Contact: Kenneth Billings
STARKVILLE, Miss.--More than 300 Mississippi Army National Guard soldiers will be at Mississippi State Saturday [Nov. 20] for the university's fourth Veterans Discovery Day.
Sponsored by the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Center for America's Veterans, the event is being held in conjunction with MSU's home football game with the University of Arkansas.
In addition to receiving campus tours and introductions to MSU academic offerings, the new enlistees will be special guests for pre-game tailgating in the Junction, the green space adjoining Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. The day concludes with a half-time ceremony honoring their military service.
"Veterans Discovery Day is a great opportunity to introduce these soldiers to our beautiful campus, as well as to many college degree opportunities, should they wish to continue their education and use their GI Bill benefits," said David Blair, the Montgomery Center's outreach coordinator.
University admissions counselors and other representatives of the Division of Student Affairs, along with the Reserve Officers Training Corps departments, will be on hand to provide detailed answers to these visitors' questions, Blair added.
"We also will be sharing with them information about support programs and services offered through the Montgomery Center," he said.
An information tent will be set up in the Junction adjacent to the Leo Seal M Club. Numerous organizations will be represented, including the Center for America's Veterans, American Legion, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, Student Veterans Association, Army and Air Force ROTC, and the Air Force Association.
The Montgomery Center for America's Veterans was established to provide higher education opportunities to former and current service members, as well as their dependents, through programs and services largely unavailable at many other institutions. Its staff members also provide career counseling and guidance, and academic assistance and mentorship.
Additional information on the center may be viewed at www.veterans.msstate.edu.
For more information about the 2010 MSU Veterans Discovery Day, contact David Blair at 662-325-1496 or dblair@saffairs.msstate.edu.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see www.msstate.edu.