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Cal U.’s Office of Veterans Affairs works to help veterans readjust
California University of Pennsylvania Office of Veterans Affairs Director Robert Prah talks to a group of students.
Robert Prah, director of the Office of Veterans Affaairs at California University of Pennsylvania, helps veterans acclimate to civilian life.
Read more about Soldiering On at www.observer-reporter.com/vets.
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Don Fike felt like a fish out of water when he walked onto the campus of California University of Pennsylvania last year.
He was a 28-year-old freshman who had served in the U.S. Army, including a deployment to Iraq, and worked full time before deciding to go to college. And he was married, with children.
Then, Fike discovered the university’s Office of Veterans Affairs and its director, Capt. Robert Prah.
”I didn’t really feel like I fit. I was 10 years older than any freshman coming in. Then I met Robert. It’s easy to talk to him. He’ll answer any question you have or point you in the right direction,” said Fike. “It was an adjustment, but I never lost sight of the goal I was there for my education.”
With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan winding down and access to the GI Bill, colleges and universities are experiencing a surge in veteran enrollment.
Nearly 90 combat veterans and more than 75 national guard and reserve members are enrolled at Cal U.
“Seeing what service members before us and those currently serving now have accomplished, it’s unfortunate that the difficult part is coming home,” said Prah, a member of the Army National Guard and a suicide intervention officer and a trainer for the Army’s Ask, Care, Escort suicide prevention and awareness training program. “Being on a college campus is a new experience, and there’s a readjustment. Veterans come to school and wonder how to get their books because their GI payment is late. Add in factors like they’ve been out of school for 10 years and they’re in class with 18- and 19-year-olds and other stressors, and it’s a difficult adjustment.”
Prah said California University is prepared to handle the needs of former service members, but thinks many colleges have a lot of work to do to address those needs.
“It can be a difficult transition. A lot of veterans are trying to figure out what they’re doing here, and they need to know that people care,” said Prah, who noted Cal U. provides special accommodations for veterans if they are required.
The campus also offers a Veterans Club that meets monthly and counseling services.
“We want them to graduate and to continue to be productive members of society.”