SNU Publishes E-Book to Help Veterans Assimilate Into Civilian Life

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Nazarene University (SNU), a private Christian liberal arts university that offers flexible degree-completion and graduate programs for working adults through its College of Professional and Graduate Studies, today announced the publication of the e-book "Life After the Military: How to Plan Your Next Step and Assimilate to Civilian Life." The book provides a comprehensive overview of the steps veterans should take before retiring from the military.

Preparing to leave the military requires a lot of planning — more than many people realize at first. In order to address potential stumbling blocks, the e-book dives into the common challenges that service members face while readjusting to civilian life. In addition, an assimilation checklist outlines what details veterans should consider, and what actions they should take, during the three years prior to retirement.

"Retiring from the military is a significant transition, and many veterans are blindsided when they make the transition," said Mark Nadig, SNU's Veterans Education Transition Services (VETS) Center Director and an Army veteran. "We wanted this book to provide assistance and guidance that would help them to navigate what is often an uncertain time." 

In addition to advice on how to prepare for retirement, the e-book offers tips on success after retirement. These considerations encompass everything from practical advice about hunting for a job and networking to making the emotional transition from the military by allowing time to decompress, maintaining a schedule and connecting with local veterans resources.

Nadig also shares the lessons he learned when he retired from the Army four years ago, after 24 years of service. His personal story recounts how he should have prepared for retirement, mistakes that he made, the challenges he faced and how he was able to move forward successfully.

"I wish that I'd had a better understanding of how to prepare for my transition to a new career after my Army retirement," he said. "There was a lot of anxiety and frustration in those first few months, but the support of my family and valuable mentors helped me get through it. I hope that this guide makes the transition smoother for other veterans so that they can embrace their future with enthusiasm."

SNU's commitment to veterans was recently acknowledged when it was named a  College of Distinction, with special recognition for excellence in Military Support. The full-time staff at the VETS Center, with offices located on both the Bethany and Tulsa campuses, assists with educational benefits, career transition and academic support programs, while also connecting veterans to valuable community resources.

"Life After the Military: How to Plan Your Next Step and Assimilate to Civilian Life" is available here.

ABOUT SNU

Founded in 1899, Southern Nazarene University (SNU) seeks to make Christlike disciples through higher education in Christ-centered community. Its College of Professional and Graduate Studies is designed for working adults, offering degree-completion and graduate programs to prepare them to succeed in their individual career paths. All classes take place completely online or in person one evening per week, so students can accomplish their goals while working full-time and caring for a family. With campuses in Bethany and Tulsa, as well as classrooms in Del City, various satellite locations, and online options, there are opportunities to learn from practically anywhere.

For more information, visit https://pgs.snu.edu/.  

SOURCE Southern Nazarene University (SNU)