(STATEWIDE) – Texas State Technical College prides itself in not only placing more Texans in good paying jobs, but also helping veterans transition to civilian life through education.

It is this mission that has earned TSTC the prestigious Silver-level Military Friendly School Award for 2017.

This is the second straight year TSTC has received this distinction statewide, making it the seventh straight year for the Harlingen campus.  TSTC serves more than 1,000 veterans and their dependents at all 10 campuses in Texas.

 “We are honored to receive this designation because all Americans owe our security and our way of life to the brave women and men who serve in the armed forces to protect us all,” said TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser. “Accordingly, TSTC puts extra effort into creating a college environment that is veteran friendly. It is the least we could do for these valiant patriots.”

With this award, the college’s military initiatives are being honored for their standard of excellence. The Military Friendly Awards showcase the most powerful and effective programs of more than 200 companies and 1,200 post-secondary schools, and puts TSTC in the top 30 percent of these institutions.

For more than a decade, Military Friendly ratings have set the standard for companies and colleges demonstrating positive employment and education outcomes for veterans and their families.

“All of our Military Friendly award recipients set the standard for excellence,” said Daniel Nichols, chief product officer of Victory Media and head of Military Friendly development.

“They offer exceptional examples of what it means not just to build a program that meets federal requirements, but one that serves the military and veteran community from classrooms to careers.”

TSTC Veteran Center Director Steve Guevara said their goal as a center is to make honoring and serving TSTC student and employee veterans a top priority.

The Veteran Center serves as a centralized, one-stop shop for prospective and current veterans and their dependents. Here, veterans can get assistance with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications, in addition to other internal and external services and referrals to ensure a successful college experience.

The Veteran Center also serves as the meeting site for the Veteran Students Alliance Club, a club created to unite all students who have served the nation in any branch of the military during war or peacetime, and to promote a feeling of energy, support, knowledge and excitement to face challenges together.

“I hope TSTC veterans take away a sense of pride knowing that we (TSTC) truly do appreciate the sacrifices they have given during their services in the United States Armed Forces,” said Guevara. “We are committed to providing excellent service and veterans can be assured that TSTC is doing its very best in supporting the needs of veterans and their dependents.”