In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we are honored to host Duane Bygum, a 30-year veteran of the armed forces and current chair of the Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) Veterans Outreach Program. With a distinguished career spanning the Marine Corps, Air Force, and law enforcement, including his role as Deputy Chief of Police, Duane provides a wealth of knowledge on the transition from military service to civilian success.
Duane shares his personal journey, from his groundbreaking work on the first biometric fingerprint identification system in the Air Force to leading as Chief of Police for the U.S. Navy. After retiring, he discovered the life-changing DRI scholarship program, which helped him gain essential certifications in business continuity, continuity of operations, and disaster preparedness—paving the way for a thriving corporate career.
In this episode, Duane delves into the practical and transformative benefits of the DRI scholarship, a program designed to support veterans within three years of separation or one year before separation. He highlights the application process, eligibility criteria, and the value of in-person learning experiences offered through DRI programs. He also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and building skills that are directly transferable to the civilian workforce.
🎧 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- Duane’s unique insights into transitioning from the military to civilian life.
- The pivotal role of the DRI scholarship in acquiring certifications and securing a corporate career.
- Step-by-step guidance on applying for the DRI scholarship, including essay tips and volunteer activity requirements.
- Why in-person learning often outshines online courses in professional development.
- Advice for veterans on leveraging mentorship and support networks like VET S.O.S.
Actionable Insights:
- Learn how certifications in disaster recovery and business continuity can enhance your career prospects.
- Discover the importance of starting your transition early and preparing for civilian opportunities.
- Explore resources like VET S.O.S. for additional guidance and support.
Why Listen?
Whether you’re a veteran planning your next career move or someone seeking to understand the challenges of military-to-civilian transitions, this episode is packed with actionable advice, inspirational stories, and valuable resources. Duane’s firsthand experiences and passion for supporting veterans make this a must-listen for anyone navigating this critical phase of life.
Join us to uncover how the DRI scholarship and its programs can serve as a lifeline for veterans stepping into new professional territories. Don’t miss this empowering and informative conversation! https://drii.org/ https://foundation.drii.org/what-we-do/veterans-outreach-program/ #vetsos #VeteranTransition #DRIScholarship #DisasterRecovery #BusinessContinuity #VetSupport

In this insightful episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, Shawn Welsh, a proud alumnus of the University of West Florida (UWF), and Dr. Hira engage in a heartfelt conversation with Lori Milkeris, the Director of UWF’s Military and Veteran Resource Center. Lori, an Air Force veteran and mental health technician, shares her compelling journey from military service to her impactful role in higher education.
Lori recounts her transition out of the Air Force in 1998, reflecting on the challenges of reentering civilian life, navigating education as a single mother, and overcoming the mental and emotional adjustments required. These experiences laid the foundation for her passion to help others. Starting as a VA work-study student, Lori identified gaps in support for military-connected students, particularly those facing academic and emotional challenges. Her commitment to early intervention and holistic support propelled her career, eventually leading to her role as director.
The Military and Veteran Resource Center at UWF serves over 2,500 military-connected students, with 1,800 actively using VA educational benefits. Lori shares how the center fosters a community of support through initiatives like a swim team mentorship program, semester checkpoints, and the Pensacola Veteran Support Organization Network, which connects students to a wealth of resources via a comprehensive 58-page guide.
Listeners will learn about the center’s welcoming environment, complete with essential services like snacks, coffee, computers, and printing, as well as its dedication to organizing events such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances that build camaraderie and connection. Lori also emphasizes the significance of Pensacola’s military-rich community, home to five nearby bases, and how it enhances opportunities for veterans.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence and community in supporting veterans’ transitions to academic and civilian life. Lori’s insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for educators, administrators, and anyone invested in the success of military-connected individuals.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the transformative impact of veteran support programs at UWF and beyond. Tune in now! https://uwf.edu/ https://uwf.edu/academic-affairs/departments/military-veteran-resource-center/ #vetsos #VeteranSupport #HigherEducation #MilitaryTransition #UWFVeterans #HolisticSupport

In this inspiring episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh and Dr. Hira welcome Patricia Wei, the Director of Veteran Outreach at Yale University, to discuss the transformative integration of military veterans into the world of higher education. Patricia shares how Yale has cultivated an inclusive and supportive environment for veterans, with a growing presence of 46 enlisted veterans in its undergraduate community and 130 veterans in its graduate programs, amidst a total student population of around 13,000.
Patricia dives into her personal journey of working with veterans, starting as the Director of Admissions for Yale’s Eli Whitney Students Program, which is tailored for non-traditional students. She highlights how the program has evolved to support veterans with unique experiences and diverse backgrounds, emphasizing their significant contributions to Yale's academic and social fabric.
The conversation also explores the wealth of resources Yale offers veterans, including the Yale Undergraduate Veteran Society, the Student Veterans Council, and a brand-new veterans’ lounge. Patricia discusses Yale's partnerships with organizations like Service to School and Warriors Scholar Project, which provide guidance and preparation for veterans navigating the application process. She stresses the importance of veterans not self-selecting out of applying to prestigious institutions, sharing actionable advice on academic readiness, such as leveraging community college courses to demonstrate recent educational performance.
Listeners will also gain insight into how Yale fosters a sense of community for veterans through initiatives like the Fall Welcome barbecue, Veterans Day ceremonies, and other events organized by dedicated staff members. Patricia sheds light on the comprehensive support system that includes tailored advising, flexible programming, and facilities designed to ease the transition to college life for veterans balancing family and work responsibilities.
Addressing misconceptions about veterans in Ivy League institutions, Patricia and Shawn discuss Yale’s proactive efforts to champion multi-generational diversity and foster a culture where veterans' life experiences enrich the broader student body. The episode wraps up with an encouraging message for veterans considering higher education and a reminder of the immense value they bring to academic institutions like Yale.
Whether you're a veteran contemplating your next step or simply interested in understanding how universities can better support non-traditional students, this episode is packed with actionable advice, insights, and inspiration. https://www.yale.edu/ https://admissions.yale.edu/veterans #vetsos ##VeteransInEducation #YaleUniversity #MilitaryToCollege #HigherEducationSupport #VeteranSuccess