Office of Military Services at Mason

02/23/2022

Photos from The Post-9/11 GI Bill, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs's post

02/01/2022

For your awareness.

Due to recent requirement implementations, our Education Call Center is experiencing a heavy call volume. As wait times continue to increase, VA encourages you to use the Ask VA (AVA) inquiry portal to seek answers to your questions. https://ask.va.gov/
#AskVA
#GIBill

01/20/2022

It's really happening! If you are unsure of the cell phone on file, please call the ECC at 1-888-442-4551.

Kicking off 2022, Post-9/11 GI Bill Students who attend Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) facilities will need to verify their enrollment at the end of each month.

To learn more, visit: https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/isaksonroe/verification_of_enrollment.asp

01/15/2022

No one wants surprises when it comes to tax season. Students frequently ask if GI Bill funds are considered income, so we are here to make sure all student veterans are in-the-know!
#GIBill
#InTheKnow
#InvestInYourself
#DreamBigIn2022

01/06/2022

Virginia recognizes Jennifer Connors with award for military education excellence

Congratulations, to the first recipient of the Admiral John Harvey Career Achievement in Military Education Excellence. This award was presented by the Virginia Department of Veteran Services.

Jennifer Connors was chosen from a long list of educational professionals in the State of Virginia. We are so proud of the work she has done for the military and veteran community.

George Mason University is where the GI Bill Post 9/11 was announced to the nation and where Jennifer Connors built an office that would be modeled across the country. Jennifer Connors is beyond deserving of this recognition and we are fortunate to have her, as our Director and student advocate.- Ryan Barnett

Jennifer Connors, director of Mason's Office of Military Services, is the first recipient of the Admiral John Harvey Career Achievement in Military Education Excellence Award, which was presented by the Virginia Department of Veteran Services in September.

12/09/2021

SignUpGenius.com: Free Online Sign Up Forms

CALL FOR HELP

To give you a quick update on Wreaths Across America (WAA) 2021. Due to functions outside our control within the WAA website an additional 2400 people were allowed to register to lay wreaths. We found out a few days ago and have been working non-stop to mitigate the potential chaos and disappointment of wreath layers. Grave specific requests are our top priority.

We need your help to ask people to volunteer on Sunday 19 Dec to support NOVA Veterans operations, see Sign up Genius link below. We have 2 people signed up, we need about 60 total.

Recap of situation: We were on schedule to manage and coordinate 2000+ wreath layers 18 December, for Wreaths Across America at Quantico National Cemetery. This was set up very similar to last year's. Then we got notice on Monday this week 2400 more had registered outside our Eventbrite link and believed they were on schedule to lay wreaths. In order to not disappoint all these participants and prevent potential extraordinary traffic and safety issues on the 18th, we went into action immediately!

As of today:
1. We asked Quantico National Cemetery (QNC) to open up Sunday for us to accommodate these additional 2400 wreath layers. Our 18 Dec date was already filled to capacity. Approved.
2. We asked the Marine Corps Museum if we could use their parking lot for pre-staging vehicles prior to their arrival to lay wreaths at QNC. The First Zion church we will use on Saturday for this was unable to accommodate a Sunday use, understandably. Approved.
3. We asked WAA to please email the 2400 individuals, who registered through them and not our Eventbrite, and ask them to register for our new Sunday 19 Dec date. Complete.
4. We are jumping through multiple multiple hoops to get the logistics and volunteer management requirements in order. But we need your help to spread the word through your churches, employers, friends, other associations, neighbors, breweries, etc. If they cannot attend in person we also need sponsorships/donations for porta potties, food, drinks, generators, and other volunteer and logistics requirements. See donation tab underneath signup genius. Not Complete - Please Help.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d48a9a82cabffc43-wreaths3
Wreaths Across America Volunteers for Quantico National Cemetery--Sunday
Wreaths Across America will be held on Sunday December 19th 2021 On arrival, all Volunteers will report to Command Center at the Marine Corp Museum, 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy Triangle VA 22172. Parking will be near the Command Center. Please register at the Command Center table, where all duties will be assigned and a safety briefing will be given at that time. Covid Restictions In accordance with this guidance, signage will be posted at each public entrance at VA national cemeteries if face masks are required in the cemetery's indoor facilities. All employees and visitors, vaccinated or not, must wear masks in Federal buildings and indoor spaces if so directed.
www.signupgenius.com

A FREE online software tool for volunteer management and event planning. Save time with sign up sheets and schedules for schools, sports leagues, business events and more!

11/10/2021

Armor Down Tactical Meditation Cushion Giveaway

Veteran Mediation Night 1730-1800 https://gmu.zoom.us/j/99262846361?pwd=MENHOGZlVFBCUmg3ZkdGWVhzd3VMdz09. Consider joining your fellow Veterans tonight and enter for a chance to win a Tactical Meditation Cushion.

https://mailchi.mp/df3e2860563a/armor-down-tactical-meditation-cushion-giveaway

11/01/2021

Annual Veterans Day Luncheon – HR & Payroll

George Mason Veterans Day Luncheon is November 12th, from 11:45am-1:15pm. Please RSVP Now!

HR & Payroll News Annual Veterans Day Luncheon From our colleagues: "Join the Mason Annual Veterans Day Luncheon to honor our veterans - those who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America and its values. George Mason University celebrates and honors Veterans Day which i...

10/21/2021

Timeline photos

Another week, another sale! Our Greenhouse and Gardens program is back for an in-person sale and we're so grateful for all of our sustainability supporters!

Visit us today, Thursday, 10/21, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the East Plaza on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus!

We'll be located across from David King Hall and Planetary Hall.
Many of your favorite items will be there, including:
🎍 Houseplants
🌱 Microgreens and At-home Hydroponic Grow Kits for Microgreens
😸Catnip Cat Toys
🌻 Flower Bouquets
🍅 Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Sunberries, and Basil

🙌 Your purchases help us provide thousands of hours of service-learning and volunteering for students each year!

🌾Plus, they help us protect the wild beauty of our sustainable agriculture sites so they keep producing healthy and yummy food!

Can't make this week's sale?
📆 Visit us next week: same time and place!

📱 Prefer to do your shopping online?
Purchase live plants and produce from our Greenhouse and Gardens program's secure online store:
🔗 go.gmu.edu/ggstore

💸 Become a sustainable agriculture social entrepreneur by volunteering with us:
🔗 go.gmu.edu/greenvolunteering

Drop a 🎍🌱 😸 🌻 🍅 for each item of ours you like!

💡Got an idea? Drop that in the comments too!

Mason Facilities School of Integrative Studies at George Mason University George Mason University School of Business Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at George Mason University

#GreenGMU #MasonNation #GeorgeMasonUniversity
#GeorgeMason #GMU21 #GMU22 #GMU23 #GMU24 #GMU25 #sustainability #sustainabilitymatters #fairfaxva #fairfax #fairfaxcounty #fairfaxcity #fairfaxvirginia #houseplants #houseplant #hydroponic #hydroponics #growkit #growkits #cattoy #cattoys #flowerbouquet #flowerbouquet #flowerbouquets

10/18/2021

FYI

Starting today, VA’s “Ask A Question” will become Ask VA. This new system allows users to submit questions, concerns, recommendations, and compliments by providing the ability to:
• Interact directly across the different VA enterprise branches
• Receive timely, verified, and accurate responses for VA related questions

You’ll either use your existing VA.gov account to sign in or create a secure, verified account here https://www.va.gov/?next=/resources/signing-in-to-vagov/

09/24/2021

Veteran Farmer Program | Arcadia

Great program for Veterans and spouses! Right around the corner near Mount Vernon.

THE CHALLENGE The average American farmer is 58 – even older in Virginia – and is nearing retirement. The USDA estimates the nation needs 700,000 new farmers to replace them over the next decade. Hundreds of thousands of American veterans, including those who volunteered for the military after t...

09/22/2021

Dr. Nyati Dhokai, Veterans and the Arts Initiative Program, George Mason University

Check it out!

Listen to the show here. Dr. Niyati Dhokai, the Director of the Veterans and the Arts Initiative Program at George Mason University talks in this podcast about how effective music therapy is for Ve…

08/27/2021

VFW Post 9274 - Afghan Refugee Drive for NOVA, organized by Jesi Kat

See message:
I am a Georgetown and GWU alumnus working with the current president of Georgetown University Student Veteran Association (GUSVA) Nick Mararac and VFW Post 9274 to help the incoming Afghan SIV and refugees. We are in need of volunteers as soon as possible but also looking to build sustainable collaboration to help SIVs and refugees resettle. We are currently working with the Afghan diaspora to collect in-kind donations as many of the original drop-off locations, such as restaurants and mosques, have filled up.
If you want to volunteer independently, want to donate, or can at least post on your personal social media, the information is below.
VFW Post 9274 at 7118 Shreve Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043.
Monday 5:30pm-7:30pm. Tuesday through Thursday 5pm-10pm. Friday 5pm-12am. Saturday 4pm-12am.
https://gofund.me/528c543f

Hello Friends and Family, I am a member of the VFW Post 9274 in Falls Chur… Jesi Kat needs your support for VFW Post 9274 - Afghan Refugee Drive for NOVA

08/16/2021

The Military, Veterans, & Families Initiative – mvfi

Like many today, the Office of Military Services staff struggle to make sense of the past 72 hours in Afghanistan. Our hearts are heavy. We understand the struggles are very personal and mean something different to each and every person. Please know you are not alone. We hope to schedule a time very soon where we can reflect, talk and move forward in a productive way.

For immediate assistance, please reference the list of resources below.

CAPS offers a wide variety of services to students who are part of our military community, including, but not limited to, workshops for stress management, group therapy, and individual therapy.

In addition to Mason CAPS, other free or low-cost counseling resources are available.

Give an Hour® provides one year of free therapy for veterans, service members, and their families. It also offers alternative care, such as yoga and acupuncture.
https://giveanhour.org/provider-search/

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals provides therapy to veterans, active duty service members, and their families.
https://www.easterseals.com/DCMDVA/our-programs/cvn-home.html

Fort Belvoir provides therapy and other resources for service members.
https://belvoirhospital.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Childrens-Health/Pediatric-Outpatient-Behavioral-Health

Other services can be located using Military Onesource
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

VA Crisis line https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/


Sincerely,

The OMS Team

We focus on giving back to those who give their all to our nation, through direct services and education opportunities for service members, veterans, and their families; training of future professionals who will work with service members, veterans, and their families; and research dedicated to impro...

07/29/2021

Congratulations Ryan on your selection as a Veteran Champion in Higher Education!

06/30/2021

Apply

The FOUR BLOCK Veteran Career Readiness Program Fall 2021 Application is Open!

To give transitioning service members and veterans more time to discover and apply to our Career Readiness Program this fall, we opened the application period for our Fall 2021 program on April 2. Since then, more than 230 have already applied.

If you know a transitioning veteran or active-duty service member who would be a great fit for our community, please share the link with them: fourblock.org/apply.

Program Dates and Locations* The application period for the Fall 2021 semester is now OPEN! APPLY TODAY *To ensure the health and safety of all involved in response to COVID-19, all cohorts are operating virtually at this time. We will resume with in-person engagements when it is safe to d

06/12/2021

DAV Virtual Event on June 23rd.

Join online from Wednesday, June 23, 2021, to Thursday, June 24, 2021, for the EMPOWERING event that brings together hundreds of veterans, employers, community leaders, and government agencies from the federal, state, and local levels to raise awareness about the services and benefits offered specifically for women veterans through expert presenters, panel discussions and partner networking. “BOLD with a Purpose: Finding Clarity Beyond Crisis”. To register, https://host.regform.com/2021-virginia-women-veterans-summit/

06/11/2021

Mason’s successful Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program receives $20 million for five-year extension

George Mason has received an extension to our Enlisted to Medical Preparatory Program (EMDP2)!

The two-year program allows enlisted servicemembers from every branch of the military to prepare for medical school.

06/08/2021

Corporate Gray Job Fair: June 25, 2021 at Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair

Corporate Gray Job Fair June 25th 11am-2pm EST. Register Today!

Corporate Gray job fairs connect military veterans in career transition with military friendly employers and schools.

06/04/2021

Mason named a ‘military friendly’ institution

Mason named a ‘military friendly’ institution

George Mason University has been named a military friendly institution by Viqtory, Military Friendly for the 10th year, an important distinction for a university committed to veterans and other nontraditional students.

06/01/2021

Timeline photos

The practice of “rounding out” provides eligible GI Bill students in their last term with the option to take additional classes to bring their course load to full-time and receive a full-time monthly housing allowance.

Beginning on Aug. 1, 2021, you can “round out” in your last term, if you are taking classes that are approved for your program of education. Classes approved for a program of education means those that can be used to satisfy the graduation requirements of the program as specified in the curriculum. Classes that have been previously completed cannot be used to round out the student’s course load.

Please work with your School Certifying Official to plan out your course load. If you have any questions or need additional assistance with your GI Bill benefits, please contact the Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.

06/01/2021

DHS is Hiring - Veterans Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 4 pm to 6 pm EST

DHS Is hiring!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DHSHiringVetsJune15

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

05/31/2021

Celebrate their Memory, Honor their Sacrifice, Remember their Love

05/14/2021

Office of Military Services at Mason updated their information in their About section.

Office of Military Services at Mason updated their information in their About section.

05/13/2021

Corporate Gray Job Fair: May 21, 2021 at Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair

Corporate Gray Job Fair May 21st Registration is Free!

Corporate Gray job fairs connect military veterans in career transition with military friendly employers and schools.

05/11/2021

Local animal rescue brings puppies, dogs to the US from Puerto Rico for adoption - News Break

We have amazing alum! Michelle (Mason graduate) and Connor (Mason student veteran graduate) wedding was postponed and they turned the extra time into an opportunity to help puppies in need. 🥰

(Homeward Trails Animal Rescue) (BALTIMORE) A local animal rescue in the DMV area is helping families welcome furry friends into their households by bringing puppies and dogs from Puerto Rico to the Northeast for adoption.