Veteran Advocates (V2V)

V2V Advocate: Gary Bowling

Gary Bowling served in the Air Force from 1982 to 2003 retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. His permanent duty stations included Osan and Kunsan Air Bases, Republic of South Korea, Mather AFB, CA, Maxwell AFB, AL, and Lackland AFB, Tx. In addition to his duty stations, he was deployed many times throughout his career to various temporary duty stations including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Honduras. His final assignment was with the 7th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) at Dyess AFB, TX. At Dyess he served as the Operations Superintendent and Security Forces Manager (senior unit enlisted) for 300 person unit. He holds a BS in business administration from Golden Gate University and a MA in Adult Education from Troy University. His current position is Senior Coordinator for the Student Development discipline at Northwest Vista College. He has also taught as an adjunct history instructor at NVC since spring 2004.

For assistance or information please contact Gary at gbowling1@280760.com

V2V Advocate: Patrick Fontenot

Patrick Fontenot served some 20 years in the United States Air Force and retired from active duty in 1993 as a Master Sergeant. His assignments included Cannon AFB, NM, George AFB, CA, Lajes Field, Azores, and here in San Antonio at Randolph AFB and Electronic Security Command at Kelly AFB. Pat has served many roles in the last 12 years at NVC. These roles include instructor, program coordinator, and academic leader for all Business and Computer disciplines, and director of Information Technology and Communications. He feels that his current position as Dean of Workforce Education and Training has been the most satisfying because it impacts many lives and strengthens college partnerships. Under Pat’s direction, many students and local employers have benefited from NVC’s Business Solutions which provides businesses with customized training in leadership, teambuilding and strategic planning and other areas. Pat holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Arts degree in Computer Resource Management from Webster University. Pat is known for his simple and direct style that cuts through the chase. His advice to students is always the same: “Choose a career that will make you happy and that you will enjoy every day.”

For assistance or information please contact Pat at pfontenot@280760.com  

V2V Advocate: Dennis Gittinger

Dennis Gittinger served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969.  His duty stations include yet are not limited to Ft. Polk, LA, Ft. Sill OK,Ft. Carson, CO, and Vietnam.  His combat zone experience from 1968 to 1969 was Tank Battalion, 1/77 Armor, deployed in Quang Tri, near the DMZ in Vietnam.  Due to injuries sustained in Vietnam, Dennis Gittinger had to medically retire.  From 1972, he has been teaching Mathematics for the Alamo College.  He holds a BA, mathematics from St. Mary’s University, MS, mathematics, from St. Mary’s University; and Ph.D., mathematics education, from the University of Texas at Austin.  He is married and has three children.  Favorite Quote: None of us can solve all of the problems of the world, but all of us can make a huge difference in the lives we are able to touch.

For assistance or information please contact Dennis at dgittinger@280760.com  

V2V Advocate: Jesse James Harbert III

Jesse James Harbert III is a retired Air National Guard Officer, Major. He is a pony Office rising the ranks for non-commissioned to commissioned officer after completing his AAS degree at San Antonio college and BAAS degree at Texas State University in San Marcos Texas, formally Southwest Texas State. He completed his Master’s degree in management before retiring at AT&T as a corporate Manager Customer Service.

He has had a multifaceted career, jet engine mechanic, radio communications, and lastly Intelligence Office at the 149th FAC Fighter Group in San Antonio, Texas (F-16s).He has been at NWV college for 7 years in the Math department as an Adjunct Instructor. He now encourages students through his additional position as a Math Advisor. Additionally, here at NWV he is Founding Advisor for the social group “Open Ranks”. This organization helps veterans adjust to become successful in civilian and college life.

He has been married for 37 years with two adult sons and 4 grandchildren. He loves playing basketball in his spare time.

For assistance or information please contact Jesse at jharbert@280760.com

V2V Advocate: Daniel Johnson

Daniel Johnson is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. While in the Air Force, he served in the following positions: Police Officer for his first four years, Recruiter for five years, and an Education Specialist for 12 years. He also served as the Non-Commission Officer in charge for education offices at 4 different military bases. Daniel has had tours in four countries and four state-side bases. He is most proud of his 2 year degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and from St. Phillips College. He relates to our veteran students since after serving in the military, he too attended community college. He then went on to earn his Bachelor and Master degrees. He has been at NVC for 10 years and currently serves our college in the following roles: NVC Coordinator of Recreation Sports, Adjunct Instructor for Student Development classes, and the Women’s Basketball team coach. He is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is an avid mystery reader, plays and gives Saxophone lessons, and is a personal fitness trainer.

For assistance or  information please contact Daniel at djohnson84@280760.com

V2V Advocate: Brooke Lee

Hello! I'm originally from South Korea, where I attended grade school, and then I emigrated here. When I emigrated into this great country, the United States of America, I decided to join the U.S. Army. This wonderful experience taught me a lot about this country and I have been extremely grateful - I feel privileged for the opportunity to have served in the military. I served for over 12 years, including the ROTC Program and the Reserves. I was stationed in El Paso, Texas when I was on active duty, however, I was struck with illness and had to become inactive. As fate would have it, I became a math instructor. I enjoy serving students here at NVC and helping students achieve success in and out of the classroom experience. I have been teaching mathematics for over a decade now. I have proudly served my country and now I'm honored to serve our NVC students and our fellow veterans.

For assistance or information please contact Brooke at blee@280760.com

V2V Advocate: Fernando Martinez

Dr. Fernando Martinez is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army beginning his career as a medical platoon leader, 4/503^rd Infantry, 173^rd Airborne Brigade and 1/502^nd Infantry, 101^st Airborne Division both in the Republic of Vietnam.  After serving with the 82^nd Airborne Division and as a military advisor to the Salvadoran and Columbian Army he became a senior healthcare administrator at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and the Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston.  After retirement he served as a senior administrator with Christus Healthcare and has been teaching at NVC since 2006. As a disabled combat veteran, Fernando has lots of experience with veterans and the VA Administration.

For assistance or information please contact Fernando at fmartinez1@280760.com