Items
topic_interest is exactly
veteran
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2020-12-04
104-Year-Old World War II Veteran Beats COVID-19
This remarkable article tells the story of how a 104-year-old World War II veteran from Alabama named Major Wooten was able to beat COVID-19 in a little under two weeks after testing positive. The article describes how Major Wooten was given an infusion of a newly approved monoclonal antibody therapy named bamlanivimab, and while this treatment physically drained him temporarily, he was able to recover 24 hours later. Wooten maintains that he is still quite drained and “mentally fuzzy” after having COVID-19, but this remarkable man was able to bounce back extremely well from the disease. This article is significant to the archival collection relating to COVID-19 survivors, as well as the collection pertaining to veterans. It truly is amazing to see someone like Major Wooten survive fighting in France during World War II, and then continue to beat the odds by defeating such a deadly disease. This article will do a great job of addressing the lack of input within the archives from elderly veterans on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their lives. -
2020-11-19
Father and Son Graduation Celebration
It was the fall of 2019, and the celebration was on for graduation. Two Air Force Veterans are standing side-by-side for a father and son picture. This moment represents the sky is the limit, and the only thing to do is to move forward and continue with a masters program. Continuing with my higher education meant a continuation in life events for my dad. COVID-19 and his untimely death was not foreseen for the new year of 2020. This will always be a happy time of our lives. -
2020-11-07
First Sign of VA Benefit Contact During COVID-19
My first steps to contact the VA for Voc Rehab benefits started in the summer of 2019, I was denied, – even with 6 hours to finish my undergrad the councilor wanted me to start construction education and career. If it wasn’t for my new VA representative at St. Mary’s University that showed me much interest, I would not have perused the program again. This email comes after my initial conversations with the StMU VA office back in late April of 2020. Realizing that this email was from another state, I worried if the counselors would be “just” to me being located in Texas. Covid-19 was making things almost impossible to complete quickly, and now I am emailing with people across the country. How long will the process take? -
2020-11-07
Positive Chapter 31 Decision Letter During COVID-19
Upon receiving this letter, I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. 30 years in the military sacrificing time with family, friends, and myself have offered me an opportunity to complete and extend my education. Something that I have always wanted to accomplish but could not because of career choices and defending our country. The attachment to this email is the “Decision Letter” that explains the criteria of how the VA has determined my grant into the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits. It was great news receiving this letter, but receiving it comes after my summer registration and start of class. -
2020-11-01
A Retiree Initiating Vocational Rehab Benefits
Going through the process of applying for my Vocational Rehabilitation assistance, I had to complete a job analysis of the degree that I am pursuing. The VA councilor that was assigned to me is very nice and helpful. Her concern to help me was to either qualify me for a job, or training that would help me with finding a career that would work with my disabilities. This email is secondary to an email sent - instructing me to compare three different states that offer careers in Public History. My goal was to show a growing trend in the field, and Texas was showing the highest from the rest of the country. At this time, I have not been accepted into the Vocational Rehab program, but I am registered to start a summer class and the loans pile up. -
2020-11-01
How Will I Pay for My Master’s as a Retired Reservist with No Income?
After graduating with an undergrad in History in the fall of 2019, my goal was to continue my education in Public History. A Graduate Program had opened recently at St. Mary’s University in my hometown of San Antonio TX. That meant that I did not have to commute to Texas State that was approximately 65 miles away, and an hour drive with no traffic – maybe two hours, or more with traffic. I had exhausted my GI Bill Chapter 33 and did not know how I was supposed to fund my continuing education. My loans were adding up and I was not sure of registering for my master’s degree. Talking with the school’s VA office I was encouraged to contact the Veterans Administration to speak with some one that worked with the Vocational Rehab department; that is something that I had already pursued prior to this event, and I was denied service. This is an email shared between me and a VA representative in the middle of 2020. Communication during the Covid-19 pandemic, and summer vacations was making things tough to complete. With the start of these events I was hoping for financial support for my summer II class.