Lone Star College supports women veterans through transformative resources

HOUSTON (June 17, 2024) – The United States recognizes over 2 million females who have served in the military for Women Veterans Recognition Day every June. Lone Star College is proud to offer a comprehensive Veteran Services department that provides educational support to 4,073 veterans, 519 of which are female.

“Lone Star College is a prominent educational institution that trains, retools and upskills military personnel and veterans to prepare them for the ever-changing needs of the workforce, whether they are on active duty or discharged,” said Vickie Johnson, LSC executive director, Veteran Services. “Lone Star College’s Veteran Services department can assist various populations, including female service members and veterans, overcome extra challenges they may face while pursuing an education or entering their chosen career field.”

The LSC Veteran Services department is working to develop programs and resources for women veterans. Proposed initiatives include dedicated support services, Veteran Resource Centers, workshops, mentorship programs, partnerships with veteran organizations and comprehensive counseling and mental health services.

“Our goal is to address the unique challenges faced by women veterans, ensuring they receive the assistance and support needed to succeed in their academic and personal lives,” said Siara McMahon, LSC-System Office, University Park director, Veteran Advising/Outreach.

Leiyauna Manning, LSC-Kingwood student, served in the United States Army for two and a half years as a logistical specialist, managing supply chains and coordinating equipment transportation. Her experiences in the military were challenging and rewarding, ranging from overcoming stereotypes to proving her abilities in the male-dominated industry. Manning believes those obstacles made her more resilient, advocating for more women to enlist in the armed services.

“By joining the military, women can gain valuable leadership experience, develop a strong sense of discipline and pave the way for the next generation of women by helping break down gender norms and limitations,” said Manning. “Women in the military serve as role models, inspiring young girls and other women to pursue careers in predominantly male environments.”

Manning will graduate fall 2024 from LSC-Kingwood with an associate of science degree. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging and a career as a pediatric ultrasound technician.

Women Veterans Recognition Day honors the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act signed by United States President Harry S. Truman June 12, 1948, allowing women to serve as permanent military members regardless of the country’s war status. Before, only female nurses were allowed to remain in the military during peacetime. The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act serves 395,000 active and reserve U.S. military women today.

“Increasing the number of women enlisting in the military enhances diversity, improves decision-making and mission effectiveness, and creates a more representative military, fostering greater public trust and ensuring readiness to meet modern challenges,” said McMahon. “This need is especially critical in combat roles within the Army and Marines, and in technical fields in the Air Force and Navy.”

LSC-Montgomery student Jade Schultz, like Manning, served four years in the United States Army before medically retiring. She was an IT specialist in the G6 and S6 units and participated in airborne missions.

“I enlisted in the United States Army to have a purpose in life, help our country and earn college benefits,” said Schultz. “I loved being in the military as a woman, which taught me a lot of self-confidence.”

Schultz thrived in the Army but wanted to pursue a different career path once she became a single mom. She has gained access to scholarships, important veteran updates, needed equipment and new friends through the LSC Veteran Services department. After Schultz earns an associate degree in substance abuse counseling from LSC-Montgomery, she plans to attend Sam Houston State University and eventually earn a doctorate in forensic psychology.

Lone Star College Veteran Services offers federal, state and scholarship options and specialized advising for veterans, active military personnel and their dependents who want to earn a college education. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/Veterans.

Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.