Page 3 - Desert Lightning News 8-14-15

Desert Lightning News August 14, 2015 3

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VA launches no-cost training to transitioning servicemembers

WASHINGTON – The Depart- “My message to transitioning referral and support services.. each program and apply. NEWS
ment of Veterans Affairs (VA) today Servicemembers is simple: Plan The first ALP cohort includes VA is also launching Learning
launched two new no-cost training early and stay engaged, because
programs, Accelerated Learning transition is the mission,” said Mc- seven courses covering a range of Hubs in 27 cities across the coun-
Programs (ALPs) and VA Learning Donald. “These two new resources IT-related topics, including: Cod- try this year in partnership with the
Hubs, to help transitioning Service- provide no-cost opportunities for ing/Programming Boot Camps; 80+ American Red Cross, The Mission
members and Veterans from all eras our transitioning Servicemembers IT Certifications in Hardware, Soft- Continues and Coursera, an online
learn skills, earn credentials, and and Veterans to learn new skills ware, Networking, Web Services, education platform.
advance in civilian careers following and earn credentials, which can and more; Network Support Engi-
separation from service. increase their competitiveness neer Job Training and Certification; Transitioning Servicemembers
during their transition.” Cybersecurity Training and Certifi- and Veterans can take advantage
ALPs and Learning Hubs are part cation; IT Help Desk Job Training; of both online and in-person study.
of VA’s Veterans Economic Com- ALPs offer transitioning Ser- and IT Boot Camps for Desktop Each week, online course modules
munities Initiative (VECI), promot- vicemembers and Veterans the Support and Windows Expertise. will be completed outside the class-
ing education and employment opportunity to build on their room while class sessions, led by
opportunities for Veterans through world-class training and techni- Transitioning Servicemembers Learning Hub facilitators, provide
integrated networks of support in cal skills gained through their and Veterans from any era are invit- opportunities to discuss course ma-
50 cities. VA launched the VECI military service, and earn certifi- ed to apply to their choice of courses. terials with peers, hear from subject
program in response to President cations in high-demand fields. Applications will be accepted start- matter experts, and network. Upon
Obama’s August 2014 challenge to ing August 17, 2015 – seats in the pi- completion of the program, Service-
help Veterans and families integrate VA is piloting ALPs this sum- lot cohort are limited; applicants are members and Veterans may elect to
with their communities and find mer with seven courses focusing encouraged to apply early. ALPs do receive one free verified certificate
meaningful jobs that can lead to eco- on building skills and certifications not involve use of the Post-9/11 GI issued by Coursera.
nomic success. Under VA Secretary needed to advance in high-demand Bill.. Students are able to participate
Robert McDonald’s MyVA transfor- careers in information technology in these programs while also pursu- For more information about
mation, VECI is now in place in cit- (IT), as part of the President’s Tech- ing other programs of study using the VECI or to learn more about
ies across the United States. Hire initiative. Each ALP course is Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Visit the VA ALPs and Learning Hubs,
offered at no cost and includes free ALP website to learn more about contact VeteranEmployment.
vbaco@va.gov.

Comprehensive Airman Fitness on the go

Airman 1st Class Luke Hill technology project manager. “It provides The Wingman Toolkit, an outreach and communication tool de-
a place to document all the great things signed to ensure Airmen have quick and easy access to the latest
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs that happen over the course of the day and Comprehensive Airman Fitness programs and resources, now has a
gives me time to reflect back on why it was cell phone app which can be downloaded.
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. good and who helped make it good. I use
(AFNS) -- The Wingman Toolkit, an out- this feature several times a day as good
reach and communication tool designed to things happen.”
ensure Airmen have quick and easy access
to the latest Comprehensive Airman Fitness Airmen are also seeing benefits in their
programs and resources, now has a mobile personal and professional life.
app available to download.
“The app has reminder options you can
The app provides resources to improve set,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Shay,
mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness, the Air Force Global Strike Command fab-
all at the touch of a finger. rication functional manager. “I have pop-
ups set for after the end of the duty day.
“The toolkit provides resources like I use this as a way to help me refocus on
videos, stories and testimonies that my family and the things they look to me
help Airmen improve CAF,” said Jeffrey for after a long day of work. The app has
Maiette, a 2nd Bomb Wing community definitely helped me not bring the stress I
support coordinator. “It also has tools feel from impending changes into my daily
that help Airmen implement CAF con- interactions with my wife and daughter.”
cepts into their daily activities. They can
track physical training workouts and Overall, CAF concepts can re-
scores, set up spiritual reminders that sult in more resilient Airmen, which
help keep a positive mindset and it even means they can accomplish the mis-
has tools that help track sleep patterns.” sion more effectively.

Many Airmen are already taking advan- “CAF isn’t about a program, it’s about a
tage of the toolkit’s many resources. lifestyle,” Maiette said. “This new app gives
Airmen a genuine hands-on way to ap-
“For me, the best feature is the ‘count ply CAF concepts and empowers them to
your blessings’ portion of the app,” said follow through on things they’ve learned
Master Sgt. Joshua Copeland the 2nd through CAF.”
Communication Squadron information