Veterans Upward Bound

James Jones – My Testimony

The best things about attending the Veterans Upward Bound Program: 

The staff and faculty members in the Veterans program went out of their way to help me.  The atmosphere was very quiet and peaceful. 

When I retired from the United States Air Force, I wanted to start college and did not know where to start, so I turned to the Veterans Upward Bound Program.  This program was introduced to me when I started working at the Veterans Hospital.  I knew that math and algebra would be challenging for me. 

In 1999, I contacted the Veterans Upward Bound Program Counselor for help.  This program offered several opportunites for learning, such as English grammar, composition and reading.  However, I only needed a counselor to tutor me in Elementary Algebra through College Algebra.  I’m grateful to say that without their support and especially “Mrs. Osa Brown” I could not have passed these courses.  They all were very helpful and attentive to my needs. 

  I finished the Upward Bound Program in about two (2) years.  This program prepared me for the many challenging courses ahead of me.  Through this program, I was able to pass my calculus course, which was a very difficult course.  While I in this program, I enrolled at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK to purse a degree while I was in Operations Management Analysis (OMA). 

After three (3) years into my degree program, I decided to apply for the Tinker AFB Internship Program through the University of Central Oklahoma Careers Program, and was accepted.  Many students stated to me that this was a difficult program, but I was determined to pursue this challenge anyway.  After my acceptance into the program, I was assigned to an Intern position at Tinker AFB in May of 2006 working part time until my graduation.  Even though there were many difficult times and hard courses to complete, I did not let that discourage me.  I was determined to prevail, because there was no turning back! 

On 14 December 2007, I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in Operations Management Analysis.

Advice to students considering attending the Veterans Upward Bound Program: 

I would recommend this program to any veteran who is considering going to college or attending a technical school because it is worth it.  For those Veterans that do not know where to start with their continuing education, the Veterans Upward Bound Program is the place to start.  Everyone should keep an open mind to new ideas and experiences provided to them, because I have learned that this experience will last a lifetime.  I know, because through this program, I have completed college and am now working at Tinker AFB and planning on working there for a long time.  “God Bless America” and all those Veterans who served.

Carl Jordan

My name is Carl.  Since I joined Veterans Upward Bound, they give me a chance to further my boundaries in education.  I am so proud to be a part of this organization which helps all veterans to achieve their goals and dreams.  This is so true for they are assisting me in one of my dreams and goal and that is to be a photographer.  Well I'm enrolled at OCCC Community College and I am looking forward to capturing and achieving my dream and make into reality.  I would like to say that the staff are more than just helpful they are family.

Thank you, Veterans Upward Bound

Roger R. Houston

To: Veterans UpWard Bound Administration

I would like to express my appreciation to the wonderful Staff Members for all of their help.  I have received new skills, lots of practice, which enhances my present skills in computer literacy, and motivation to continue my education.

I have also received a lot of help beyond the call of duty.  When my family was going through the recent Hurricane Katrina disaster your staff helped me locate father, who was missing for several weeks.  They were a source of comfort and helpful info.  I am indebted to this program for more reasons than you can imagine.

I want to make special mention of the genuine concern I can feel whenever I come in with any kind of need.  All of the Staff and volunteers are a special group of compassionate people.

May God Bless You All, Sincerely  Yours, Roger R. Houston