Evangel veterans center to help ease transition from military service to classrooms

Military veterans and their dependents were the focus of attention at Evangel University last week, with a series of events designed to honor their service.

The EU Student Veterans Association hosted a banquet on Monday. All veterans, active duty, reserves and dependents in the student body, faculty and staff were invited.

“The purpose of the evening was to identify the veterans among the Evangel family and make sure they were honored and appreciated for their service to our nation,” said Dr. Dale Garrett, associate professor of government and faculty adviser to the SVA.

This fall, there are approximately 96 vets and dependents enrolled at EU and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

“We hope this helps younger generations to become more aware and appreciative of the acts that assure their freedoms and help secure their blessings,” Garrett said.

Garrett is a retired lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Air Force, a three-time Air Force Squadron Commander and has nearly 3,000 flying hours logged as a B-52 crew member.

On Tuesday, the university featured a morning chapel service, an evening concert and an open house for the new veterans center, located within the seminary on the northeast corner of Evangel’s campus.

“Sometimes these men and women need to get away from the crowds,” said Stormy Davis, coordinator of veterans services for Evangel and AGTS. “This is designed to be a safe, warm and welcoming place, where they can meet with fellow vets, or just study in peace.”

When needed, they can talk with chaplain Dave Hillis, who recently retired after 35 years in the Army. Not only does he relate to them on a military level, but also on the student level.

Hillis served in the Army prior to enrolling as a student at Evangel in the late 1970s. Following graduation in 1982, he earned his master’s degree from AGTS in 1984, then returned to active duty as a chaplain.

“Some of our students are transitioning to civilian life. Some will return to the military. Our goal is to make either process as smooth as possible,” Garrett said.

By Paul K. Logsdon, director of public relations and publications at Evangel