U.S. Air Force veterans find second career opportunities at TSTC

(ABILENE, Texas) - Texas State Technical College has been recognized as a Military Friendly School by militaryfriendly.com, and veterans of the United States Air Force have found, or are currently studying for, second careers in West Texas.

From students to instructors and staff members at TSTC, veterans take pride in their service in the Air Force, which was established as a separate military branch on Sept. 18, 1947.

"It was everything I ever needed, but very fulfilling," Curtis Matthews, a Welding Technology student at the Abilene campus, said of his 20-year career as an aircraft fuel system mechanic.

Matthews, originally from Deersville, Ohio, said he did not have to do any welding assignments while in the military. He retired at Dyess Air Force Base and began thinking about his next career.

"I did some searching on the internet and found welding interesting," he said. "I find it peaceful in the welding lab."

Matthews said TSTC's Veteran Services department was helpful in the transition to college life.

"They helped me make the move to start college easy," he said. "Veterans should take advantage of the opportunity to attend TSTC because the people care about the veterans."

One of those TSTC employees is also an Air Force veteran. Zachery Swinney, a veteran recruitment coordinator, served six years as an aircraft fuel system mechanic. He takes his personal experience of transitioning to civilian life to heart when helping other veterans.

"I made it my mission to help veterans and give them a sense of pride in their second career choice," he said. "I want them to be able to go forward with purpose in their life."

When Swinney sees the students succeed in their second career, he has a sense of pride.

"I can say that I have impacted that veteran's life in a good way," he said.

Gary Blake, who served for more than 23 years as a jet engine mechanic, uses his Air Force training as an instructor in Wind Energy Technology.

"When teaching and demonstrating hydraulics, it is easy to use the relationships between what we are doing with that in an aircraft," he said.

Blake said teaching veterans is one of the best aspects of his job.

"They adhere to the procedures and rules," he said.

The one time of year that Blake looks forward to the most is when veterans are recognized at TSTC's commencement ceremonies.

"I love it. Just that little time that TSTC says thank you to the veterans makes me feel good," he said. "I really like it when the younger veterans are being appreciated by TSTC for their service."

When Blake is not in the classroom, he can be found volunteering as junior vice commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6873 in Abilene.

"There is a camaraderie among veterans, no matter what branch," he said. "I enjoy that at the post with the different events we do for the community."

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Gary Blake (left), a TSTC Wind Energy Technology instructor, served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 23 years. He is pictured with Shayne Howard during a hydraulics lab session.Zachery Swinney, a veteran recruitment coordinator at TSTC, served in the U.S. Air Force for six years.

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