WHEREAS, More than two million veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan will have the opportunity to attend college under the new and improved G.I. Bill; and
     WHEREAS, A vast majority of these veterans will pursue higher education making them the largest group to do so from any war in American history; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and public institutions of higher education are committed to helping veterans be successful in their pursuit of higher education; and
     WHEREAS, The transition from military service to civilian life, including life on a college or university campus, can be challenging especially for veterans who often must balance employment and family in addition to their student obligations; and
     WHEREAS, Best practices including creating veteran-friendly campus characteristics that lead to improved academic stability and success for returning war veterans have been identified; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Counseling Program under the exemplary leadership of Thomas Schumacher and Dr. Peter Schmidt have identified and begun sharing best practices with college personnel throughout the state; and
     WHEREAS, State agency partners and the higher education community will continue working collaboratively to ensure all federal and state resources are maximized and accessible to returning veterans pursuing higher education;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the vital partnership between the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and the higher education community in the ongoing success of Washington State veterans in their continuing education and transition into the civilian workforce; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and all institutions of higher education working to integrate veterans into their programs.