UMFK recognized as ‘Military Friendly school’ by G.I. Jobs
FORT KENT, ME — Officials at the University of Maine at Fort Kent are renewing efforts to get military veterans to explore utilizing government benefits for education and vocational training.
“A lot of veterans don’t know what’s available to them,” UMFK Assistant Registrar Joyce Plourde said Thursday, April 20. “We are trying to get the word out.”
Plourde said that various federal, state and university programs are in place to help those who served in the military, their dependents and spouses pursue a college education or train for a new career.
Prior to the start of a Board of Visitors Business Breakfast event earlier this month, UMFK’s Chief Student Affairs Officer, David Buckingham and board member Melford Pelletier, spoke briefly to those in attendance of the new campus initiative.
When Pelletier joined the BOV he decided to dedicate some of his time toward doing something for veterans.
Drafted in to the U.S. Army in 1969, after only two years working as a teacher, Pelletier would spend the next two years with his wife stationed in New York. Upon leaving the military, Pelletier returned to the classroom, retiring in 2001.
Making good use of his GI Bill benefits, Pelletier went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Maine. There are 34 students at UMFK currently taking advantage of the same types of benefits Pelletier was able to utilize.
“As a vet, I encourage any veteran to use those resources, whether it’s for vocational training or educational purposes,” Pelletier said.
Plourde said the campus is looking at creating a position designed specifically to help students navigate their veterans benefit options regarding schooling. The idea, Plourde said, is to use available Veteran Administration funding to hire a UMFK work-study student for the job, who would also train the next person to step into the role.
Until then, Plourde’s office staff is available to help prospective students interested in the myriad of programs. The amount of money available, how long a veteran has to use the funds and what money may be used for varies, she said, depending on the the program and the length of time they served.
Aso, many GI Bill education benefits can be passed on the a veteran’s dependents or spouse, should they choose not use it themselves, Plourde added.
“We encourage veterans in Aroostook County to contact UMFK, UMPI and NMMC, to see what is available,” Pelletier said.
In 2017, “G.I. Jobs”, a magazine for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, awarded UMFK the designation of “Military Friendly School.” The fourth year in a row the school was recognized.
Pelletier’s friend and fellow St. John Valley native Percy Gagon was killed in action in Vietnam in 1970. Like Pelletier, Gagnon had been a teacher before he was called into service.
Fellow veteran Norm Fournier of Wallagrass worked with Pelletier to create an endowed scholarship at UMFK in Gagnon’s name. Pelletier said he expects the scholarship’s first recipient to be announced later this year.
More information about the University’s veterans’ programs may be found by calling the UMFK Veteran Certification Office at 834-7823. For more information about scholarships at UMFK, contact the school’s Financial Aid office at 834-7500.
