ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico's Veteran & Military Resource Center, in collaboration with President Garnett S. Stokes, is organizing a Green Zone Training session on March 24. This event will take place both in-person and online from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Student Union Building's Trailblazer/Spirit Room.

Green Zone Training aims to equip university faculty, staff, and students with a better understanding of the experiences faced by veterans, service members, and their families at UNM.

UNM hosts over 1,000 veteran and military students who often encounter unique challenges as nontraditional learners due to factors like age, family responsibilities, or career transitions. Some may also deal with visible or invisible disabilities or other transition-related issues that complicate classroom navigation. Research indicates that when these students receive adequate support, they perform comparably or even exceed their civilian peers.

Upon completing the training, participants will have a deeper insight into the strengths, challenges, and needs of military-affiliated students. They will also be more equipped to guide these students to necessary resources when needed. Those who finish the Green Zone Training will be recognized with a "Green Zone" Lobo paw print symbolizing an ally to the military community and fostering a supportive environment at UNM.

Training topics include:

- Demographics of active military personnel, veterans, and their family members on campus

- VA education benefits

- Service-connected disabilities and health concerns

- Services provided by the VMRC

The University of New Mexico maintains its status as a Gold Level "Military Friendly" university.

For further details or inquiries about this event, contact Terri Johnson at tjohnson15@unm.edu.