ST. LOUIS --- A survey of former participants in the US Army Corps’ Veterans Curation Program has indicated high levels of satisfaction with the program by participants. The survey was undertaken by Rebecca M. Aldrich, Ph.D., OTR/L, an Assistant Professor at the St. Louis University’s Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences. Her survey included seventy-nine of the 103 veterans who have completed the six-month training program.
In October 2009, the US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, commenced the Veterans Curation Program (VCP) a groundbreaking training and employment opportunity for veterans. Since then the VCP has served over 100 veterans at three laboratories in the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southern United States. These veterans are paid to work part- or full-time, during the 6 month program.
Over 525 boxes of artifacts and 28 linear feet of documents have been cataloged, inventoried, and photographed in these labs. The experience has been of benefit to the nation, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and most importantly to the individual participants as they transition from military to civilian life.
These are the overall response data:
• 99% of respondents said that the experience had been a positive one
• 95% of respondents said that they feel more positive about themselves and their qualifications after working with the VCP
• 97% of respondents said that they feel the project has equipped them to succeed in a non-military office environment
The final work products of the VCP are complete and searchable reporting for a variety of federally owned collections and providing assistance to veterans. Through the rehabilitation and preservation of the US Army Corps of Engineers archaeological collections, veterans acquire important skills including Microsoft Office® proficiency, interpersonal communications, teamwork, database, and records management skills. Participants also enhance the skills they developed while in service, founded on discipline and leadership.
One veteran in the St. Louis 2012 program remarked, “I cannot think of a greater opportunity to better yourself in all aspects of life while providing a launch pad for your future.”
Release no. 13-023