Student Veterans of America “Yesterday’s Warriors, Today’s Scholars, Tomorrow’s Leaders” 16 February 2009 Veteran Symposium for Higher Education

2 Derek Blumke -- Background Born and raised in Alanson, MI; 28 years old Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force Multiple overseas deployments since 9/11 (Afghan Theater) AC-130H “Spectre” Gunship maintenance supervisor; 6 years active duty – 16 th Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, FL Separated from service in 2005 for college

3 Derek Blumke -- Background Past 3 years 110th Fighter Wing, Michigan Air National Guard; Photographer/Public Affairs Started community college Fall 2005 Transferred to The University of Michigan: Winter 2007 Double Major: Psychology/Political Science Working with University of Michigan Depression Center on program for outreach and treatment of veterans for “Welcome Back Veterans” initiative Building proposal to cut suicide rates among all returning veterans

4 The Challenge for Veterans on College Campuses Applying while separating from the service Adjustment to campus environment –Inflexible / bureaucratic administrative structures at many universities –Greatest influx of combat veterans in last 40 years; will continue to increase in coming years Relations with general student population Desire for cohesive interaction with “true” peers A first step: Student Veterans Association at UMICH, formed in Fall 2007

5 Student Veterans of America Rapid growth from standing start Networking / organizing. “LGOPs” on Facebook –Inaugural conference (Chicago), January 2008: More than 25 groups represented The Mission: –Assist veterans in making their transition to academia –Assist universities in creating resources and changing policies to ensure veterans success at college –Advocate for veterans at the state and national levels so student veterans are provided every opportunity to succeed by our state and federal governments

6 Rapid Growth: Highlights Universal Need Spring 2008: Rapid growth in membership, visibility / profile, efforts to shape public policy Successfully advocated for passage / adoption of “21 st Century GI Bill” (S.22) All-hands conference (Washington), June 2008 –More than 50 groups represented

7 Student Veterans of America Future Growth and Opportunities Preserve our independence and unique role Expand our mission and capabilities –Greater outreach to returning / separating veterans –More resources for veterans on campus (mental health, peer-to-peer counseling, academic assistance)  “Ranger Buddy” on campus –Maintain a non-partisan public profile! Professionalize the organization –Sustain a large, nationwide volunteer organization –Create a small “cadre” of full-time employees (coordination, continuity of operational effort, stability)

8 Resources for You Campus kit for veterans Military to college guide for student veterans Regional and National Conferences -Midwest Regional Conference: February 27 and 28 at Cantigny in Wheaton, IL -National Conference: April San Francisco, CA

9 Collaborative Opportunities What you need to do… Go to Website and select resources Organize vets on campus by setting up a meeting via from registrars vet list Approach dean of students and university leadership. Understand that these people are adults, they are not the typical student. BECOME AN ADVOCATE. REACH OUT TO OTHER CAMPUSES!!!

10 Questions? Derek Blumke Executive Director: John Powers