FORT BENNING, Ga., (Feb. 18, 2015) -- The Soldier for Life Center grand opening and ribbon cutting was held Feb. 12 at its new location in the newly renovated Building 9230.
"From our old home in old (World War II) buildings into one building here, we bring together several Directorate of Human Resources' entities together," said Grey Edwards, Fort Benning Continuing Education division chief.
Garrison Commander Col. Michail S. Huerter, guest speaker at event, pointed out the services available through the SFL program. He said more than 7,500 Soldiers enrolled in colleges last year by going to the Army Education Center. He said, also in the new center, the SFL Transition Assistance Program aids Soldiers in putting together their civilian-world ready resumes.
"All these services were never co-located until (now)," Huerter said, bringing light to the Admin Services Division and ID Card Section in the SFL Center as well. "Now our Soldiers can access these resources they need for civilian success in a single, integrated location."
The center has the fourth Java Café on the installation.
"The idea behind being named the Soldier for Life Center comes from the connection that the Army is fostering in which we facilitate successful reintegration of our Soldiers, retired Soldiers, veterans and their Families," Edwards said.
Sgt. Timothy Breen began his transitioning process after six years with the Army when the services were still located in Soldiers Plaza. He said with the new facility, there is more room and privacy as he speaks with different entities about this transition.
Through the services offered, Breen said he could get a better understanding of how "military lingo" sounds in the civilian world and in his Army career. He never had to touch a resume, so he was in awe that the resources were available to him through the military.
"The experience for me has been outstanding because I'm not used to all of the outside world, I'm used to what I do on a daily basis and who I work with on a daily basis," he said. "If you actually listen and pay attention, you'll have all the tools to just go on to the next step of your life."
Breen plans to relocate to Maine to work in armed security until he can start his own business after taking courses and earning a certificate as a personal trainer.
The center is meant to take care of the Soldiers and give them the resources they need to succeed in return for the sacrifices they've made in contribution to the Army, said Eddie Perez, SFL transition services manager.
"Not only does this city recognize our Soldiers' commitment to our Army, but also our Army's commitment to our Soldiers," Huerter said. "The Soldier for Life mindset is a holistic approach to a military career; we take care of Soldiers by providing effective training throughout their careers and then when they choose to return to the civilian world, we help with that transition. This facility shows the commitment to our Soldiers and Family members."
Social Sharing