YOUNGSTOWN — Kera Mayfield takes great pride in her job of helping veterans largely by providing two essential “E’s:” education and encouragement.

“It’s gratifying to help everyone get the full benefits they’ve earned,” said Mayfield, who has served 16 years in the Marine Corps., including 12 of active duty, and is now in the Reserves.

Mayfield, who works for Youngstown State University’s Office of Veterans Affairs, outlined some of her duties during Friday morning’s one-hour 2019 Veterans Day Thank You Breakfast in YSU’s Kilcawley Center.

The office hosted the gathering, designed to honor all military members, including university faculty and student veterans, who have served in all branches of the armed forces. Also recognized were their family members and loved ones.

Mayfield explained that much of her job is administrative and entails largely assisting current and prospective students with applying for GI Bills, filling out applications and downloading joint-service transcripts. Many students transitioning from military to civilian and academic life are unaware of benefits for which they may be entitled, she noted.

In addition to assisting returning YSU students or those new to the university navigate through steps they need to take, Mayfield helps dependents of military members in a variety of ways, she continued.

Eddie Howard, vice president of YSU’s Office of Student Affairs, said his office in part tries to act as a support service and allow veterans to connect with one another. That includes working with the university’s Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center, he noted.

“We want it to be obvious everywhere that this university appreciates those who have served,” YSU President Jim Tressel said, adding that many opportunities we have are in large part thanks to those who have sacrificed for the country.

The event’s keynote speaker was Rick Williams, the office’s associate director who also served 26 years in the Army, half as a reservist.

“I believe the support for veterans today is at an all-time high,” said Williams, who also cautioned against taking such fervor for granted.

Those sentiments were not always the norm, said Williams, who cited Nunziato, a decorated Vietnam War Army veteran for whom the resource center on Wick Avenue is named. Rather than being welcomed back after his service, he was often spit on, called names and excoriated, Williams added.

Many of those who fought in Vietnam carry emotional scars, not only because of what they saw and underwent during combat on the battlefield, but because of the cruel treatment they received at home, said Williams, whose father and two of his brothers also served in the military.

Williams also told the audience of mainly veterans he feels fortunate to work with those who served the nation “to ensure all of the tools to help them be successful are available if they take advantage of them.”

He recalled having tried to help an Austintown woman who was struggling with grief and other difficulties after her husband was killed in combat. Years later, her daughter, who was 11 at the time, came to his office to seek help in applying for a post-9/11 GI Bill, he said.

During his remarks, Williams also had audience members of each of the five military branches stand to be recognized for their service.To reach YSU’s Office of Veterans Affairs, call 330-941-2503.

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