Veterans & Military Resource Center

What is the Veterans and Military Resource Center?

It’s a dedicated place that veteran students and service members with common backgrounds, experiences, and goals can call their own, a place where they can study, connect and support each other. 

It’s a library of resources that gives students access to a true veterans’ network that also includes workshops, VITAL, Vets4Vets, Student Veteran Association, Salute, and Warrior Paper Project.

It’s a command center devoted to the implementation of new programs and services designed to serve our veterans, military and dependent students, including:

• Academic credit for military service and training
• Penalty-free withdrawal for students called to active duty
• Training college personnel to identify and understand the challenges veteran and military students face
• Tutoring services
• Veterans-only courses
• Appointed staff who devote time and effort to providing individual support, giving feedback, answering questions and advocating for students and their families 

I am proud and honored to welcome you to Central Community College as you continue your education, training and leadership development. As a child of a military veteran, I appreciate the enormous sacrifice, dedication and service you have shown to date. Our dedicated faculty, staff and administrators stand ready to serve you and guide you to reaching your next goal or to even help you determine that goal through compassionate veteran support staff.

As veterans or family members, I ask you to continue providing a strong example of leadership and role-modeling positive behavior in and out of the classroom for our non-veteran students. They have much to learn from you and will be better citizens as a result of your interactions.

CCC is not just a place for taking a class or earning a degree, it is a place where lifetime friendships and connections are made and where we want to become a familiar resource for you throughout your life.

Sincerely,

Matt Gotschall, PhD
College President
president@cccneb.edu

Barry Horner, veterans and military services director

Barry is a currently serving US Army First Sergeant for an Observer/Controller Trainer (OC/T) detachment in Elkhorn, NE. His 12 year active duty service started in 1980 until he transferred to the Reserves in 1992 after deploying to Iraq in support of Operations Desert Storm and Provide Comfort. His Reserve assignments afforded him the opportunity to become a certified Army Instructor in 2002. Since then, he has taught the Motor Transport Operator course, the Transportation Advanced and Senior Leadership courses and been the senior instructor and course manager for both of those Army professional education schools. He has also taught the Army Instructor and Small Group Leader courses as well as the OC/T Academy. In his 40th year of service, Barry will officially hang up his boots in May 2021. Barry has earned degrees from University of Maryland and Bellevue University and will complete his Master’s degree in February 2021.

Barry has been with CCC since 1995 and was the Senior Server Administrator in the Information Technology Services department until he became the Veteran and Military Services Director in September 2020.

Barry and his wife live in Aurora, have 5 daughters and 11 grandchildren. Traveling and taking cruises are high on the entertainment/vacation list, as is attending live music events.

Location: Grand Island Campus, Veterans and Military Resource Center, Room 444
Email: bhorner@cccneb.edu 
Phone: 308-398-7376   

Ashley Allen, outreach coordinator: Hastings Campus

Ashley is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a mental health care specialist with the Army MEDDAC in Fort Stewart, Ga., from 2008 to 2012. During this time, she worked in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care settings. After her service obligation, she enrolled at Central Community College and earned an associate of applied science degree in human services along with a psychiatric technician certificate. During her time as a student at CCC, she was a veterans affairs work-study in the Veterans and Military Resource Center and served as vice president of the Hastings Campus’ Student Veterans of America chapter. After graduating from CCC, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Bellevue University.

Ashley and her husband, Anthony, live in Hastings with their two girls: Tayla and Jane. Ashley finds joy in raising and keeping up with her children and spending time with her family. She enjoys running, going to the movies, riding horses, camping and traveling to warmer climates.

Location: Hastings Campus, Veterans and Military Resource Center 
Email:  ashleyallen@cccneb.edu
Phone: 402-460-2137

Columbus
Ronda Ryan
402-562-1278
1-877-222-0780, ext. 1278
rryan@cccneb.edu 

As veterans ourselves, the VMRC staff understands the questions or concerns you may have. We provide support and guidance including:

• Academic tutoring and advisement
• Mentoring and counseling
• Updates on issues, concerns and legislation affecting student veterans and their families
• Information about cultural and social events through the Student Veterans Association
• Connection to Vets4Vets, a local community service organization
• A dedicated center with laptops and iPads to check out along with a TV room and space for studying

Start here to learn about basic admissions requirements for all students. You will also find important dates for application, financial aid and other steps in the admissions process.

The application and admission process for veterans is a bit more involved than for typical students. The VMRC is eager to guide you so that you don't miss out on any opportunities specific to veterans. Before you apply, however, we encourage you to call, email or stop by our office.

 We will:

• Walk you through the application process
• Explain the GI Bill, including benefits and requirements
• Guide and assist you and your family in applying for these benefits
• Review additional benefits such as our deferred billing and book voucher program
• Put you in contact with your academic program of interest
• Connect you with CCC's admissions and financial aid offices

Contact Us

Official correspondence is sent to your CCC student email account so please be sure to check your account often. Important notices affecting your benefits that are time sensitive are often disregarded by students because they forget to check their email!

The Student Veterans Association is an organization dedicated to the pride, visibility and success of veterans. Central Community College has SVA chapters at its Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses.

Learn More About the SVA

VITAL is a collaboration between the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System and Central Community College. We understand the unique factors facing our veteran students and strive to enhance academic retention and success. We are here to help.

If you are a veteran or someone concerned about a veteran enrolled in a local college or university, VITAL will partner with you to resolve issues and find resources.

Learn More About VITAL

Transforming camouflage uniforms into works of art

During these papermaking workshops, veterans use their uniforms to create works of art. The uniforms are beaten into a pulp, and formed into paper for photos or writing. Participants use the transformative process of papermaking to reclaim their uniforms and express their experiences with the military.

Communicating your experiences; one uniform at a time …

Learn More About the Warrior Paper Project

Central Community College stands by their veterans by recognizing those who have sacrificed for this country. Purple Heart parking signs are posted on the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses. We are one of only a few educational institutions in the nation to proudly show this commitment.

The Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program provides financial assistance to students currently serving in the national guard, reserves, or on active duty for voluntary education programs that support professional and personal self-development goals. FTA is available for courses offered in the classroom or by distance learning and are part of an approved academic degree or certificate program.

The Nebraska State Tuition Assistance program is funded by the state and is an educational benefit that provides 75 percent of the in-state tuition rate. The program goes to the bachelor’s degree level and is open to enlisted personnel only. They must have exhausted FTA first and must agree to serve an additional three years with NEARNG. Payment is made directly to the school upon successful completion of course.

The Reservist Tuition Credit Program is for Nebraska residents who are enlisted members of a Nebraska-based unit of the Active Selected Reserve. They may be eligible for a 50 percent tuition credit to the University of Nebraska campuses, Nebraska state colleges and Nebraska community colleges. This program is allowed 200 new applicants each calendar year.

Process for applying for Tuition Assistance

Sign up for your red, white and-blue honor cords

Veterans and Military Graduation Cord

As a symbolic initiative honoring our CCC graduating veteran and military students, red, white and blue honor cords will be made available to any graduating veteran student interested in wearing one during commencement. These cords signify CCC’s appreciation toward our military and veteran students for their service and sacrifice. Click the appropriate button below to sign up.

Student    Faculty/Staff

SALUTE Honor Society 

SALUTE is national academic honor society recognizing student veterans and military personnel who have demonstrated outstanding performance in the academic setting. One of the primary goals of SALUTE is to acknowledge and recognize members who have shown courage, strength, leadership, excellence and perseverance in their military endeavors and now are showing that same commitment to their academic careers.

Learn More About SALUTE