Service men at Richland

Recently, Richland was named a Military-Friendly school for its various services to its veteran students. Fred Allen, Earl Ward and Rahel Omer are Richland students who contributed years of service to the United States military.

Allen is a full-time student among the other military service men and women that attend Richland. He is currently taking classes to major in international business.

Allen is in the Marine Corps and has served eight and a half years to date.

"The veteran services at Richland provide helpful support for the military students and is helpful for combat soldiers to relate with other soldiers," Allen said. He added that combat changes any soldier and can make it hard for them to relate to civilians.

Allen strongly believes that everyone should understand how to maintain a good financial standing. "Richland should provide a financial program that teaches about the various aspects to finances and how money works."     

Allen really enjoys photography and would like to make it his career. The Veterans Art Show will be displaying two of his photographs in E082-83.  

Ward is a published photographer and retired Master Sergeant in the Army. He served 38 years and contributed his services in Vietnam, Desert Storm and Afghanistan.      

"As First Sergeant, I was responsible to take care of the soldiers in my unit," Ward said.       

He is a full-time student and is working toward a degree in digital photography. Some of his previous work has been featured at Richland's art shows and one was chosen for the cover piece.  

Currently his artwork has been published in the Dallas Morning News and the Brookhaven Courier. Ward was hired to photograph models and fashion shows along with several other assignments.

Ward said his photography is more than a hobby. He has a passion for it. Two of his photographs will be featured at Richland's Veteran Art Show.

Six years ago, Omer was in Iraq serving in the United States Army as a translator. During his service he attended the city council meetings that discussed civil affairs to provide aid for schools, water supply and other standards that needed to be met in the community.

As a translator, it is important to know the native language to provide the appropriate aid needed for the community. "No communication, no achievement," stated Omer.

Omer is attending Richland to obtain an associates degree in criminal justice. As an interpreter, Omer said he is not eligible to receive any financial aid from the GI bill because his service is not recognized to receive aid.

In the near future he would like to see a specific financial aid program that will help other service men and women in similar circumstances receive financial benefits to aid in their academic careers.