In this insightful episode, Robert Vigneault discusses his dynamic career path, transitioning from Air Force service to his impactful role in higher education at Westfield State University. Robert shares candidly about the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, highlighting the gaps he experienced in early transition programs and his commitment to improving resources for today’s veterans. With over 200 veterans and 300 military-connected students at Westfield State, Robert oversees the Military Community Excellence Center (MCEC), a state-of-the-art facility providing resources like laptops, printers, a snack bar, and a recreation space. He explains how this center serves as a vital hub for students, offering personalized guidance and fostering a welcoming community. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the unique needs of military-connected students, the importance of tailored onboarding and ongoing support, and the advantages of choosing Westfield State for higher education. Robert also discusses innovative projects like his Student Success binder, designed to help veterans navigate their academic journey with a tiered system addressing challenges from minor struggles to significant obstacles. This episode is rich with advice for veterans exploring higher education, including information about Westfield State’s affordability, inclusive environment, and comprehensive GI Bill support. Robert’s passion for empowering veterans and fostering their academic and personal success shines throughout this episode, making it an essential listen for anyone invested in the veteran community. Subscribe to the VET S.O.S. Podcast for more veteran stories, resources, and insights. https://www.westfield.ma.edu/ https://www.westfield.ma.edu/offices/veteran-and-military-services #vetsos #VeteranSupport #HigherEducation #MilitaryConnectedStudents #WestfieldStateUniversity #VeteransInTransition