DMACC Named a Top Veteran-Friendly College: Marine Veteran Finds Support, New Career Path in HVAC

When Marine Corps Veteran Andy Wiss decided to go back to school at age 40, he didn't know what to expect. After nearly a decade of military service, then years of moving dirt and operating heavy machinery, a knee injury forced Wiss to rethink his career path.

"I was too comfortable where I was at to make a change," Wiss said. "It's like I was praying for something to change, to just give me the reason to.

Wiss thought about how he'd always wanted to try out a different trade career. That moment of reflection led him to DMACC's HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)program - one of more than 60 programs approved Veterans Affairs education benefits.

For Wiss, who served in the Marine Corps from 2005 to 2013, including tours in Iraq (2007) and Afghanistan (2011), the transition to college life was much easier than he could've imagined because DMACC, he quickly learned, is dedicated to helping veterans like him succeed.

In fact, U.S. Veterans Magazinerecently named DMACC as a Top Veteran-Friendly School. For the publication's 2026 compilation, DMACC is considered a "yellow ribbon" academic institution, meaning the college voluntarily partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide additional funding for eligible veterans and their dependents using the post-9/11 GI Bill.

Using financial support from his GI Bill benefits to cover tuition, tools, and cost-of-living means Wiss is able to focus fully on his new career journey.

"I never thought using the VA would be easy; it's usually a pain," Wiss said. "But the path is set for you here, all you have to do is take it. The program isn't easy, but the process of getting into was structured and accessible."

A College That Understands Veterans

At the heart of DMACC's commitment to student veterans is Don Enright, the college's Veteran Services Coordinator. It was Enright who helped Wiss register for classes in the HVAC program and took care of all the back-end administrative tasks for securing the federal aid.

"I think what sets DMACC is having a full-time Veterans Services Coordinator who is also a veteran," Enright said. "Having served 22 years in the Iowa Army National Guard and being full time with the National Guard for over half of my career, I understand the veteran mindset and challenges."

Enright's role is to guide veterans through their educational benefits, help them understand what they qualify for, and ensure their transition to DMACC is as smooth as possible.

DMACC currently serves more than 330 veterans, National Guard members and reservists, and eligible family members, offering priority registration, tutoring, counseling and access to a Veterans Lounge on Ankeny Campus. DMACC also offers delayed tuition payment options for students waiting on VA disbursements and free memberships to the Trailpoint Fitness and Aquatics Center for students enrolled at least half time.

Some of the most popular DMACC programs among veterans, Enright said, are Auto Mechanics Technology, Business Administration, Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Nursing, Paramedic/EMT, and Welding.

"I think DMACC's recognition as a top Veteran-Friendly institution speaks highly of the entire DMACC community," Enright said. "Many faculty and staff are veterans or have veterans in their families. Veterans bring a unique perspective to a college and offer a different understanding of the world, which I think is incredibly valuable in the classroom."

Enright is passionate about reminding veterans: "Your service matters and you've earned your benefits."

"If you have an educational goal or career advancement you want to pursue, I highly encourage you to come speak with me and see how the Veterans Affairs office can assist."

'It's Never Too Late'

For Wiss, the supportive environment at DMACC has made all the difference as he's embarked on this new journey. He admitted he was initially nervous about being older than most of his classmates in this first semester of the HVAC program.

The other students, many fresh out of high school, are "like sponges," Wiss said. For him, there's a bit of a time-lapse-induced learning curve.

When Wiss was struggling to relearn concepts, like decimals and fractions, in his Applied Math course, it was an instructor who pointed him to DMACC's tutoring services. He's since made good use of the college's academic support systems.

"Resources, resources, resources, there are so many right here on campus" Wiss said, adding that the tutoring has been incredibly helpful.

Before starting in the HVAC program this fall, Wiss asked his wife, "How am I going to go to school with a bunch of 20-year-olds?" She responded, "just do it."

"So, I sucked it up and reminded myself it's only two years. And it's worth it," Wiss said. "I wish I'd done this 20 years ago. But it's never too late."

Story by: Savannah Eadens, DMACC Public Relations | [email protected] | 515-675-3275