Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) recently launched a new initiative aimed at offering greater educational assistance to military members and veterans of the armed forces. By establishing the office of Military and Veterans Services on campus, CGTC will now have dedicated staff specializing in the unique needs of this segment of the population.

CMSgt. James R. Pascarella (Ret.) has been hired to lead this initiative and will work to ensure that the needs of all veteran and military students are met at the College. The office of Military and Veteran services will serve as a first point of contact for military affiliated students, including active military, reservists, guardsmen, veterans, and eligible dependents. Additionally, this office will serve to help students navigate all facets of college admission, registration, academic pathways, and career services processes.

“This office will be a valuable resource for members of the military who are interested in pursuing educational opportunities at CGTC,” said Pascarella. “I am eager to get established at the various campuses and look forward to working with the students, as well as Robins Air Force Base, to make sure we meet the needs of the communities CGTC serves.”

Pascarella recently retired from the United States Air Force with over 33 years of service. He completed his service as the Superintendent of Manpower, Personnel and Services Directorate, for the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) at Robins Air Force Base.

“Mr. Pascarella is a tremendous asset to the CGTC community,” said Julia Nell Shaw, assistant vice president for Student Affairs at CGTC. “His background and experience will allow him to serve our active duty military, veterans, and their dependents as they transition to civilian life and navigate through the college experience.  Our desire is to provide each student with the opportunity to succeed.  As the liaison between the student and the College and community, he will be able to help each military-related reach his or her academic and career goals.”

CMSgt. Pascarella is a native of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the Community College of the Air Force with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Resource Management. He completed the USAF Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy in residence and served as a mentor for both Chief’s Leadership Course at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Alabama and the AFRC Chief Master Sergeant Orientation Course at Robins Air Force Base. In 2010, he graduated from the Reserve Component National Security Course, National Defense University, and, in 2011, attended the USAG Enterprise Management Seminar at the University of Virginia.

He is married to Maria and they have two sons, John Antonio and David.

In the coming months, Pascarella will begin offering services to students on all CGTC campuses.  For more information on the new office of Military and Veteran Services, call (478) 218-3729. Summer semester classes will being May 19. New students should apply for admission and financial aid now, as new student registration opens April 6.