Donald “Eddie” Spangler enlisted in the U.S. Army on Sept. 13, 2001, two days after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks killing nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.

“I joined because of the September 11 attacks,” said Spangler, a military veteran and student at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) in Venice.

Growing up in Clay City, Kentucky, Spangler wanted to become a police officer. He entered a different line of work as an Army servicemember for 11 and a half years. His time in the military transformed his life.

“My military service completely changed who I was as a person,” Spangler said. “It taught me responsibility.”

Spangler now lives in Nokomis, Florida with his wife, Ashley, and children. Last year, he was a stay-at-home dad before embarking on a higher education journey. His wife encouraged him to return to school. He started as a student at SCF Venice in Fall 2023.

“I am not the first (in my family) to go to college,” he said. “I will be the second to graduate.”

Spangler is working toward an associate’s degree. He plans to graduate in Spring 2025 and continue his education toward a bachelor’s degree in public safety.

SCF is committed to helping veteran students, like Spangler, and their families with navigating college and life after graduation. The Student Veterans of America club and the Veteran Services centers operate as support networks at SCF Venice and SCF Bradenton.

In addition to his studies, Spangler serves as SCF Venice’s SVA club president. About 10 students actively participate in the club, which provides information about veteran services in the community, advocates for any needs, and holds fundraising, social and recreational activities. Veteran Services also shares resources and advises on education benefits, work-study applications and other areas of college life.

“Veteran Services gives veterans the means to reestablish themselves in the civilian community through education,” Spangler said. “I hope that Veterans Services can create a welcoming environment for all veterans and dependents.”

Veterans Day marks another occasion for Spangler to join together with fellow veterans.

“Veterans Day for me is an opportunity to gather with other veterans and connect with people that have the same experiences that I do,” he said.

SCF is proud to be designated a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus, providing dedicated support to veterans and their families. For more information about the Veteran Services centers at SCF Bradenton and SCF Venice, visit SCF.edu/Admissions/Veterans/.