December Highlights from the Military Center

Thank You for Supporting the Military Community

To all supporters of the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs,
I wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your dedication and unwavering commitment to the military community again this year. The impact and advancement of our mission would not have been possible without your support.

A special thank you to our Center Founding Partner and sponsor Penn Mutual and Advisory Council.

We look forward to the continuation of our work and expansion of our initiatives in 2025.

I wish you and your families happy holidays and ask that you keep those currently serving our country in your thoughts and prayers during the holiday season.  

Very Respectfully,

Phil Easton
Managing Director, The American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs

Attending AUSA’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition

From October 14 through 16, staff from the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs attended the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C.

Attending for the first time, the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs was one of numerous exhibitors with Your Next Mission, a program initiative that helps veterans, transitioning services, and their families find employment.

Throughout the conference, staff had the opportunity to speak with numerous active duty, guard and reserve members, veterans, and spouses of the Army about the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs’ scholarship program and career services, detailing the benefits available to those transitioning out of the military and into civilian life with the goal of a career in the financial services industry.

The Center for Military and Veterans Affairs’ stewardship manager, Angelica Marino, also had the opportunity to be featured on Wreaths Across America Radio and inform listeners of initiatives and impact to the military community.

Honoring Heroes With Major General Suzanne Vautrinot

On November 14th, Major General Suzanne Vautrinot, USAF (Ret.), 2024 Soldier-Citizen Award Recipient, joined the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs for a webcast in honor of Veterans Day to share personal stories of service, sacrifice, and selflessness from her 31-year career.

She began by discussing how her service shaped her perspective on leadership and sacrifice. “Leadership is sacrifice, being there for the nation as a higher calling. Being there whenever they ask. The military assigns you to their needs and they ask you to go places that may not have been first or even last on your list. It is a sacrifice that gives back every single day.”

She continued by discussing her mentors and how the sacrifices made by veterans have shaped the identity of our nation. “You’re all into the bigger idea, something bigger than themselves. The greater good is international. We go around the world and protect their freedom. They are looking at what we created as veterans.”

The webcast continued by highlighting the skills, leadership qualities, and dedication developed through military service and how these attributes translate into successful careers in finance.

“Lifelong learning, professional development, ability to respond to a crisis, resilience, dedication, helping others, sacrifice—all of these attributes and skills from the military are a perfect fit for the industry.”

The webcast concluded with Major General Vautrinot addressing community engagement and cultural awareness of financial organizations. “Everyone in the industry is there to create a community. You had that community in the military. We are brothers and sisters at arms, and everyone is looking for that community.”

Watch the Webcast

Military Center Featured at Alumni & Volunteer Breakfast

On November 8, the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs managing director Phil Easton joined fellow leaders of The College’s Centers of Excellence in a dynamic panel discussion tackling a pressing issue shaping the future of our industry: how to effectively engage the next generation of financial advisors and the impact of mass retirement within the financial services sector.

Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps

Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps in their birthplace – Philadelphia and the Delaware River – as a grand opening event of the Semi quincentennial of the United States.

“The Navy and Marine Corps were both founded in Philadelphia,” said George Leone, President of Homecoming 250. “Both Philly and Camden were instrumental in building and deploying ships in the Revolutionary War and over the next 200 years.” Homecoming 250 wants to honor that history, support those who serve, salute our veterans, and remind us of what unites us.”

For the Navy 250th, Homecoming 250 plans to assemble historical and current ships for touring. For the Marine Corps 250th, Homecoming 250 plans to gather ships important to the Corps, host the 100th Marine Corps Ball where the first ball was held, and celebrate at the site of Tun Tavern, the birthplace of the Marines. Homecoming 250 is bringing these celebrations to Philadelphia, Camden, and the Delaware River to support our military, salute our veterans, and educate the public about the role of the Navy and Marines to defend America and freedom.

Festivities for the 250th anniversaries begin October 9 and run through October 16, 2025 [Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps, Oct. 2, 2024, “Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps Announces Epic 250th Birthday Celebration of the Navy & Marine Corps in Fall 2025 [Press Release]].

Learn More

Thank You From Our Scholars

The American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs received a thank you recently from one of our scholars. With his permission, we have made the letter available for you to read below.

Dear American College of Financial Services Center for Military and Veterans Affairs,

I cannot sincerely express my gratitude and excitement to have been selected as a recipient of your scholarship. Your generosity and support mean the world to me, my family, and loved ones.  
This scholarship is not simply a financial burden off my back, but better yet, is a beacon of hope that one day I will achieve the goals I set out to achieve and more importantly, to continue to be an inspiration to my family, especially my children.  

I come from humble beginnings and now that I’m older and more knowledgeable, I realize that money has never been the problem, but the lack of financial literacy.  This scholarship will not only help me become a more prepared and knowledgeable financial services professional but will enable me to do the one thing I always wanted to do…. to help those who need it the most.  To spread knowledge and financial literacy to as many people as possible.  

Again, thank you for believing in my potential and investing in my education. I promise to make the most of this opportunity and contribute positively to this beautiful place we call earth.  

With sincere gratitude,

Gabe Sanchez