MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The Voluntary Education Center treated military students at Marine Corps Base Quantico to lunch April 23, 2013 — a gesture Melora McVicker, education services officer, hopes will demonstrate their admiration for military students’ service and commitment to education.
“[This event] gave us an opportunity to honor so many of our Marines who are going to school fulltime, raising families, being productive Marines and working fulltime,” McVicker said.
Marines enjoyed catered subs, meatballs, salads and an assortment of desserts.
“We wanted to give them a [chance] to take a study break on us and let them know we appreciate all the work they’re doing throughout their education journey,” McVicker said.
With more than 50 attendants, the education services officer said this was surprisingly the center’s largest turnout. But the overwhelming student support didn’t come as a shock to Master Gunnery Sgt. Steven Flak, an information systems chief at Recruiting Command.
Flak, who is also a student at National University, said he jumped at the opportunity to support a program that has invested greatly in his academic process.
“The education center really took care of me,” Flak said. “They know everybody who comes through [the Voluntary Education Center] and they take the time to find out what our goals are, what’s important to us, and then lead us down that path.”
Sgt. Maj. Michael Moore, Headquarters and Service Battalion sergeant major, used the opportunity to urge Marine leaders to stress the importance of education to their staff.
“It’s incumbent that we find out what [Marines] are here for and encourage them to do it,” Moore said. “A lot of folks come in [the Marine Corps] for education opportunities, but unfortunately many of them don’t pursue those opportunities until it’s too late.”
Moore said it’s vital for Marines to remain competitive while they’re serving in the military and when they transition out.
“If you leave the Marine Corps without a degree, you’re entry level into the corporate world won’t be the same as [your military rank],” Moore said. “You’re going to take a pay cut if you don’t have a degree.”
The Voluntary Education Center provides educational services to active duty military members, family members, civilian employees and retirees. For information about the program visit, www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org.
Staff Writer: afelton@quanticosentryonline.com