Thesis

As I laid out in my initial post, I think that there is a tremendous opportunity to harness the enthusiasm and character of our returning veterans. At the same time there is a tremendous need in our country for engineers and scientists. Couldn't we encourage more returning servicemen and women to take up the sciences? What are the obstacles that inhibit someone who is leaving the military in going to college, pursuing science or engineering and finally making the transition to the high technology industry?

I believe that I have insight into this area. I certainly don't claim that I have the answers but I do know the journey.

In 1997 I left the Marine Corps, now I work as an engineer at a hydrogen fuel cell company. I have completed a bachelors and masters degree in mechanical engineering. Despite this achievement I was priviledged with a supportive spouse, supportive parents and a high school experience rich in science and math. If I had not had those assests could I have made the transition?

I will continue in the next few posts with my background. I hope that this will provide insight into the questions that I pose above. After I complete the little autobiography I will start blogging the current state of the veterans programs specifically educational funding for returning vetrans and the state of the "brain drain". I hope that I can uncover a connection between these two social conditions. Furthermore I hope that I can encourage some sort of action which will affect change in both areas.

I welcome your comments, insights, links or whatevers.