Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - As troops stationed overseas do their duty to help democracy endure, one graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville distance education program is playing an active role in military operations.

Stationed at Fort McCoy, graduate Kevin Gregar is a first lieutenant in the Wisconsin National Guard. Called to active duty six months ago, Gregar's maintenance company plays a large part in mobilizing troops for military action abroad.

"Our mission is to get military equipment up to standards for deployment overseas," Gregar said.

As hostilities mounted just months ago, as many as 20 units from around the state were stationed at Fort McCoy preparing for deployment.

"At the peak we had over 8,000 troops on post, and that's people coming and going," Gregar said.

The Necedah native graduated from UWP in December with a master's in project management degree. He said his education has been useful on the job.

"The degree helped in setting priorities and organizing the workflow. When we came in we had to set up our system and integrate it with civilian contractors," Gregar said. "My education helped in being able to be flexible to find the best solution for all parties involved."

Fewer troops are stationed at Fort McCoy now as many units have either mobilized overseas or have been deactivated. Gregar's unit is also tasked during demobilization, making sure equipment is returned to its home station in satisfactory condition.

Gregar first heard about UWP's distance education program while an undergraduate at the University. After he graduated with a bachelor's in industrial technology management degree in 2000, he had eight months of down time before a military obligation, so he opted to begin graduate studies.

"I had always wanted to get my master's anyway," Gregar said.

He began a graduate assistantship the first year and he helped organizers fine-tune the project management online program.

"I would give feedback and we talked about changes - things that would make it more user-friendly," Gregar said.

When Gregar went to Aberdeen, Md., for a four and a half month military officer's course, having the option to take UWP graduate classes online ensured that Gregar could continue his master's studies.

"It was busy, but we mostly had our nights off, and I'd always catch up on the weekends," Gregar said. "The professors are very understanding of those other obligations."

He had many courses that called for group work, and Gregar would mostly communicate to classmates and professors through email. Telephone calls and instant messaging through the computer were also utilized.

When Gregar is released from active duty, he will continue employment with the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, where his master's degree will surely continue to come in handy.

"I've been a big advocate of doing project management at UW-Platteville," Gregar said. "It helps in any career field." PR#3-1513