Military Affairs Office hosts education event for veterans

This week, Liberty University is hosting the Institute for Veterans Education and Training (IVET) as it presents a five-day career and life skills training course for veterans. In all, 30 guests traveled from across Virginia and from other states, including Tennessee and Texas, to attend.

“It is a privilege to partner with IVET,” said Emily Foutz, director of Liberty’s Office of Military Affairs. “This organization has a heart and passion for veterans and their academic and vocational success, and we have already seen the difference this program can make in the lives of these brave men and women transitioning from the military to civilian culture. We look forward to seeing what the Lord will continue to do through this partnership and in the lives of the veterans who are touched through this opportunity.”

The event features about 30 class sessions on topics such as building a résumé, business culture, and social media networking, as well as small group sessions, panels with employers, and an education fair featuring college representatives. In addition to the rigorous training, guests were encouraged to have fun as they explored some of the recreational amenities of campus, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre.

Participants will leave the event with a résumé, items for a portfolio, and life skills to help them be successful in school or in the corporate world.

“Liberty is a military-friendly institution and we take great pride in that,” said Ashley Eskridge, a military outreach coordinator for Liberty. “We are always looking for ways to help our military population and improve our outreach efforts. Military students have so much experience and we can help them use that to their benefit.”

She said many IVET participants are planning to take college courses and Liberty is able to step in and help them meet their educational goals, including extending discounts to those enrolling in an online education program. The Office of Military Affairs offers multiple resources to assist military students and veterans with academic and financial benefits, and to provide spiritual support.