Servicemen returning to WSU

Some familiar faces gradually are reappearing at WSU as soldiers and sailors return from Iraq. While there are bound to be adjustments in returning to jobs, classes and families, there are some practical ways the WSU community can help make that transition easier.

David Bakken (pictured), a custodian with WSU’s Housing and Conference Services, returned April 21 from an 11-month tour in Iraq where he served as a Navy medic. He plans to spend a few weeks at home with his wife and children before returning to work in the Streit-Perham complex.



WSU Today: How much advance notice did you have before you left for Iraq?

DB: I knew a month ahead, but the Navy can give you as little as a week to 10 days’ notice. That gave my family time to plan and do some things together before I left. In my 22 years in the Navy Reserves, this was the only time I was called up.



WSU Today: What are some of the adjustments of coming back?

DB: My wife has been doing everything at home, trying to keep life as normal as possible for our three children. We all missed a lot in the past 11 months — there’s a new tent that was never taken out of the box; we canceled a fishing trip and a baseball game. I’m gradually trying to get back in the groove.

WSU Today: What is your perspective on what is happening in Iraq?

DB: I tell my wife, “Don’t believe everything you hear from the media.” In Iraq I worked with an interpreter for seven months. We were very close — we called one another “brother.” This co-worker said people in his country lived under the rotten rule (of Saddam Hussein) for so long, people are glad he’s gone. They know things are not going to change quickly, but they like the way things are going, and they will start taking control. They are sick and tired of the people (insurgents) who are bombing and destroying things.



WSU Today: How can people at WSU help make the adjustment easier?

DB: I hear a lot of people saying, “Thank you,” and “We appreciate what you did.” People can say that even if they don’t believe what has happened in Iraq is for the best. The homecoming welcome I got at the airport was amazing — almost overwhelming.



A mom to students

Servicemen who are returning to WSU as students have someone who is committed to making their transition as easy as possible. Charii Higgins has worked for the Office of the Registrar for 14 years, seven of which have been in Veterans Affairs.



WSU Today: How does the Veterans Affairs office help servicemen?

CH: When they call me, I let them know the first thing they need to do is to come see me. I want to see them in person so they know they have someone who is watching their backs. I tell them this is their one-stop shopping place. I have all the papers they need — admissions, financial aid, etc. — altogether in a welcome packet.



WSU Today: How many servicemen are returning to WSU for the summer session?

CH: It’s hard to know for sure, because I only know of those who are getting benefits. I am advising the returning students not to attend summer school. They need to get acclimated. After 18 months of being on an adrenaline high, they need to take time to learn how to sleep again and sit still before they are back in classes. Right now, I have paperwork for 15 students for the summer.



WSU Today: What kind of training did you have for doing this work?

CH: I had six hours of training in stress and stress-related problems. That only whet my appetite to know more. I meet once a month with counselors and personnel from the military hospital, and I’ve learned to ask questions. But I consider myself to be mostly mom.



WSU Today: What can the WSU community do to help servicemen who are returning as students?

CH: Faculty need to be aware it is going to take time for these men and women to reintegrate into the campus setting. They need to take this into consideration when a student returned from military service asks for assistance, and they need to be prepared to offer as much help as possible.