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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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Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Jim Stinnett is the Kentucky National Guard’s education, employment and incentives specialist. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. – One of the great things about being in the Kentucky National Guard is that you can serve your nation in a military role and still be part of the local community. It also means that you can have a civilian career as well as military, which is the best of both worlds, right?
But what if you haven’t made up your mind as to what kind of civilian career you want? Worse yet, what if you don’t even have a job?
Not to fear! That’s what Jim Stinnett is here for!
CHECK OUT THE EDUCATION AND JOB LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS ARTICLE!
Stinnett is the education, incentive and employment specialist for the Kentucky National Guard. It’s his mission to – you guessed it – educate you and give you the incentive to become an employed and productive member of the community … and ultimately a better Soldier or Airman.
And guess what? He does this for Guard spouses, too!
“It’s my job to provide education and employment assistance to the service member and their spouse,” said Stinnett. “We do this by giving them access to employment training programs and online assets to help better themselves and their families. The bottom line is we provide assistance to help build opportunities for success.
Stinnett loves his job, mostly because he loves working with the troops. “The Guard is family and I’ve been a part of this family since 1983, first as an M-day Soldier and then a full-timer and now as a civilian contractor. One thing I’ve learned about life is that you do everything you can to help your family. So many of our military family need help finding that perfect job and I want to be part of that service support team that helps our brothers and sisters in uniform.”
The most common question Stinnett gets from the troops is “Where do I start?”
Many military skills, like the ones displayed here by the Soldiers of the 149th Vertical Construction Co. during a construction course at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, easily convert to jobs in the private sector. For those jobs that aren’t easily translated into civilian language, a solution can be found. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I can work with the soldier or family member to create a career action plan and an employment status review worksheet,” Stinnett said. “This will help determine a career path and what they need to do to obtain that ‘dream job’.”
“You have to make a goal or create a career action plan. You can’t be an underwater basket weaver if you don’t have the right knowledge. So you have to set smart goals.”
Stinnett explains that when you’re goal setting you should keep the following items in mind:
Make connections “Good relationships are important. Accepting help and support from others strengthens resiliency.”
Move towards realistic goals “What’s one thing I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?”
Accept change as a part of living “Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can control.”
The biggest mistake Stinnett sees applicants make is using too much military jargon in their resume.
“Probably the number one reason employers don’t hire veterans is that they can’t interpret the military lingo,” said Stinnett. “There are ways to translate military occupational skills into language that is more civilian friendly, and we can help you with that.”
And finally, Stinnet says the most important thing a Guard member can do to find the right job is to create a career portfolio.
“This should have your DD214, performance appraisals, job descriptions, old resumes and any previous job applications,” said Stinnett. “Don’t be shy. Take note of your accomplishments and achievements in the past as they are key to becoming the best qualified person for the job you’re applying for.”
So there you have it. If you’re unemployed or underemployed, don’t give up. Where there is a will there is a way. And then there’s people like Jim Stinnett.
For more information on how to find your dream job email Stinnett at james.b.stinnett.ctr@mail.mil or call him at 502-607-1941.
HELPFUL LINKS TO HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR EDUCATION AND GET A BETTER JOB!
GoArmyEd is the virtual gateway for all eligible Active Duty, National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers to request Tuition Assistance (TA) online, anytime, anywhere for classroom and distance learning www.goarmyed.com
Hero2Hired (H2H) was created to help Reserve Component service members to connect to and find jobs with military-friendly companies. https://h2h.jobs
O*NET OnLine can help you translate your military occupational skills and experience into job descriptions for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more! www.onetonline.org
Hire A Hero is an online job board and employment resources center with more than 337,000 registered members and candidate profiles and in excess of 2 Million unique visitors. www.hireahero.org
VA for Vets facilitates the reintegration, retention and hiring of Veteran employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs. http://vaforvets.va.gov/
dwa
Story by Master Sgt. Philip Speck
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Kentucky Air National Guard Master Sgt. Cynthia Rogers and Tech. Sgt. Anthony Walker were honored for their work in recuiting and retention. (Photo by Maj. Dale Greer, Chief of Public Affairs, 123d Airlift Wing)
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 5, 2011) – Two members of the Kentucky Air Guard have been recognized by the National Guard Bureau for their outstanding job performance.
Master Sgt. Cynthia Rogers was named Air National Guard Retention Office Manager of the Year for Region 4, a geographic area that includes nine states and the District of Columbia, while Tech. Sgt. Anthony Walker was named ANG Production Recruiter of the Year for Region 4.
“Both of these individuals are exceptional Airmen who perform their crucial duties with dedication and excellence, day-in and day-out,” said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Crimm, recruiting and retention superintendent for the Kentucky Air Guard. “Their outstanding commitment is one of the reasons why the Kentucky Air Guard consistently meets its recruiting and retention goals, keeping the unit strong and well-positioned to answer a wide range of mission needs all around the world.”
Walker earned his honor with a long list of accomplishments, including targeted recruiting efforts designed to fill chronically understaffed positions in the special operations career field. During fiscal year 2010, those efforts resulted in a 100 percent staffing rate for pararescue and support positions, and a 90 percent staffing rate for combat control positions. Walker also led the organization in overall recruits, enlisting 29 Airmen in the Kentucky Air National Guard during fiscal year 2010 to boost unit-wide staffing levels to 103 percent of the authorized troop count.
Lt. Col. Kathryn Pfeifer, commander of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron, called Walker a “truly outstanding recruiter who continually focuses his recruiting efforts, enabling us to find candidates to fill specific needs.”
“He has an exceptional way of interacting with candidates, cementing their interest in the Kentucky Air National Guard while engaging with unit commanders about their vacancy needs,” she added.
A strong supporter of diversity, Walker worked with human resources during fiscal year 2010 to develop recruiting strategies intended to attract a broader range of young men and women to the unit.
“He’s continually working on plans and strategies to bring new Airmen into the Kentucky Air Guard,” Sergeant Crimm said. “He also gives back to the community by donating off-duty time to a local youth ministry and to a mentorship program.”
Rogers earned her award with an equally long list of accomplishments, including a 94 percent reenlistment rate for fiscal year 2010. During those 12 months, only six Airmen elected not to re-enlist in the Kentucky Air Guard.
Rogers also is a Post 9-11 Montgomery G.I. Bill guru, Sergeant Crimm said.
“She is recognized within the Air Guard recruiting and retention community as a expert on those benefits, and she briefed the entire Kentucky Air Guard on the program to ensure maximum awareness,” he said.
“Sergeant Rogers always has the best interests of our Airmen in mind,” Colonel Pfeifer said. “She goes above and beyond to ensure unit members get the information they need on items such as the Yellow Ribbon Integration Program, tuition assistance, the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill or re-enlistment bonuses. She is a fair and honest individual who clearly outlines the benefits and programs available to our members, and who also keeps commanders informed on how they can further assist in areas where their Airmen are concerned.”
In her off-duty time, Rogers serves the local homeless population by volunteering at Louisville’s Christian Wayside Mission complex. She also champions diversity recruiting efforts by attending minority events in the community.
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