Veterans Affairs Coordinator at St. Philip's College Receives Lifetime Award

College is one of top three chosen by veterans in San Antonio, with John Westerbeck’s help

SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 4, 2008) --- The Coordinator of Veterans Affairs at St. Philip's College has received a lifetime award for achievements in the specialized field of educational services for members and veterans of the Armed Forces.

Retired Air Force Col. John W. Westerbeck is the recipient of the Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES) Bill Pearson Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is reserved for school, state, and federal government officials who are involved in VA education issues within the 14 states of the Muskogee, Oklahoma region.

“The organization and work ethic in his office which John Westerbeck has cultivated are the highest quality I have ever seen in my 21 years at St. Philip’s College, and that climate of efficiency and dedication is clearly reflected in his staff’s exemplary service to our students,” said Dr. Burton Crow, Dean of Enrollment Management.

In addition to the recognition and respect accorded to him by his colleagues at the College and throughout the District, the quality of the work performed by his Office of Veterans Affairs is acknowledged by the Texas Veterans Commission through the audits he and his staff have received. “Every report following an audit during his tenure has described his office records and service as excellent with no exceptions,” noted Crow. “This is an extraordinary accomplishment for him in his eight years as the Coordinator of the Office of Veterans Affairs.”Special Board Meeting September 4, 2008

"This is a special once-in-a-career recognition we have for wonderful people like John who spend a lifetime in the improvement of other people's lives, "WAVES President Vicki Henson said.

The scope of Westerbeck's work on behalf of veterans is wide. St. Philip's College is one of the top three colleges chosen by veterans in San Antonio. There are 900-1,000 veterans or eligible family members attending the college in the fall and spring semesters, and approximately 750 during the summer terms.

"I have a great and ever-changing job and I am blessed with a top notch staff who works as a team,” Westerbeck said.

"What John does as a coordinator helps to improve the service of others who serve veterans,” Henson explained. "He helped us with a model office presentation a couple of years ago, and that service is only an element of his multiple layers in activity with WAVES," said Henson. "It was obvious from his model office presentation that he does a fantastic job," Henson said.

"We surprised him (with the award), but I know that Mr. Westerbeck is a wonderful certifying official and strives to provide outstanding customer service to his veterans and their families," Henson said. "He cares deeply about his veterans and their success," said Henson. (SPC Enrollment Management contributed to this report. SPC Image of John Westerbeck by Dianne Moffett)