Operation Hat Trick scholarship supports WMU grad student and Army veteran

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Continuing its commitment to military‑connected students, Western Michigan University has awarded the Operation Hat Trick Visible and Invisible Wounds of War Scholarship to graduate student Mandy Rodriguez.

Rodriguez of Hartford, Michigan, is pursuing a Master of Arts in early childhood general and special education. She is on track to graduate this spring and plans to use her degree and initial teaching certification to become a lead Great Start Readiness Program Teacher or a young 5s teacher.  

A U.S. Army veteran, Rodriguez served from 2010 to 2015 as an 88M motor transport operator in the Army National Guard. In her role, she drove and maintained some of the Army’s heaviest tactical vehicles, transported equipment and supplies, and supported convoy operations.

She credits her military experience with helping her reach her academic and professional goals. “My military career allowed me the opportunity to go to school for free and obtain my M.A., helping me make significant progress toward my goal of becoming a lead teacher.”

Rodriguez, a mother of six, chose Western because of its flexibility and support for adult learners and military‑connected students.

“WMU has been pivotal in my occupational success,” she says. “They gave me the opportunity to still be able to attend college while working full time and taking care of my family.”

She also credits her instructors for their role in her journey. “My instructors have been supportive, helpful, understanding and wonderful about holding us accountable for our work. I loved working with them and will miss communicating with them after I graduate.”

WMU’s commitment to military‑connected students

Western is nationally recognized for its strong support of military‑connected students, consistently ranked a military-friendly institution and named among the Best for Vets by Military Times. WMU continues to expand programs and resources for veterans, including offering the following:

• VetSuccess on Campus, the first Department of Veterans Affairs student success program of its kind in Michigan, providing on‑campus support with VA benefits, career exploration and more.
• In‑state tuition for all veterans and their families, regardless of residence.
• The Military Ally Program, a training initiative that—through online learning and scenario-based in-person discussions—helps faculty and staff better understand and support military-connected students.

Empowering military‑connected students through Operation Hat Trick

Operation Hat Trick (OHT) is a national nonprofit that supports service members and veterans who are recovering from visible and invisible wounds of war.

Since 2014, OHT has contributed more than $6 million to organizations addressing gaps in veteran care nationwide.

“Each year, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the impact that scholarships and donations like these have on our military‑affiliated students at WMU. We are truly grateful to Operation Hat Trick for their support,” says Kenneth Franks, WMU’s military advocate.

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