By Jeff Murphy,
January 14, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO – Return With Purpose, a free workshop that will help military personnel
and veterans identify barriers in order to make a smooth transition from active duty
to civilian life, is planned for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the University
of Central Missouri. Registration is now being accepted for the one-day session, which
takes place in Room 235 of the Elliott Student Union.
Return With Purpose provides a great opportunity for those retiring from the military,
separating, or thinking about retirement, as well as those just setting future planning
goals. The program helps individuals re-think their approach and define a plan, not
just for transition, but planning for any career or life goal. It will assist participants
in evaluating where they are now, and how to arrive at their desired path for the
future. Participants will learn more about a process which will help them create a
positive future, including landing a better job, getting the education they really
want, and reconnecting with family and friends. It picks up where the military’s Transitional
Assistance Program (TAP) leaves off with transitioning service members. Return With
Purpose is open to military personnel who are preparing to leave service, veterans,
members of the National Guard, reservists and military spouses.
Leading the workshop will be Greg Ganschaw, chief executive officer and founder of
Return With Purpose. Ganschaw is a U.S. Air Force veteran who has worked with Fortune
500 companies to help employees and corporations to maximize their skills, abilities
and productivity.
Individuals who have attended the program in the past have described it as “insightful
and helpful,” including noting that they obtained tools immediately that will help
them become more in control of their lives. Others say it’s a program “that stimulates
new ideas,” and has helped them “see a way forward” after leaving the military.
The workshop’s curriculum was developed with input from psychologists and has been
in use for more than 40 years. It is tailored to meet needs specific to military members
and their families, and has been implemented by higher education institutions that
include Stanford, Penn State, and Washington University, to name just a few.
Advance registration is required. Interested individuals must RSVP to Ganschaw at
Gregg.Ganschaw@ReturnWithPurpose.org or call 314-520-2046 by Feb. 19.
Ganschaw can address any questions related to the program. Individuals making reservations
should advise
him of their name and military status, phone number, and email address. They should
also let him know if they are a UCM student. Limited seating is available.
Anyone who wants to know more about educational opportunities available for active
duty military personnel and veterans at UCM can contact Jeff Huffman, director of
the Office of Military and Veteran Services, via email at jhuffman@ucmo.edu or call
660-543-8989, or Delilah Nichols, coordinator, at nichols@ucmo.edu or 660-543-8977.
