Page 17 - HIWT Summer 2018 World of Welding

Just a Man and His Dog
By: Melinda Jeffery

Mike Shapiola, a retired US Army Reservist from South Bend, IN good enough to satisfy his standards and decided to take a class in
recently attended a Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) Basic class here TIG to get better.
at Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. Having both active duty
and retired veterans attend school here is not unusual. However, When Mike frst got here for orientation, I will admit I was
Mike was the frst to have a service animal with him. Hunter, pretty thrown off, stated Melinda Jeffery, Marketing and Career
Mikes service dog, is a lovable 5 year old black Labrador Retriever. Development Manager. It was the frst time I had encountered
a service animal here at the school and I wanted to make sure
Mike was a Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (retiring as a Hunter was properly protected. Mike explained that he had taken
Warrant Offcer) and was deployed 4 times 2 in Iraq and 2 in welding classes in different locations and Hunter had his own
Afghanistan. Shortly after returning from his last deployment goggles. Mike said that everyone has been very accommodating
in Afghanistan in 2013, Mike was granted a medical retirement, and helpful concerning Hunter and has never had any problems
after serving as a reservist for 16 years. Mike now works for attending a class. He encourages anyone with a service animal
the Department of Defense in South Bend, IN as a heavy mobile to attend classes. You just need to let the school know what
equipment repairman. accommodations you need stated Mike. The instructor here has
been great accommodating Hunter.
In his spare time, Mike got into the building bicycle frames. After
building one with a steel frame, he decided his welds were not HIWT thanks Mike and Hunter for their service.

Veterans Training

Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is approved by the Ohio State Approving Agency for
Veterans Training (the G.I. Bill® educational training for non-disabled or vocational rehabilitation
for disabled veterans). Contact the Hobart Institute Financial Aid Ofce at 937-332-9500 ext 9604
or e-mail fnancial@welding.org.
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology was voted Military Friendly for 2018.

www.welding.org - 17 - 2018 SUMMER ISSUE