The B2B team welcome Justin Coates into the studio to talk about the Veterans Adventure League, an initiative that fosters camaraderie among veterans through Dungeons & Dragons. Exploring the importance of mental health support and community engagement, they discuss how shared experiences can alleviate social isolation. The episode highlights the benefits of connecting veterans with one another, helping to maintain a supportive network while engaging in fun, fellowship, and a few saving throws to dodge that fireball!

Mentioned This Episode:

Veteran's Adventure League

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This podcast episode features Andrew Cosgrove, the director of the Center for Veteran Family Support at Lansing Community College (LCC). He shares his insights on the vital role of education in facilitating the transition from military service to civilian life. Andrew emphasizes that while military experience is valuable, it is often insufficient on its own for securing desirable employment; a relevant educational credential is equally essential. He discusses the various pathways for veterans to obtain the necessary qualifications and highlights the importance of aligning one's career aspirations with educational pursuits. Ultimately, this conversation serves as a reminder of the myriad opportunities available to veterans seeking to navigate their educational and professional journeys effectively.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

Join hosts, Dustin Abrego and Rebecca Allen, as they welcome Bill Krieger into the studio to discuss the Veterans Archives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recording and archiving the histories of veterans. Every veteran has a unique story that deserves to be told, regardless of the nature of their service, and sharing one’s story is not merely an act of remembrance but a vital process of healing for both the storyteller and the audience. Veterans Archives strives to amplify the voice of veterans, as there is profound impact in hearing these stories, stressing the vital importance of how storytelling can bridge the gap between isolation and connection.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

On this episode of B2B, Dustin welcomes new co-host Rebecca Allen to the show for a conversation exploring the barriers veterans may encounter when considering higher education. As the VA Coordinator and School Certifying Official for LCC, Rebecca aids students in navigating the various educational benefits and support afforded to veterans and their families. Additionally, they discuss the critical importance of tailored support systems designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, including the complexities of understanding VA benefits and the emotional hurdles of reintegrating into academic life.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This podcast episode explores the transformative journey from military service to academic pursuits, emphasizing the experiences of veterans and military-connected students. Our guest, Courtney Kemp, shares his personal narrative of transitioning from a 21-year military career to higher education, highlighting the challenges and triumphs inherent in this significant life change. He discusses the nuances of balancing academic responsibilities with family obligations, particularly as his son embarks on his own collegiate journey.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This episode of B2B Boots to Books focuses on the GI Bill comparison tool, an essential resource for veterans and military-connected students navigating their education options. Hosts Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob provide a detailed walkthrough of how to effectively use this tool to compare different schools, understand tuition costs, and maximize benefits. They emphasize the importance of being informed about in-state tuition rates and how the GI Bill can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for education. Listeners learn about the distinctions between public and private institutions, including the financial implications of attending schools like the University of Notre Dame versus Michigan State University. The conversation is filled with insights on financial planning for education and encourages veterans to explore multiple options before making decisions on their academic paths.

Website: GI Bill Comparison Tool

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This episode of B2B Boots to Books focuses on essential success hacks for veterans and military-connected students navigating their academic journeys. Hosts Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob emphasize the importance of establishing effective study habits and creating a conducive study environment. They discuss various study methods tailored to different subjects, highlighting the significance of breaking tasks into manageable segments using techniques like the Pomodoro method. The conversation also emphasizes the necessity of organization, recommending digital tools to keep track of schedules and materials. Listeners are encouraged to build connections with faculty through office hours and to utilize campus resources to enhance their educational experience.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This episode of B2B focuses on the essential steps for military-connected individuals to transition smoothly into college. Dustin Abrego flies solo on this B2B, outlining four key steps to get started: applying to the college, determining placement levels, seeking academic advising, and understanding financial aid options. Along the way, Dustin offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of college life and the resources available to help veterans and military families succeed academically.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support