appalachian Challenge Academy’s mission is to train and mentor selected at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 18, and to help them become contributing members of society. Over the course of the 22 week residential phase cadets work daily towards earning a GED or earning credits to return and rejoin their high school class. They also complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service, and take part in many local events.
“I am honored to be a part of the Appalachian Challenge Academy,” said Coldiron. “Our program’s mission is to train and mentor selected youth to become contributing members of society. We will continue to work hard to provide this incredible opportunity for the youth of our region.”
There are currently 68 cadets currently enrolled in the Harlan program. A second academy with 91 cadets is located at Fort Knox. The program is more than 15 years old and has seen 2,274 graduates pass through its doors.
Cadets at the Appalachian Challenge Academy take part in a flag ceremony in Harlan. (photo by Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
“Josh has shown himself to be the right person at the right time for the right job,” said Major General Edward W. Tonini, Adjutant General for Kentucky. “Since coming on staff he’s shown that he’s got the energy, creativity, dedication and experience needed to run this very important program. I look forward to seeing what the future brings the Appalachian Challenge Academy under his guidance.”
Coldiron began his career with the Department of Military Affairs on October 16, 2011 as the assistant director of the Appalachian Challenge Academy where he provided administrative support services to the director and technical management assistance to organizational units within the division.
Coldiron is a graduate of Harlan High School and Eastern Kentucky University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History. Coldiron began his career with Kentucky State Government on February 1, 2002 with the Department of Corrections as a Probation & Parole Officer. During his time there he maintained an average caseload of 160 clients; served as Class D Coordinator for Harlan County Detention Center; he monitored court-ordered financial obligations; composed Pre-sentence Investigations and Supervision reports; and he provided testimony in Circuit Court Hearings and Parole Revocation Hearings.
The current classes are scheduled to graduate in June. Recruiting for the next semester is now under way.
For more information on the Kentucky National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program and how to enroll, call 1-855-KY-NGYCP (1-855-596-4927).
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
OPEN THE DOOR TO SUCCESS by taking advantage of the education and employment opportunities made available to you through the National Guard (File photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. – One of the great things about being in the military, aside from wearing cool uniforms and getting trained to do things that most other people cannot even imagine, is the range of benefits that “Uncle Sugar” makes available to the troops. Among the most valuable of all those benefits available are the ones that provide education and employment opportunities.
Lt. Col. Allen Boone and his Education, Incentives and Employment team are committed to making sure that all of Kentucky’s Citizen Soldiers and Families get access to the full spectrum of the available benefits and services .
“The opportunity to increase the level of support to our Soldiers and their families is our utmost goal,” said Boone. “Our mission is to daily become more effect and efficient in our job so to provide the highest level of quality support for education as well as employment. This includes incentives for student loan repayment and bonuses for our Guard members.”
Boone’s team wants to inspire not just the Soldiers, but Family members as well to achieve a higher level of success than they’ve ever had before.
“We want them to take advantage of the huge amount of educational benefits that are available to them,” he said.
Ltc. Allen Boone and Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Peele have a passion for helping Soldiers jump start their careers through education, employment and incentives offered by the National Guard. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Boone and his team are working hard to market their services and get the word out on the opportunities available to Guard members and their Families. Websites and social media tools such as Facebook have now become part of that process.
Some of the most attractive features about signing on with the Kentucky National Guard are the enlistment incentives and education benefits.
“The maximum enlistment incentive is $15,000,” said Sgt. Matthew Boone, state incentives manager. “The average bonus awarded is around $2,500, depending on where a recruit goes, the need for that particular job skill, available slots, unit strength and other factors.”
Current members of the Guard can also receive extension bonuses of up to $10,000 depending on their eligibility.
Education incentives include the Montgomery GI Bill, federal tuition assistance, state tuition assistance and the aptly named “kicker.”
But what if you’ve already graduated from college? Don’t worry about it – the National Guard has something to offer you, too, in the form of college loan repayment programs.
“We spend a lot of time on loan repayments,” said Sgt. Boone. “With the increase of this program to $50,000, that is very popular right now.”
Sgt. Matt Boone and Capt. Melissa Mattingly discuss incentives available to Kentucky National Guard Soldiers. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Preparing troops for civilian employment is the other side of the coin. Without jobs part-time troops can become distracted and unhappy, and they may even decide to leave the service. Stable, productive employment builds a strong, resilient force of motivated Soldiers capable of deploying overseas in time of war or here at home during natural disasters and emergencies.
“Education and employment go hand in glove,” said Lt. Col. Boone. “We work very closely with Kentucky Employer Support of Guard and Reserve in putting out job announcements and training seminars. We want to do everything possible to increase the marketability of our troops in this challenging economy.”
But it’s not just the individual Soldier that the Guard can help; another program Boone’s team runs is Education After High School, which targets the children of Guard members.
“This program helps Guard youth identify the opportunities that are available to them after high school,” he said. “Whether it’s a two or four year college, vocational or trade school or apprenticeship programs that lead to full-time employment, we can help them find their direction.”
There are requirements that must be met, of course. Troops applying for state tuition assistance must meet all physical fitness and height/weight standards and they must not be flagged. Applicants for the Montgomery GI Bill also have their rules. But not to worry – the Education Office can help guide you through the process to make sure you know what’s expected.
“With the benefits we now have there is no financial reason for our people not to get their college degree and advance their civilian career and pursue a great military career,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Peel, Education Incentives and Employment NCOIC. “I come from a customer service background and I love helping people figure out what they need and connecting them with the right resources.
“I’ve seen our Soldiers give so much every day and this is a chance for us to give back to them.”
For more information on Kentucky National Guard education benefits and incentives call 502-607-1307 or email [email protected]
Also, visit the following links:
Federal Tuition Assistance
State Tuition Assistance:
ARNG Education Web Site
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
Story by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
Pictures by Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer, Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
The engagement of the Kentucky National Guard with the University of Louisville will reinvigorate, strengthen, and bind our communities in a successful partnership that includes, but not limited to, jointly developed initiatives in strategic areas of education, health, engineering, business, medicine, leadership, and intercollegiate athletics, and specific to the needs of soldiers and families. This partnership will promote a professional exchange between University faculty, staff, students, Soldiers and their families.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville and Kentucky National Guard have established a partnership that will promote an ongoing professional exchange among Soldiers and their families with UofL faculty, staff and students.
University President James Ramsey and Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, adjutant general of the Kentucky National Guard, signed the document last Friday.
“We are your neighbors, we stay here, we are always going to be here,” Tonini said. “And our responsibilities are not only for the federal mission but also for the state mission, so we really are a part of the home team.”
The two organizations will work together develop a wide array of joint initiatives such as research in post-traumatic stress disorder, degree programs for Soldiers, training in language and culture, and summer academic and athletic camps for children of Kentucky National Guard families, according to the memorandum.
“I think it’s very exciting as a U of L alumni and a Kentucky National Guard member to see where they are going to move in the future,” says Tech. Sgt. Jason Ketterer, Kentucky Air National Guard.
The school’s Executive Director of Military Initiatives and Partnerships, Renee Finnegan, says the program is modeled after a similar agreement with Fort Knox.
Finnegan says the program is modeled after a similar agreement with Fort Knox.
UofL recently began offering discounted tuition to Kentucky National Guard Soldiers, a benefit it was already offering to active military and veteran students, Finnegan said. This year, some 700 veterans are attending the university and another 140 active duty and civilian students at Fort Knox are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in workforce leadership.
[flickr video=6916572681 show_info=true secret=39d96e53bf w=619 h=348]
WDRB, Fox 41 reports on the engagement of the Kentucky National Guard with the University of Louisville will reinvigorate, strengthen, and bind our communities in a successful partnership that includes, but not limited to, jointly developed initiatives in strategic areas of education, health, engineering, business, medicine, leadership, and intercollegiate athletics, and specific to the needs of soldiers and families. This partnership will promote a professional exchange between University faculty, staff, students, Soldiers and their families.
CLICK HERE to see other reports from Louisville media.
