By: Sam Margolin, Staff Writer
This past week, Veterans Day was observed through different events and ceremonies sponsored by the Office of Veterans Affairs at USM. In 2016, USM was listed in the top 25 military-friendly public universities in the country by the publication Military Friendly. The Office of Veterans Affairs helps veterans, service members and their families assimilate and navigate the combat-to-classroom progression.Student veterans at USM may utilize this resource on campus, as well as participate in the numerous events held to honor their service.
The Husky Veterans hosted 5th annual Thanksgiving Lunch Fundraiser, held in the Woodbury Campus Center last Thursday. There, members of the group served turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes to raise over $1000 for the six student veterans who were selected to attend a national conference hosted by the Student Veterans of America (SVA). 10 percent of the profits will also go to the local chapter of Veteran Inc., a resource for homeless veterans. According to their website, the SVA’s national conference, or NATCON, is the largest annual gathering of student veterans, and advocates in higher education in the world. This year’s conference takes place in San Antonio, TX Jan. 4-6. The conference helps student veterans collaborate nationally and connect with more than 2,000 peers and advocates.
A flag raising ceremony on Gorham, Portland and Lewiston campuses to honor those who have served took place this week, as well as a veteran grave identification event that took place at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland. A parade on Saturday involving the whole state starting at Longfellow Square will unite Maine’s Veterans in a display of honor and remembrance.
Attending this year’s conference and serving food at the Thanksgiving lunch was Melissa Chason, a student veteran graduating later this year at USM. In the Army, she was an all-wheeled vehicle mechanic and administrator. Chason says that events like the fundraiser help veterans connect with other students on campus, which is a common problem.
“This event is also our way of being able to give back to the community that so graciously helps us. Whether it be helping with homelessness, mental needs, and even financial needs at times,” Chason said.
Chason also outlined the importance of veterans services here at USM. She, along with many other student veterans, find comfort in the fact that USM can assist directly in the needs of its veteran students and their families.
“Trying to navigate educational benefits for veterans and family members can be so overwhelming sometimes. Being with people that have lived and experienced similar life situations is amazing and our veterans group here on campus is like a big family,” Chason said.
The Office of Veterans Affairs is located on the second floor of Luther Bonney and seeks to help student-veterans and their dependents navigate their educational and financial benefits. Stephen White, an MBA student graduating in 2019, is one of the team leaders in the office. White served in the Air Force from 2000 to 2005 and retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant. White says it is important for Universities to help their veterans become more involved.
“Student veterans are an important and valuable asset to USM, in our communities, and for our country. When they are unsupported or impeded in their efforts to apply their substantial expertise in an academic setting, veterans tend to withdraw,” White said.
Many student veterans who return might have trouble finding the services that they need in order to transition from military service to college. Aaron Lewis, a history education major graduating in 2019 and an Infantryman in the Army from 2011 to 2016, said that the Office of Veterans Affairs guided him through his return home very easily.
“USM has great Veterans services. I have never had an issue with them and any questions I’ve had they have been super helpful and prompt answering. They do a lot to help veterans connect with other veterans and the university.”
The Veterans Services Office intends to continue to expand its support of USM’s student veterans by continuing to partner with organizations across the state, but many challenges still face these students. White cites that a major challenge for USM’s student veterans is the tendency for them to be treated as if they have no professional and real-world experience.
“A common critique among student-veterans is that they feel that their past experiences are not held in high value in the classroom. The Veterans Services Office has been actively working with USM faculty for several years hosting Green Zone trainings.”
Green Zone trainings help familiarize people on campus with the unique characteristics of student veterans as a group. For student veterans with visible and invisible trauma from combat, Green Zone helps to train faculty to treat student-veterans with dignity and respect regardless of their disability status.
Other events and ceremonies planned for the coming months organized by the Office of Veterans Affairs and the Huskey Veterans are taking place at USM. Both offices plan to continue to partner and expand with USM and other organizations across the state. To become involved and for a list of events, the Husky Veterans’ Facebook page.