Soldiers use education benefits

By Sgt. 1st Class Corey RayJuly 26, 2012

Soldiers use education benefits
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – May Burnett, an education services representative, helps Soldiers access GoArmyEd during an introduction class on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 18. The website is a virtual portal to allow Soldiers to manage their education records and reques... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers use education benefits
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Specialist Dave Davidson, UH-60 Helicopter Repairer, B Company 46th Aviation Support Battalion accesses GoArmyEd during an introduction class on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 18. The website is a virtual portal to allow Soldiers to manage the... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers use education benefits
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Private First Class Mitchell Dick, a shower, laundry and clothing repair, 593rd Sustainment Brigade, reviews the steps needed to create a GoArmyEd account during an orientation class on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 18. The account will allow... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. - For two soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., enrolling in college means more than dormitory rooms and class lectures. Continuing their education will give them an opportunity to enhance their personal and professional self-development goals.

Spc. Dave Davidson, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer, B Company, 46th Aviation Support Battalion, and Pfc. Mitchell Dick, a shower, laundry and clothing repair specialist, 295th Quartermaster Company, recently attended an introduction to GoArmyEd at the Hawk Education Center.

GoArmyEd is a virtual portal that allows soldiers to manage their education records and request financial assistance for education classes.

The Army Continuing Education System offers a wide range of opportunities for soldiers to achieve their education potential. With the help of counselors, soldiers are assisted in achieving a certificate or degree, provided job readiness workshops and offered academic and vocational testing.

Although the Army grants financial assistance for eligible soldiers, it can be difficult to balance a full-time work schedule and school.

Davidson, a native of Winlock, Wash., said he tried to go to college when he was stationed with an assault helicopter battalion, but he said his job was hectic as a crew chief.

"My job required me to fly all the time so I barely had down time," Davidson said.

Now that Davidson is currently working with an aviation support battalion, he said he has more time to do his job and take college courses.

Earning a degree was also on Dick