{"id":22441,"date":"2024-06-22T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-22T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/bowling-green\/?p=22441"},"modified":"2024-06-17T17:10:31","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T17:10:31","slug":"shaping-lives-and-futures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/bowling-green\/shaping-lives-and-futures\/","title":{"rendered":"Shaping Lives and Futures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

S<\/strong>ITTING ACROSS from Marc Hamilton, the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program director at Western Kentucky University (WKU), his demeanor was a blend of reserved pride and the kind of approachability that instantly puts you at ease. His demeanor is that of a proud U.S. veteran. Hamilton, who retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2017, carries with him a wealth of military and life experiences that are a tremendous help in his current role at the university. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hamilton began his military career straight out of high school in 1986, choosing the Army over immediate college education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI went to a college prep high school, so I was never supposed to go into the military. I was supposed to go right into college, but I wasn\u2019t ready for it,\u201d he explained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This decision led him from Illinois to Germany, through various roles, and back into school at Illinois State University after his initial time in the service. His journey through the military wasn\u2019t just a career \u2014 it was an experience that prepared him for challenges and opportunities in life.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reflecting on his military service, Hamilton noted, \u201cBeing in the military definitely shaped your life… It groomed me for where I am today.\u201d His career took him across the world \u2014 from the Balkans to Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq \u2014 places that formed his logistical and leadership skills. But it\u2019s the personal growth and lifelong friendships that seem to have left the deepest impact on him.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt really changed me for the better,\u201d he shared with pride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transitioning from life in uniform to a civilian role, especially one so important at WKU, Hamilton has found a new avenue to impact lives \u2014 this time, helping fellow veterans navigate the path to higher education. The VUB program at WKU is part of the broader TRIO initiative, a combination of federal programs that emerged from President Johnson\u2019s War on Poverty in the 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe assist veterans transitioning from military service into post-secondary education,\u201d Hamilton said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s a two-year degree, a four-year degree, or a certificate program, the VUB is designed to tailor its support to the specific needs of veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hamilton passionately outlined the scope of VUB\u2019s work, emphasizing the personalized support the program offers. From academic\u00a0preparation in basic subjects like math, English, and science to navigating complex educational benefits and resources, VUB stands as a crucial bridge for veterans.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLast semester, we had two veterans who were homeless. We worked with local organizations to secure housing and basic necessities for them,\u201d he recalled, highlighting the program\u2019s community impact and network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But perhaps what\u2019s most striking about Hamilton\u2019s work is the personal fulfillment it brings him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great because you actually see them grow before you,\u201d he said, his eyes lighting up. \u201cTo help them be that stepping stone, to see where they are now and then four years later, to get that degree and go on and make an impact in the community \u2014 it\u2019s great. I like doing that.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In his first year at the helm of VUB, Hamilton has already seen significant success, with the program helping over a hundred veterans this year alone. His dedication to the cause is evident as he talks about the broader reach of the program, helping not just local veterans at WKU but also those from other regions through digital platforms like Zoom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here at WKU, but we help veterans attending any two-year or four-year institution,\u201d he stated, emphasizing the inclusive nature of VUB\u2019s support system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hamilton\u2019s story is one of service, both in uniform and in education. Through his leadership at WKU\u2019s Veterans Upward Bound program, he is not just shaping individual futures but helping forge a stronger, more supportive community for veterans transitioning back into civilian life, a very inspiring and humbling feat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hamilton\u2019s journey can serve as a reminder to both servicemen and women and civilians alike. Sometimes, the most impactful battlefields are the ones where we fight for others\u2019 opportunities and successes, far from the front lines. GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SITTING ACROSS from Marc Hamilton, the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program director at Western Kentucky University (WKU), his demeanor was a blend of reserved pride and the kind of approachability that instantly puts you at ease. His demeanor is that of a proud U.S. veteran. Hamilton, who retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2017, carries […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":22444,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22441","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\nShaping Lives and Futures - Bowling Green, KY Good News Exchange<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/bowling-green\/shaping-lives-and-futures\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Shaping Lives and Futures - Bowling Green, KY Good News Exchange\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"SITTING ACROSS from Marc Hamilton, the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program director at Western Kentucky University (WKU), his demeanor was a blend of reserved pride and the kind of approachability that instantly puts you at ease. 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