Photo By Maj. Holli Nelson | Recruiters with the West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG), joined by Bluefield...... read more read more
Subscribe
Recruiters with the West Virginia Army National Guard, joined by Bluefield State College President Marsha Krotseng, celebrated the opening of a new recruiting office in the W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business/Mahood Hall Nov. 2, 2018 in Bluefield, West Virginia.
The recruiting office at Bluefield State marks the newest location for the WVARNG in the southernmost part of the state, the only one of which is at a higher education institution.
“We’re really excited to have the West Virginia Army National Guard here at Bluefield State. It’s a great match for the campus,” said Krotseng. “I think there’s a real synergy with the National Guard and Bluefield State working together. The Guard provides incredible benefits for students that need financial aid, and financial aid is so important to students that are attending college. So, for our students to be part of the National Guard and get financial aid at the same time they are getting good career preparation here is just a tremendous value for everyone.”
Sgt. 1st Class Teddy Scouras and Sgt. Joshua Blankenship will serve as recruiters in the new location. Scouras, a 16-year veteran of the force with a background that spans multiple career fields in the U.S. Army, said the new location will provide current and future students with options for opportunities in their future.
“When people graduate high school, they don’t necessarily know what they want to do,” said Scouras. “So, these people will look at various options such as going straight into the workforce, or college, and while they are here [in school] we can help them by exploring career options in the National Guard.”
He continued, “I’ve noticed when college is available and it’s free, especially through the Guard, students tend to stay and graduate instead of dropping out. The Guard helps to pay for tuition and room and board, plus the added bonus of the G.I. Bill can ease the stress and burden for these students seeking their degrees, and in turn, enhance college graduation rates.”
The WVARNG provides tuition reimbursement for up to 100 percent of tuition (up to $7,000 a year) and allowable fees to an accredited college or university located within West Virginia, to earn one certificate, undergraduate degree and master’s degree during their period of service in the National Guard.
These recruiters will not only be assisting local college students, but they will also serve the population in Southern West Virginia and area high schools. They play an integral part in their communities, serving as role models and mentors in the area while also teaching programs and working with students on their future endeavors.
For anyone interested in reaching out to Scouras or Blankenship, their office is located in Mahood Hall on the bottom floor in rooms G8, G12 and G13 on Bluefield State’s campus and they are available on a 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. basis Monday through Friday or by appointment. Students on campus can fill out a card and drop it into the mail slot to set up an appointment. In addition, they are available via phone or text at 304-360-1418 or 304-550-0687 or on social media on Facebook and Instagram.
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2018 12:32 |
| Story ID: | 299250 |
| Location: | BLUEFIELD, WEST VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 63 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, W.Va. Guard opens newest recruiting location at Bluefield State College, by Maj. Holli Nelson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
