Sam Brown, a Retired Army Captain and candidate for District 102 in the Texas House, recently toured Universal Technical Institute-Dallas/Fort Worth in Irving to meet with veteran students and also to learn about career opportunities and advanced training in the automotive and diesel field for veterans returning home.
After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Brown was commissioned in the Army and went to Fort Hood, Texas in 2007 then went on to serve as a Platoon Leader in Afghanistan. While providing backup to an ambushed patrol, his vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device, leaving him fighting for his life. As a soldier unable to continue service in combat, Brown was medically retired from the U.S. Army and redirected his leadership to helping wounded soldiers and returning veterans.
During Brown’s campus visit, veteran students shared their experience in the military and discussed some of the issues they are facing today. Brown also toured the campus with Misty Ross, Director of Employment/Student Services, a veteran herself, to see the labs students train in and to learn about the process of enrolling and attending UTI as a veteran.
“Learning about career opportunities for returning veterans is extremely important to me,” said Brown. “A career as an auto or diesel technician is a natural fit for former military men and women who are used to working with engines and heavy machinery. It’s great to visit a school that is doing so much, both in the classroom and outside of it, to help veterans advance in their life and their careers.”
Veterans make up approximately 15 to 18 percent of the student population across all of UTI’s 11 campuses.
“As a veteran myself, I know the transition to civilian life can be difficult,” said Ross. “That’s why we are here to help outside of the classroom too, whether a student is having problems adjusting or needs help finding a job while they are still in school. It’s very important to us to make sure all of our students, including our veterans, have all the support they need.”
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