New York Film Academy Appoints Decorated War Hero to Support Veterans Education

he New York Film Academy today announced the appointment of Colonel Jack Jacobs, one of America's most decorated war heroes, as the Film Academy's Chair of Veterans Advancement Program. Colonel Jacobs served in the U.S. Military for more than 20 years and his gallantry in Vietnam earned him the Medal of Honor-the nation's highest combat honor-two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts. Colonel Jacobs is currently a military strategist and on-air analyst for NBC and MSNBC News.

"There is nothing like military service that gives young people authority and responsibility at an early age. If there is anybody prepared to lead, it is the veteran," said Colonel Jacobs. "I didn't hesitate to sign on with the New York Film Academy because I want to support our country's service members in getting the best film and media arts education possible - training that leads to interesting and creative careers."

The New York Film Academy has many programs approved for veterans educational benefits, and also participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program. The school's campuses in Los Angeles and New York have been proud hosts to more than 500 veterans since 2009.

A newly opened campus in South Beach is also pursuing the approval for veterans education benefits for those who wish to study at that exciting location. In addition to U.S. accredited undergraduate (BFA) and graduate (MFA, MA) degrees in all major filmmaking and acting disciplines, student veterans also access other study TRACKS at the college such as screenwriting, game design, producing and photography.

"The veterans benefits cover 100% of my expenses, and I wouldn't be pursuing my dreams without it," says veteran Nick Jones, Jr., a NYFA BFA Filmmaking student whose education has provided him with the opportunity to work as a military consultant on a feature film with Shia LaBeouf and Gary Oldman. "I love to actually 'do' what I'm learning about, and the New York Film Academy provides that for me."

New York Film Academy's President, Mr. Michael Young, stated, "Our veteran students bring with them a discipline and dedication to their work that are essential ingredients to making films and working in the visual arts. We are honored that Colonel Jacobs is devoting his time and experience to mentor them and lead by his own extraordinary example as the Chair of our Veterans Advancement Program."

The New York Film Academy has received several "Top Military Friendly School Awards" and has partnered with the Soldiers Project through its "Adopt a College Program." Veteran graduates of the Film Academy have won numerous awards for their work in the film industry.

For more information on NYFA's programs and services, please visit their Veterans website.

About Jack Jacobs:

Jack Jacobs holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Rutgers University and entered the U.S. Army in 1966 as a Second Lieutenant through the ROTC program. He served as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division, executive officer of an infantry battalion in the 7th Infantry Division, and commanded the 4th Battalion 10th Infantry in Panama. A member of the faculty of the U.S. Military Academy, Jacobs taught international relations and comparative politics for three years.

He was in Vietnam twice, both times as an advisor to Vietnamese infantry battalions, and he is among the most highly decorated soldiers from that era, having earned two Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars and the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest combat decoration. Jacobs retired as a Colonel in 1987. After service he had a successful career in the financial industry.

Colonel Jacobs serves on a number of charitable boards of directors and is the Vice Chairman of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. He holds the McDermott Chair of Humanities and Public Affairs at the US Military Academy and is the author of a memoir, If Not Now, When?, which released by Penguin in 2008, and in 2012 St. Martin's Press published his non-fiction book, Basic. Jacobs was nominated for Emmys in 2010 and 2011 and was the recipient of the distinguished Edward R. Murrow Award for his NBC segment "Iraq: The Long Way Out."

About the New York Film Academy's Office of Veterans Services:

The Office of Veterans Services staff in New York City and Los Angeles proudly serves military veterans and their families in their pursuit of a world-class, hands-on filmmaking education. NYFA is regarded as a Top Military Friendly School with many of its programs approved for the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program. To further increase its supportive veteran environment, NYFA has partnered with the Soldiers Project and often works with Veterans in Film & Television, American Corporate Partners and California Department of Veteran Affairs.

About the New York Film Academy:

The New York Film Academy was founded in New York City in 1992 (originally in Robert De Niro's Tribeca Film Center), and since that time has expanded with campuses around the world, offering a top quality education in the visual and performing arts to tens of thousands of students from all parts of the globe.

Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Bruce Springsteen, Al Pacino, Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, and Jodie Foster are among the many figures in the film industry who have sent their family members to study at the New York Film Academy.