July 16, 2009... Trident Technical College (TTC) received a Success for Vets grant from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Wal-Mart Foundation to implement Project Veterans' Educational Transition Services (VETS). This funding enables TTC to provide a continuum of services to veterans from pre-college through graduation, including a veteran-specific orientation program, faculty and staff development and training and the creation of a veterans task force. This grant also supports a part-time employee to handle information requests and guide veterans to the appropriate educational benefits.

"We value veterans on our campus and look forward to continuing to improve our services to military veterans," said Dr. Elise Davis-McFarland, vice president of Student Services at TTC. "TTC has many programs and benefits available for veterans. As one of only 20 colleges and universities nationwide to receive this grant, we will be able to provide more focused assistance. We are especially glad that the grant has enabled us to hire an employee to help veterans in the community understand and take advantage of the most suitable educational benefits for each person's situation."

One of the newest benefits to veterans, the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), provides the most comprehensive educational benefit package since the World War II-era. It is available for persons who served on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and is available for individuals in educational programs at a degree-granting college or university. Eligible individuals can receive, with some restrictions, tuition, a housing allowance and a yearly stipend for books and supplies. Benefits are transferable to immediate family members.

To help veterans navigate through the many benefits and programs available at TTC, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Tammy Van Etta has been hired as the veterans educational benefits counselor. With 24 years of active-duty military experience and a master of arts in counseling, she is well-equipped to understand the needs of veterans and help them identify the best program to suit their needs. To learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill or any veterans educational benefit or program available at TTC, call Van Etta at 843.574.6882.