Madison Hosts SVA National Leadership Program

By Stephen Lee

This past June Vets for Vets had the honor of hosting the first SVA National
Leadership Summit. Among the hundreds of student veterans from across the country who descended on the UW campus were some distinguished guests such as Secretary of the Veterans Administration, the Honorable Eric Shinseki, and our former
chancellor Biddy Martin. Hopefully, you were able to attend, but if not, I want to share some of what you missed.

The focus of the summit was to encourage and enable student veterans to fulfill their potential to be leaders as students on their campuses and as professionals in the
workplace. The weekend was full of breakout sessions and workshops geared toward making the transition into academia and employment smoother whether that meant taking care of one’s self through utilization of services available to veterans, or
engaging or creating student groups on campus, and a subject that is important to all of us – getting hired. But probably the most important benefit of the summit was the opportunity to connect with student veterans just like you from across the country. There was that instant camaraderie and a chance to share experiences and gain from the experiences of others.

The sessions were awesome and the summit as a whole was a great success. If you were able to attend thank you for helping make the National Leadership Summit an awesome experience and thanks to the Vets for Vets officers and staff for hosting the event. And special thanks to WACVO and VFW Post 8216 whose generous donations allowed us to sponsor local meet and greet at some of downtown Madison’s favorite watering holes.

Vets for Vets Unfurl Flag at Game

By David Zaborsky

The football season opener against UNLV Sept 1st was a tremendous victory with a score of 51-17. The game was exhilarating with the roar of the crowd for the win, but I and 150 other veterans will remember presenting colors. The UW athletic
department came to Vets for Vets during the summer and asked if we could muster 150 veterans for the presenting of colors. We received overwhelming support from the
campus, and we had a diverse background of participants from students, student veterans, retired military personnel and families, ROTC students, and veterans from local VFW posts. We practiced for three hours unfurling the 2000 pound flag which stretched from end zone to end zone and the width of the field. Our practice paid off with the roar of the crowd during colors and they even sang the entire star spangle banner…which made me proud to be a veteran and even sent chills down my spine. Thanks for everyone who participated, we couldn’t have done it without you, and thanks for giving me a memory that I will cherish.

The Grapevine

Open publication - Free publishing - More grapevine

For PDF click here: PDF version

Hausmann-Stokes Guest Lecture Review

By Paul Dolan

On Feb 3, 2011 Vets for Vets brought guest lecturer Kyle Hausmann-Stokes to UW-Madison to speak on issues veterans face when going to college after separating from the military. Kyle, originally from the Verona area, served 5 years in the Army Airborne Infantry and received the Bronze Star for his meritorious service and actions under fire.After his military service he attended school at ASU, UCLA, Universidad de Madrid and completed his degree at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His short film “Now, After” is used by the VA as a tool to inform veterans of PTSD related issues.

During his lecture, Kyle gave some examples of the difficulties veterans face when coming to college and provided some possible methods to ease the transition. First,  veterans lose a sense of importance after separation because the military provides a level of responsibility may not exist on a college campus.
Veterans need to understand the value of their military experiences and utilize these skills in the most appropriate way in the classroom. For example, many times veterans have real world experiences and perspectives that people cannot get from a text book.  Sharing these information and veterans’ actions in service can help bring awareness to other students of current real world events.

Kyle recommended that new student veterans get involved with a local veterans group in order to help with assimilation and provide a healthy atmosphere to exchange concerns or obtain valuable assistance. He also suggested to join non-veteran student organizations as a way to get comfortable with their new environment This group will provide a method for them to get more involved on campus and readjust to the different rigors in the academic environment.
 
Veterans may begin to feel remorse for not being as involved with their former units.  Staying in contact with former Battle Buddies or friends from their unit is a good way for veterans to show their support of the current ordeals these units may be facing.

It is also very important for veterans to understand how important they are and how the Universities they attend benefit by having a strong veteran presence. it is also important to represent yourself and the veteran community as a whole in a positive manner. The responsibility of ensuring veterans get the proper respect they deserve ultimately starts with each and every individual veteran’s actions.

Hausmann-Stokes’ lecture and film presentation was well received and stimulated a very intriguing Question and Answer session afterward.  Most audience members, whether student, veteran, or faculty expressed how informative and helpful the evening was. 

Student Veteran Spotlight: Shari Franey

By Kyle Krahn

What is your Military Background?

I came to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1998 through 2006 as a nuclear electronics technician.  Spending most of my military career aboard the USS GeorgeWashington (CVN-73), I was on the aircraft carrier when dispatched to respond to the September 11 attacks.

What work experience did you have after the military?

I went to work for Alcoa Power Generating Inc where I became the first female power plant control operator in the Midwest.

Why did you come to UW - Madison and what are you studying?

I came to Wisconsin with my husband, and fellow veteran, for the pursuit of his doctorate degree with our young daughter. I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Retailing and will be the first in my family to attain a college degree.

What do you find most difficult about being a student veteran? 

I find juggling and trying to make a fulfilling, quality family life, for all members of my family, while my husband and I are full-time students and dealing with the challenges that student veterans regularly face, quite challenging. When starting new classes, I find myself becoming self conscience about my age and life experiences.

What do you do Vets for Vets?

I am the Marketing and Assistant Outreach Director for Vets for Vets. I am currently working on organizing social events for our student veterans, finding outreach opportunities, and attaining some quality swag for the club. I also maintains the clubs website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. So when you’re “talking” to Vets for Vets on those media platforms, chances are you’re talking to Me!

What is your favorite part about being a member of Vets for Vets?

Being someplace where I can be myself and not worry about offending anybody.

Beyond Duty Author Visit

By David Zaborsky

This past May, Vets for Vets sponsored guest speakers Captain
Shannon Meehan and Professor Roger Thompson. The event was a huge success with over 50 attendees including students, veterans, and faculty members. Shannon shared his story about his experience as a tank platoon commander in Iraq. As a leader he had to make some difficult decisions which led ended up killing a family of civilians. To read the whole story, please purchase his book: Beyond Duty, Life on the Front Line in Iraq. Military service is unlike any other profession, and places unique stresses and situations on members.

Chancellor Martin Comes Through!

UW Adopts Yellow Ribbon Program
By Stephen Lee

In May, Chancellor Biddy Martin announced that the University of Wisconsin – Madison would participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, committing to fully support currently enrolled non-resident student veterans starting in the fall semester of 2011.Through the Yellow Ribbon Program the VA would match dollar-for-dollar any money the UW-Madison would put forward for student veterans. This is an amazing show of support from the Chancellor and many others in the administration. In particular the Dean of Students, Lori Berquam, and Assistant Dean of Students, John Bechtol. The future of the Yellow Ribbon Program here at UW-Madison is not set in stone and it is incumbent on us to ensure that as service members transition to student veterans that the University of Wisconsin remains a viable option.