Mr. David Jantzen in his office at GCSC
In the Beginning
Like most of us during our college years, Mr. Jantzen was trying to navigate this tricky thing called life. After spending two years at Otero JR College in Colorado and still uncertain about his future, he decided that the military was a good option. Mr. Jantzen states, “History was my major in school, so I figured what better way to see what I have always read about and [so I] joined the Navy.” Mr. Jantzen further states, “I never planned on making a career [out of the Navy], but I did.” He further mentions that this was one of the best decisions he has ever made.
Distinguished Military Career
After completing Bootcamp in 1979 in San Diego, California, Mr. Jantzen then attended his Hospital Corpsman training. After completing both, he served in the Hospital Corpsman Community at the following locations across the United States: South Carolina, California, Texas, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Mr. Jantzen was also stationed overseas in the Philippines, Greece, Japan, and Iraq. During his career, he earned numerous awards such as a Joint Service Medal, a Joint Service Achievement Medal, four Navy Achievement Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and several other unit awards. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and in 2005, then Senior Chief Petty Officer Jantzen retired as a Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman from Oceana, Virginia.
Official Seal of the United States Navy (Courtesy of the Navy (all rights reserved))
Life After the Military
In 2014, Mr. Jantzen moved to Panama City, and he quickly fell in love with the area. While searching for a job, Mr. Jantzen came across the advertisement for the Veterans Services coordinator position at GCSC. He applied, interviewed, and got the job. This position is an excellent fit for himself as he’s “…always enjoyed helping fellow veterans and the active duty [members]”.
ROLE AS VETERAN SERVICES COORDINATOR (VSC)
While serving in the VSC role, Mr. Jantzen has to keep a few things in perspective. First, he must stay up-to-date on the Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Federal Government’s rules and apply them at all times, or else GCSC risks losing its VA accreditation. Second, Mr. Jantzen is the liaison between the VA and the student. He ensures that both entities’ needs are met. Lastly, Mr. Jantzen relays pertinent VA information to the student body. He ensures they are current on policies and procedures that might impact their higher education needs moving forward.
Future goals for Veterans’ Services
As for the immediate future, Mr. Jantzen has some specific goals in mind. First, the Veterans Services Center will be moving to a new building sometime during the Spring of 2022, and this new facility is located near the Panama City Campus Fitness Center. Additionally, Mr. Jantzen is striving to increase the Veterans Services presence here at GCSC through increased enrollment and with the active support of the Student Veterans Association across the campus.
Lastly, if you are a veteran, an active-duty member, or a military spouse in need of educational help, whether it be in understanding your GI Bill benefits, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services, or assistance in navigating other opportunities available, please get in touch with the Veterans Service Center at (850) 769-1551, ext. 3210. Also, you can reach Mr. David Jantzen at the following e-mail address: djantzen@gulfcoast.edu.
Brian Updegraff
Student Writer - Spring 2022
