Courtney Garnett

Originally from Chico CA, Courtney John Garnett joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and served two combat tours in Iraq. After serving in the Marines, he moved to Montana for several years to decompress and heal from several service-related injuries. Unwilling to let his hard earned GI Bill® benefits go by the wayside Courtney eventually registered for school at Butte Community College in Oroville, CA. While there, Courtney earned a Certificate of Achievement as a Heavy Equipment Operator and technician and in Mechanized Agriculture. He also earned three Associates of Science degrees in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Business, and Mechanized Agriculture. Courtney then transferred to the University of Idaho where he has earned a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Science, Communication & Leadership. Currently, Courtney is still attending U of I working towards a Professional Science Masters in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. After Courtney Graduates with his Masters in the spring of 2020, he plans on working for the Forest Service as a Natural Resource Specialist. In his spare time, Courtney enjoys spending time in the wilderness; hiking, hunting, and fishing. Courtney is also passionately involved with giving back to the community and working with Veteran support organizations.

"It's unbelievable the amount of support Operation Education has provided me throughout my educational endeavors. Thanks to OpEd, I have been able to focus almost all of my time towards my studies which I owe great credit in allowing me to earn near straight A's. I didn't even know this program existed before transferring to the University of Idaho. My first semester here, I was approached and encouraged to apply. What a blessing it has been ever since! During the last semester of my Bachelors, I had exhausted my GI Bill® benefits and was planning on paying tuition and fees out of pocket. Unexpectedly, OpEd stepped up tremendously and provided me with enough support to cover the cost of school and living for that semester. Not only did OpEd assist me while I worked toward my Bachelors, but it's still supporting me as I'm working toward my Masters. I feel truly blessed being an OpEd Scholar!"

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.