A Student-Veteran's Experience with Higher Education:
An Academic Journey

The author, Dr. Peter J. Burke, EdD., SGT, USA, Retired, shares fraternal stories and the importance of having support in an academic environment - many of which turned into life-long friendships.

As an EdD student, the author's research into the availability of support for PTSD in the academic setting is both personal and informational. He shares his story with the hope that other veterans and student-veterans will read about his journey and be motivated to move forward in their lives.

There are unique challenges for student-veterans in the academic world, but through good times and bad, this story demonstrates that it's all worth it.

About the Author

Dr. Peter Joseph Burke retired from the US Army as an Army Bandsman, conductor and performer, in 1996 after serving with the 7th Infantry division (Light), the 25th Infantry Division (Light), the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), and the US Field Artillery Training Center, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.

He received his doctorate from Northcentral University in Education Leadership. He earned his BM in Horn Performance and MA in Teaching from Cameron University and received his Master of Music Education in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Oklahoma in May 2011.

At Cameron University, he performed in numerous performing ensembles, instrumentally, as well as vocally.

While at the University of Oklahoma he performed in the Symphonic Band and served as a conductor of the OU Hornsemble. While in the US Army, he performed in Thailand, Korea, Japan, Brunei, the Philippines, Australia and many other countries.

Some of his notable performances include the funeral for the Challenger astronaut that died on launch, the Prince of Thailand's birthday, visits from Heads of State, and the New York City Victory Parade after Operation Desert Storm.