Some Valley veterans have decided to head back to school after they serve instead of reenlisting. One veteran at James Madison University explained why he chose to go back to school.

JMU Cadet Gerald Bradner helps teach other cadets in the university's ROTC Department. He's already had real life experience after serving in Iraq.

He is a few years older than most seniors in college, and he hopes that higher education will give him an edge in the job market.

Bradner made the decision to come back to school when he was still in Iraq. He says he chose JMU without ever setting foot on campus. Now that he's here, though, he says he's looking forward to heading back overseas after he graduates.

"I'd spent the last three years in the military. I hadn't been in a classroom since high school. I had a lot of trepidation going into it, because I didn't know what to expect," said Bradner.

He felt like he had the most in common with other ROTC students: especially those who plan to serve.

An overseer for JMU's military department said veterans bring experience to the table.

"They're able to jump right in and help instruct and teach our younger cadets the Army's values: drilling ceremonies, basic combat skills," said Lieutenant Colonel Robert Pettit.

It's those skills that Bradner knows can come in handy. Just like fellow cadets have taught him how to be a college student.

"I went from being a Sergeant in the Army to being a freshman living in a dorm was just a mind-blowing experience, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world," said Bradner.

Bradner hopes to work as an officer as soon as he gets his diploma.

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