Coming up on the 14th of April, the leadership of the Grace College Student Veteran’s Organization will be heading down to Purdue University in West Lafayette Indiana.  There, we will take part in the Operation Diploma grant competition , an initiative of the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University.  We will be competing alongside other regional student veteran groups for a grant of up to $2000.  The past two years in a row our SVO has done very well in the competition, and we are hoping to continue our success in 2012.

A few examples of projects funded at least in part by MFRI grant money are Organization gatherings, new student welcome-packets, and the John Schumacher chapel event.  These projects have helped shape success in our organization as we reach out to our members, the campus and the community as a whole.  John Schumacher was fantastic for raising campus-wide awareness, and the welcome packets helped our students adjust to a new area.  Over the past several weeks we have been busy composing and refining our group’s presentation.  In it, we have covered the background and history of our Organization, in addition to our current administrative practices, our yearly budget, and our long-term goals for member recruitment and sustainment.  As we have composed outlines and prepared slideshows, we have closely examined our operational records from our past two years of existence.  This has helped our leadership develop a plan based off of the group’s current and past challenges and successes.

As we anticipate a potential boost in this year’s funds, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for feedback.  The leadership of the SVO here at Grace College and Seminary has a tentative budget prepared to present to the Military Family Research Institute on April 14th.  However, I would like to hear what our members think.  How would you like to see a grant used to benefit our organization?    Feedback is important.  The more we hear from you the members, the more the leadership can tailor the organization to be one that reflects the unique personalities and strengths of Grace College’s military students!

-Marshall Vondy

Veteran’s Affairs Student Worker

This week I had the privilege to talk to Christine French, who is the Coordinator of Academic Support at Grace College and Seminary.   She is also a member of our Veterans Affairs Student Services Team (VASST) to better your experience as a military student at Grace College

Tell me a little bit about your life and family outside of Grace College:

I am South African, born and raised. My husband John French graduated from Warsaw High and then Grace College and Seminary.  He came to SA to be involved with church planting.  That is where we met and married.  We have two children: a senior in college and a sophomore in high school.

I enjoy being outdoors, gardening and going to sporting events.

What is your job at Grace College, and how long have you worked here/in your particular office?

I have been at Grace for three years. I provide accommodations for students with disabilities, administer standardized tests, make up tests for the campus, and follow up on attendance alerts from professors.

Why are you interested in helping military students?

In the South Africa which I grew up in, all males were required to perform military service after graduating high school.  Both of my brothers served for two years.  There were some men who chose to go to college first and then do their military service; their rationale being that they would immediately move into leadership positions.

Most of the students who came to college after their military service outperformed and were a lot more mature than the students who came directly from high school.  However, there were veterans who struggled to adjust to campus life and who struggled academically.  I was friends with some of the struggling students and had some in my classes.  I remember wanting to help the students, and yet feeling helpless in not knowing how to help them.  Those were the days before we understood much about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

When it comes to helping veterans, what is your particular passion?

I appreciate their service to the country while they were in the military.  I would like to make veterans aware of how much they can contribute to campus.  They have been overseas and have a much broader view on life and the real world, and could help Grace become aware of life outside the Christian Midwest cocoon.

When it comes to students’ needs, my motto is: “What is too hard for most people is just right for me.”  Meaning that if a student has difficulty adjusting to campus or with academics, I would like to facilitate the appropriate help.  There is no problem which I am not willing to help with.

Why would you recommend Grace College to a prospective military student?

Grace focuses on the development of the student as a whole, not just academically.  It is striving to be of service to military students, and has provided the beautiful lounge area in the Gordon Rec center.  Students can go there to hang out, socialize, or study.  On certain days of the week, a writing tutor is in the lounge to help students with class projects. Additionally, the college offers the Veterans Affairs Student Services team to help veterans with any issues they may have while in school.

What is your vision for the future of veterans at Grace College?

Veterans should not only experience academic success, but also feel connected at Grace. Veterans should see Grace as place where their experiences and service to the country are valued.

I appreciate Mrs. French taking time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions.  I think that her answers are insightful and well reflect the attitude of Grace College’s faculty and staff towards military students.  To see more about other members of our VASST Team, check out the “meet the team” tab on www.grace.edu/military.

-Marshall Vondy

Grace College Veteran’s Affairs Student Worker

Kosciusko County is home to many local businesses which eagerly support military members and veterans.  I’ve mentioned a few of them here, and I hope that you will acknowledge their generosity by frequenting their locations of business.

The “Big R” located on 3660 Commerce Drive in Warsaw offers a “Military Mondays program, where on  the 2^nd Monday of each month; card carrying veterans receive 10% off their entire purchase; special order, sale items, firearms and ammunition excluded.

“The Pizza Shoppe”, located on 3632 Commerce Drive in Warsaw offers 10% off to military cardholders.  I should note that their pizza is absolutely fantastic, and their service is always friendly.

“Culvers”, on N. Parker Street in Warsaw offers military cardholders a 10% meal discount.  My personal favorite “fast food” resteraunt, Culvers turns out excellent hamburgers and delicious frozen custard.  They offer a personable staffa and a clean and comfortable dining environment.

We are always on the lookout for businesses which offer military discounts, and if any of your favorites happen to be military-friendly, be sure to let us know about them so that we can share them with other Indiana veterans.  Check our Veterans Discount page often as we continue to add more businesses.

-Marshall Vondy

Veteran’s Affairs Student Worker (And Pizza Eater)

This past week was a busy one for me, and in addition to securing a nice paycheck, it reminded me of another reason why I am happy to be at Grace College and Theological Seminary.

From Friday to Tuesday I was at my monthly drill at Grissom Joint Air Reserve Base in Peru, Indiana.  Now, my unit’s drill weekends are normally just two day ordeals, but due to upcoming dual Annual Tours coming up in May and October, my commander saw fit to extend our training through Monday and Tuesday so that everyone could be current with things like medical, career-specific Computer Based Training courses, and , as well as heavy equipment refresher courses.  In addition, much time was delegated to the building up and loading of pallets for air shipment via KC-135.  While I was excited by the prospect of getting a larger paycheck than normal, I was initially concerned by the extension of the training weekend.  I had classes and due dates on Monday and Tuesday which I would have to skip, and I knew that I would have very little time to work on class projects in the evenings after I got off duty.

When I addressed my concerns with my professors, they told me that they made personal habits of working with military students and their often-abnormal schedules.  They summarily extended several deadlines for me.  Additionally, when informed that my first annual tour would overlap with the last week of classes in May, they were very eager to work out modified assignment schedules with me.  I was encouraged by their willingness to help and the appreciation which they showed for Grace’s military students, and I am continually happy to recommend Grace as a truly “military-friendly” college.

-Marshall Vondy

Veteran’s Affairs Student Worker

(And USAF Air Transportation troop)   (;

This past week I had the opportunity to talk to United States Air Force veteran Jericho Schoof about why he chose to study at Grace College.  During his time in the Air Force, Jericho served as a F-15 jet engine mechanic, and was station at Both Eglin AFB in Florida and Mountain Home AFB in Idaho.  He now lives with his wife in Warsaw, Indiana, and is pursuing a degree in Spanish Education.

What drew you to Grace College?
I thought the small campus atmosphere with a Christian focus was the most appealing part of Grace College. I also liked the sense of community shared by both the faculty and student body. The overall curriculum and the opportunities to study abroad also interested me.

As a military student, what do you feel Grace College offers that another college doesn’t? And, do you feel that the Veteran’s Affairs Student Services Team is a benefit to you?As a military student, the veterans lounge is a big bonus that other campuses don’t offer. I like having the ability to converse with other veterans in our own area devoted to those who served. Since there are not a lot of veterans on campus, the Veteran’s Affairs Student Services Team gets to know each of us by name and are always available if we need any help or have any questions.

Do you feel that you have benefited from choosing to attend Grace College?
Yes, I have benefited from choosing Grace in multiple ways. First, I am able to pursue a degree in Spanish Education and Grace offers challenging classes that push me academically. Secondly, I am able to grow in my faith not only while I am in class, but also while I attend Chapel.

Would you recommend Grace College to another military veteran?
Yes, I would recommend Grace College to another veteran, because the small campus atmosphere and challenging curriculum is a great way to start your career outside the military.

Like Jericho, I feel that whether you are currently serving or have moved past your military career, Grace college is an excllent way for any veteran to kick-start a successful career. ”

-Marshall Vondy

Veteran’s Affairs Student Services Worker

For over two years now, Grace College and Seminary has been a military friendly school.  This means that the college’s administration has chosen to actively recruit and retain military students in a number of ways.   Grace accepts all forms of the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill, in addition to offering credit for CLEP and ACE exams.  It offers a flexible degree program, called GOAL, which offers students a chance to earn their Bachelor’s degree in Management while still being able to pursue their responsibilities (like a military career) full time.  Furthermore, Grace offers the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Program, which will cover the remainder of an eligible student’s tuition after their Post 9/11 GI Bill is applied to their account.
The college’s Veteran’s Affairs Student Services Team has been comprised of faculty and staff from a number of different campus offices.  Each of these team members is enthusiastic about aiding military students, and each has a helpful set of resources to offer military students.There are currently thirty-two military students at Grace College and Seminary, among them veterans, dependents, and reservists.   As Admissions steps up its recruiting efforts towards military members and accepts new military students, I would like to encourage you to come and take an active part in Grace’s military community.  I assure you that whatever your military-education position, you will not be disappointed by the benefits which have been made available to you.

Even though Grace College VA Student Services considers that a solid foundation has been laid for a strong military program, we are not finished yet.  We will continue to add to the services and benefits that we currently offer.  Our goal is to both grow our military student body, and to better enhance the college experience that we offer to those who have proudly served our country.

-Marshall Vondy

VA Student Services Worker

Even though it is hard to believe, we have entered another year.   While it was very enjoyable, Christmas break was a busy time for me.  What with two unit drills at Grissom Air Reserve Base, numerous visits with family, and the constant tasks which come with caring for a live-in grandfather, it was quite easy to sigh with relief once I got back to Grace College for class on the 12^th of January.

As I write, the Student Veteran’s Organization at Grace is already busy coordinating new things for 2012, and the Veteran’s Affairs Student Services team continues to research new ways in which they can aid military and dependent students.  Both organizations learned much from their experiences of 2011, and both have been making changes to the way that they operate.  I am optimistic that Grace College’s military students will come into their own in 2012, as we continue striving to offer the most beneficial and user-friendly military college experience possible.

It is with pleasure that I welcome you back to another semester at Grace College, and I hope and pray that 2012 will be a Christ centered year for you.  Check back soon for a list of what we have planned for the coming year!

-Marshall Vondy

VA Student Services Worker

Grace College’s  Student Veteran Lounge is designed with military students and dependents in mind.  Located in the Gordon Recreational Center, it offers students a comfortable place to study, rest, or relax.

Equipped with computers, internet access, and comfortable leather furniture, the lounge is an ideal place to write a big paper or prepare for that upcoming exam.  Specially for military members, our computers are outfitted with Common Access Card readers, so that students can use Department of Defense websites to do things like complete Computer Based Training courses or check the status of their education benefits.

The lounge features several amenities which make it attractive to the many off-campus members of the college’s veteran community.  The kitchenette, complete with a beverage-stocked refrigerator,  microwave, sink, and Keurig coffeemaker can save students time and money by allowing them to prepare their own food on-site.  Additionally, the Veteran Services staff keeps the kitchenette stocked with a variety of convenience foods.  The student-in-a-hurry can choose from a number of quick and easy meals at a reasonable price.

The Student Veteran Lounge is a fantastic facility created especially for the Student Veteran’s Organization.  As a member of the Veteran Services staff, I urge you to take advantage of it!  It is only one of the many benefits that come with being a military student at Grace College.

-Marshall Vondy

The Grace College Student Veteran Organization in partnership with Metzger Outdoors, and the KCV Cycling Club hosted Nocturnal II: Military Edition on October 22^nd, 2011.  With over 300 people in attendance this adventure race extravaganza was a huge success with numerous racing participants as well as community support and involvement.

The three races, a 10 Mile Bike Race, 5K Trail Run, and the Ridiculous Race were full of adrenaline, speed, and fun.  Prizes were given for best costume, coolest bike, and 1^st place for each race.  The 1^st place results are as follows, 10 Mile Bike Race: Matt Light (41:12:90), 5K Trail Run: Female – Megan Metzger (26:15:02), Male – Spencer Rheinhardt (21:56:60), and the Ridiculous Race: George Joachim (34:20:60).  The largest team that participated was “PeddleFish” with 18 people.

Prizes were donated from Relentless Martial Arts Academy, YMCA, Wagon Wheel Theatre, Wal-Mart, Shoe Sensation, Eagle Creek Farms, Signature Portrait Studio, Marsh and more!  Local businesses and families sponsored the event through cash donations; these sponsors included Kohl’s, SYM Financial Advisors, Global Auto, Wildman Business Group, Metzger Trucking, Chore Time/Brock, Crouse Body Shop, the Andy Airgood family, and the Mike Metzger family.  Local businesses also made in-kind gifts, Kohl’s sent four volunteers to help with the event, Lake City Radio and LeSEA Broadcasting promoted the event, Martin’s Supermarket donated reusable shopping bags, and Rabb donated water.  Thanks to all those who sponsored, volunteered, and participated in the event.

On top of the three races, the day included children’s activities, food, and representatives from the Navy, Army National Guard, and the Grace College Admissions Team.  In the back of a Navy SUV an entire gaming system was set up for all to enjoy Madden and Guitar Hero.  A helicopter from Parkview Samaritan Hospital landed on Miller Baseball Field where children and adults were able to explore the helicopter.

Donations from local businesses as well as racer entry fees totaled over $7,000, the money raised goes towards the Grace Military Fund to assist Grace students who are veterans or military dependents in affording their schooling.  On top of this scholarship, the cash proceeds from the day were donated to a local family as an act of kindness.  Following the final race of the night over 120 bikers made their way through Winona Lake following a Winona Lake fire truck and a 2^nd Mile Adventures bus to honor this family and give the donation right at their home.  Participants described the night bike parade as the best part of the entire event, extremely fulfilling, and emotional.

Nocturnal II: Military Edition was a tremendous success and Metzger Outdoors is already planning to host an annual race in partnership with the Grace College Student Veteran Organization.  Look for more races in the near future!

For more information on Nocturnal II or other upcoming races, please visit: www.metzgeroutdoors.com.

For more information on Grace College’s Military program, please visit: www.grace.edu/military.

New Military Microsite Launched, www.grace.edu/militarystudents

WINONA LAKE, IND. – Grace College and Seminary recently launched a Military specific website for all current and prospective military students.  Grace is committed to coming alongside Military veterans, dependents, and those currently serving in the Military through providing quality education and services.  Grace College seeks to help those who have made a difference in our armed forces make a successful transition into civilian life.

The new website is designed to be a resource not only for current and prospective Military students at Grace, but also for community members with a Savings at Local Businesses page.  Also featured on the website is the Grace College Student Veterans Organization, the Veteran Affairs Student Services Team, military benefits, and financial aid opportunities.  The website can be found at www.grace.edu/military.

Grace College and Seminary has grown its Military program in the last year through building the VA Lounge and Resource Center located on the Grace College Campus in the Gordon Recreation Center.  The VA Lounge is a place for veteran students to connect and commune with fellow veterans, network and share strategies, information, and support one another as they adjust to civilian life and a Higher Education environment.  In addition to the lounge, the Grace Student Veterans Organization provides activities and events for students to interact and share with one another.  Recently the Student Veterans Organization put on a campus wide Scavenger Bingo that was a huge success.  Also, the SVO partnered with Metzger Outdoors to host Nocturnal II: Military Edition which included a 5k run, 10 mile bike race, and ‘ridiculous’ adventure race!