Service Members, Veterans, Spouses Invited to Return With Purpose Workshop

By Jeff Murphy, October 3, 2016

WARRENSBURG, MO – The University of Central Missouri’s Office of Military and Veterans Services is inviting active duty military members, veterans and their spouses to attend Return With Purpose, a free workshop 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in Elliott Student Union , Room 237B. The workshop will help military personnel and veterans identify barriers in order to make a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life. Registration is being accepted through Oct. 24 for this one-day session.

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. They will learn how to evaluate where they are now and how to arrive at a desired path for the future. It also picks up where the military’s Transitional Assistance Program 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, and reservists. Military spouses who have supported their husband or wife in their military career, and want to pursue a new direction for personal growth or adjust to a new location, also are encouraged to participate.

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 Oct. 24.

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.