Keep veterans informed about educational opportunities

All too few veterans come out of military service and pursue higher education. Only 54% of eligible enlisted veterans between 2009 and 2019 took advantage of the post-911 GI Bill to pay for higher education, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and other organizations.

So what about the other half? Without training and either a certificate or a diploma, they’re unlikely to be qualified for high-paying, upwardly mobile jobs. And veterans returning to civilian life generally take longer than others to find the right job, too. A U.S. Chamber of Commerce study found that 53% of veterans need at least four months to land a new role.

But if veterans pursue postsecondary education, they have a chance to move ahead faster and earn more. Therefore, they need to be made aware of federal financial assistance that’s available for traditional four-year universities and trade schools across the country that prepare electricians, nurses, welders, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians and truck drivers.

I should know. I was an intelligence analyst in the Army National Guard making a living as a pipe fitter. But I got laid off. So I decided to go back to school. I enrolled in Rockford Career College, a vocational institution, for an 18-month program to train as a surgical technologist. The post-9/11 GI Bill covered 60% of my tuition and provided a monthly stipend.

Result: I’ve gone from the Army to the operating room. I practice surgical technology at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, a nonprofit health system in Rock Island. I prep patients for surgery and assist surgeons performing procedures. My education isn't anywhere near over. I’m now studying to become a surgeon.

Make no mistake. College is hard. You have to go to class and study and do homework. But that’s where I rediscovered myself. I was president of the veterans club and student council and graduated as valedictorian.

I never could have done any of this without the support I got from family, friends, fellow students, faculty and career services staff. So I thank them. But let's all remember Wednesday that no one will ever deserve our heartfelt gratitude more than our veterans.

Logan McMullen, Army veteran and surgical technologist, East Moline

Hang tight, America

While I am grateful for the recent Democratic victories, I want to remind everyone to remain patient. The damage and challenges our country have experienced under the Trump administration will not be resolved overnight, nor will they be corrected in just two years.

Unfortunately, Donald Trump will remain president until 2028. The war in Iran may not end immediately, and our economy may not improve overnight. Additionally, many of the newly elected officials will not even take office until January.

In the meantime, I hope the House and Senate will begin developing and communicating a strong, focused legislative agenda. The American people deserve to know what the priorities are, what changes are being pursued and how success will be measured.

People want to see that their elected representatives are working, fighting for their communities and making a genuine effort to move our country forward.

Once again, America please be patient. The work ahead will take time, but the American people deserve to see progress.

Eli Washington, Chatham

Let’s turn a new page

The electorate sent a clear message to the politicians in Washington, D.C., last week: We are tired of the daily drama with no results.

We finally had enough of their being blind and deaf to our needs and showed them that we ultimately have the power of the ballot box.

Now both parties have a chance to show that they heard and understand the message. I hope they don’t elect the same party leaders who've put us in this quagmire. But unfortunately on Tuesday, Jim Jordan was elected as the House Republican leader. He, Chuck Schumer, Steve Scalise and others represent more of the same old petty turf wars and bickering.

Here's to hoping the new Congress brings us some new leaders to mark the end of the bipartisan mud slinging and start working for the people and not the party demigod.

Steven Fortuna, Naperville

Clean swap

Anything that's too expensive, too troublesome and/or just plain useless is often referred to as a white elephant. This concept merges perfectly with the Republican party's traditional symbol and what it has become since the midterm elections: "The White Elephant Party."

Chet Alexander, Alsip

Tragic measles deaths

With the year not yet over, there have been more than 5,000 reported cases of measles, a disease we thought had long been eliminated. There have been at least eight people who have died from the disease this year, including unvaccinated children.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may take some consolation in knowing that none of them had autism.

Dan McGuire, Bensenville

Lukewarm headline

Sexual assault is a horrific crime, and I am appalled at the University of Chicago's response to it. Monday's Sun-Times front page headline of WBEZ's Lisa Kurian Philip's story, "U. of C. rarely expels students responsible for sexual assault," underplays the seriousness of the problem.

Perhaps less whitewashing? Here are more accurate headlines: "U. of C. fails to protect students: rapists not expelled;" "U. of C. protects students guilty of sexual assault" or "U. of C. throws survivors under the bus, allows rapists to remain enrolled."

Joan Cordeniz, Lake Bluff

Ladies first

The next Illinois House speaker could be woman? Yes please!

Gary Fox, Mount Prospect

Not on thin ice?

Hey Blackhawks fans, it’s time to get excited about the NHL playoffs and the Stanley Cup. The team figured a way to get back on track after the disastrous start to the regular season. You simply put the backup goalie on waivers and all your problems are solved.

Rick Kalin, Belmont Heights