Aschaffenburg Forum, Wednesday, November 12, 1980, Page 2

            Nothing Comes Easy

Education is extremely important. Without it, you don’t get very far today,” said Colonel Charles H. Thompson at the Big Bend Community College High School Graduation ceremony held at the Graves Theater on November 5 (1980).

He gave a brief but pointed outline of the benefits of an education and what it means in the Army and other walks of life.

“As weaponry becomes more and more sophisticated, those who decide to make the military a career will find that if there is no education, they will get nowhere if you want to make a certain grade.”

He urged commanders to make sure they look to those in their command who wish to take up an educational course. He also expressed concern and disappointment at the number of people who attended the ceremony.

“It’s a pity there are not more people here to watch these individuals cross the stage to receive their diplomas,” he added.

Those present at the ceremony were Education Center director Mr. Charles Adimaro, Mr. Elizabeth Adimaro, Mrs. Maria Jensen and guests representing Big Bend Community College, Theresa Durst (Wuerzburg area director) and Mr. Leland Farley (European Project Director).

Music was provided by the 3rd Infantry Division Band. Invocation and benediction were given by Chaplain Frederick Smith. There followed a reception at the Graves Recreation Center.

More people are taking advantage of the Army Education Center’s courses such as those provided by Big Bend, particularly since the Army takes on 100% tuition costs.

Up until March this year, the service member used to pay 25% of the tuition costs. Now he or she may attend classes for free - being obliged to pay only if they fail the course. 

For the past seven years Big Bend Community College of Washington State has provided Degree and High School Completion Programs for service members in Europe.

All those wishing to take on the challenge of studying must meet the requirements to be eligible for the Big Bend Community College Washington State Diploma.

Another important development at Big Bend is that effective October 1, 1980, family member spouses (the wife or husband of a soldier) are now eligible for 100% tuition fees paid for by the Department of the Army. This is subject, of course, to space availability.

The Army provides the opportunity for an education to help develop the potential of the individual.

But it means hard work to gain the diplomas like those who received theirs at the Graves Theater, and - as Col. Thompson said at the ceremony referring to how much hard work and dedication is required - “Nothing comes easy!”