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FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Education is an important part of the military experience for many Fort Drum soldiers. Many take college courses during or after their service.

SUNY Empire State College, based in Saratoga Springs, has several satellite learning centers including one on Fort Drum. It's now looking for soldiers and civilian employees interested in taking college courses for the upcoming fall semester, with the understanding of the difficulty of a soldier's schedule.

A couple hundred soldiers a year take advantage of the center on Drum and the tuition assistance offered through the Army's education programs.

"I just wanted to be able to show that being in the military, yes puts me away from home, but at the same time, I still keep in mind the priorities that we still have back home," said Spc. Mendez Garcia.

"A lot of soldiers are very similar to everybody else in that they need education to advance in their careers. So they can either make a shift in jobs within the Army or prepare for a job outside," said Mindy Boenning, SUNY ESC Communications and Development Coordinator.

To learn more about Empire State College at Fort Drum, you can call (315) 773-6139.