Ande Frazier
CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, BFA™, ChSNC®, CDFA®, CEPA, CExP
Thank You From Our Scholars
Dear The American College of Financial Services Center for Military and Veterans Affairs,
I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for awarding me a scholarship that will allow me to pursue my goals of becoming a financial advisor when I retire from the military. It is hard to put into words how I feel at this moment, because I have been looking forward to this for a long time and the opportunities that this scholarship will afford me are endless. So many people go into debt to achieve their dreams, but thanks to your generosity, I won’t have to do that. Rest assured that I will pay it forward once I have completed the coursework and begin my journey as a financial advisor. Thank you so much for all that you do and continue to do. You guys are truly amazing!
Very Respectfully,
Jeremiah Jares
MRG Consortium Meeting and Participation MRG Networking Lounge
On June 25th, numerous members of the MRG Consortium met for their first virtual quarterly meeting to discuss the group’s first initiative: barriers military members face transitioning into financial services. The group identified several barriers, including:
- Awareness
- Informing the military community there is a path into the industry with their skills and companies are interested in hiring them
- Timing
- The time it takes to complete a certification program, timing of their transition and having information ahead of transitioning
- Pathways
- There is not one defined path in this industry, there are many paths an individual can take
- Affordability
- Finding the funding for their education
Various MRGs detailed how they are helping members of the community overcome these barriers, including a mentorship program, working with local bases, and talking with those in transition about financial awareness and wellbeing and what is required to be hired and enter the industry. They also discussed utilizing SkillBridge, a Department of Defense (DoD) program that helps service members gain civilian work experience before they leave active duty.
Following the virtual meeting, the consortium had the opportunity to meet in person during the inaugural Military Resource Group Networking Lounge at The College’s 2024 Military Summit. Various companies including F&G, Nationwide, NFP, Thrivent, and USAA were able to network amongst one another, meet with Military Center scholars in attendance, and have a special meet-and-greet with the 2024 Soldier-Citizen Award recipient.
AFSA 2024 Convention Symposium
Attending for the first time, the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs was one of numerous exhibitors from various industries present to inform the military community of education and professional development opportunities.
AFSA is a federally chartered Veterans’ Service Organization with a vision to be the premier professional military and veterans service organization of choice for the enlisted corps and their families.
Throughout the conference, the Center had the opportunity to speak with numerous active duty and retired service members, as well as veterans and spouses, of the Air Force, Space Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command about the educational and professional opportunities the Center and The American College of Financial Services has to offer those in transition out of the military and into civilian life and those interested in a career in the Financial Services Industry.
Sahar Pouyanrad
EMBA, CTFA, AEP®, CEP®, ChSNC®
Major General Suzanne Vautrinot
USAF (Ret.)