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.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
Initial Post
In 1996 I deployed as part of the 1st MEU to the Persian Gulf. While there I realized what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. In this blog I will discuss my life and my current path in life and why I think that my experience should not be unique.
If you are leaving the military you may feel as I did, alone, unappreciated and undervalued. Our country talks a lot about supporting troops but does little to change the need for our deployment to the Middle East. At the same time our country needs scientists and engineers.
You can continue your service of your country as a force for change in the way this country uses energy. You laid down your life to protect our "economic interests". Through involvement in new energy technologies you can help advance science to raise efficiencies, lower costs and use our indigenous energy resources. The "Greatest Generation" found a purpose larger than themselves, it is our turn to answer that call. In the demobilization after WWII those that served became the engine of technological advancement in the years that followed. You have to believe that it was the Marine Corps "failure is not an option" mentality that propelled us to the moon.
After Vietnam the government had the opportunity again to use demobilization to fuel rich advancement. It occured but in the private sector, there may not be a vetran at the top of the companies but the rank and file of most computer companies is filled with vets. I am sure that more than once IBM, Apple or Microsoft faced some challenge that took a rough, battle hardened attitude to overcome.
Today we are face a large demobilization. The date may be uncertain but we will pull out of Iraq. Already we face a receding economy and the possiblity of letting an entire generation of veterans slip into poverty, mental illness and discouragement.
These vets possess those qualities that you can't get in college. They are an asset to any company anywhere at anytime. It would do us good to set them loose on our most difficult problems.
If you are leaving the military you may feel as I did, alone, unappreciated and undervalued. Our country talks a lot about supporting troops but does little to change the need for our deployment to the Middle East. At the same time our country needs scientists and engineers.
You can continue your service of your country as a force for change in the way this country uses energy. You laid down your life to protect our "economic interests". Through involvement in new energy technologies you can help advance science to raise efficiencies, lower costs and use our indigenous energy resources. The "Greatest Generation" found a purpose larger than themselves, it is our turn to answer that call. In the demobilization after WWII those that served became the engine of technological advancement in the years that followed. You have to believe that it was the Marine Corps "failure is not an option" mentality that propelled us to the moon.
After Vietnam the government had the opportunity again to use demobilization to fuel rich advancement. It occured but in the private sector, there may not be a vetran at the top of the companies but the rank and file of most computer companies is filled with vets. I am sure that more than once IBM, Apple or Microsoft faced some challenge that took a rough, battle hardened attitude to overcome.
Today we are face a large demobilization. The date may be uncertain but we will pull out of Iraq. Already we face a receding economy and the possiblity of letting an entire generation of veterans slip into poverty, mental illness and discouragement.
These vets possess those qualities that you can't get in college. They are an asset to any company anywhere at anytime. It would do us good to set them loose on our most difficult problems.
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