The discipline and focus it takes to be a successful soldier is similar to being a successful student. However, for most military veterans, it is difficult to make the transition from rigid structure to the more laid-back atmosphere of college life.

“A lot of guys have trouble adjusting,” Retired Sergeant First Class Jim Finneran, said. “There is a loss of camaraderie, of like-minded individuals who’ve developed a deep friendship.” 

Finneran has been out of the Army for five years, and is majoring in history at Wichita State. He said being in the military actually prepared him to become a student. 

“I became more focused on what I wanted to do,” he said. “After high school, I knew I wasn’t going to college.”

Finneran said after joining the military, he understood that continuing his education was important. 

“I knew I had to do something when I got out, so I decided to get a degree in history,” he said. “I’d really like to work for the National Park Service or be a tour guide.” 

He said there are a lot of organizations on campus that cater to active service men and woman, and veterans’ need. Also, WSU has nothing but positive attitudes about those who have served, at least from what he has seen. 

Places off campus like the DAV and VFW are also there for veterans and current service men. 

“Veterans take care of veterans,” Finneran said. “The VFW especially is an organization that will have fundraisers or donate if there is a [veteran] in need.” 

He said those whom have served in the military could tell when they approach someone else who served by the way they carry themselves. 

“You can almost guess what branch too, just by the way they act,” he said. 

Finneran also noted that he knew there were a lot of veterans and soldiers attending WSU, and that there should be a few more events centered around their service. 

“I would like to see more signs or banners letting people know about Veteran’s Day,” he said. “There are other things to recognize other factions like International groups, and it’s good to honor our veterans.”

Military men like Finneran, he says, really enjoy regimented structure, but that the social interaction and diverse ideas of WSU students make being in college here easier to adjust to.

The serviceman said he has never been thanked by anyone on campus, but that others have shown their gratitude publicly by buying his meal. 

“It’s embarrassing sometimes,” he said. “I wasn’t wearing the uniform to get hand-outs from people; I was wearing it because I felt I owed this country something, and I knew I had to protect it.”

Finneran’s grandfather and father are both military men, which motivated him to serve.

“I wanted to honor my father,” he said.

His two sons are currently serving in the United States Army continuing their family legacy. 

“Of course it is the individual’s decision,” he said. “But I volunteered because it is what I believe in.” 

Freshman Logan Cockrum is also learning how to make the transition from serving in the military to attending college. He served for four years with the Marines as a Corporal (E-4), but decided not to re-enlist because he missed his friends and family. This is Cockrum’s second semester at WSU. 

“I miss the camaraderie,” he said. “You’re in the same situation: missing loved ones, dealing with very stressful situations, working long hours, accomplishing different missions together, and you literally depend on their actions for your life at times.”

Still, Cockrum says that the transition into studying was not difficult and that his time spent in the military helped prepare him for college life. 

“I learned leadership and communication skills that are valuable to me in everyday life,” he said. “But I was in an infantry battalion, so I didn’t receive much education that was directly applicable as actual college credits.” 

“The Marines made me learn to take personal responsibility for my actions and made me really think about what I wanted to do with my life,” he said. 

At WSU, Cockrum is studying pre-med and plans to attend Cleveland Chiropractic School before taking a full-time position as a chiropractor in Valley Center. The skills he learned during his enlistment, he said, are the reason he has such a solid plan for his future.

Cockrum spent a lot of his time in Iraq and Afghanistan searching for IEDs, and disarming them to help protect soldiers from walking or driving over them. He also received several awards including a Combat Action Medal, Purple Heart, Expert Rifle Badge, several campaign medals, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a few Certificates of Appreciation. 

“I have been thanked by people [on campus] once they found out I was in the Marines,” he said. “And I received a quilt from Quilts of Valor, a national campaign that presents combat veterans and service members with a quilt to show their sacrifices will never be forgotten.” 

The Veteran Upward Bound program on campus, Cockrum said, is helpful in assisting veterans and service members in obtaining information about scholarships and financial aid for their college expenses. Cockrum is also a part of the Student Veteran’s Organization. 

“We are actually trying to increase our membership,” he said. “I would urge any fellow veterans who are interested to get involved.” 

Along with these organizations available to those who have served in the military, Cockrum said the attitude he has seen from WSU students has always been positive. 

He encourages any veteran or service member in need of help to get involved with one of the organizations on campus tailored to their needs. He also said he is willing to answer any questions or help in any way he can. 

Cockrum, like Finneran holds the same values in that their service was not to make themselves look better or to receive handouts from the public.

“I don’t think I am entitled to any special benefits just because I am a veteran,” he said. “I didn’t join to get attention from people; I was just doing my job.”