Working with Military Veterans in a University Setting: A Hidden Minority

1. Working with Military Veterans in a University Setting: A Hidden Minority Ann Ingala, MA Veteran Support Coordinator Former Army Captain, Desert Shield & Desert Storm

2. Introductions • Names – offices/departments • Ann Ingala Veteran Support Coordinator Off-Campus Student Services/Resources for Adult Learners 195 Lory Student Center 491-0601 Ann.Ingala@Colostate.edu

3. Military Veterans – one size doesn’t fit all • Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard • Active, Reserve, National Guard • Officer, Warrant Officer, Enlisted – Noncommissioned Officers • Military Occupation Specialty – Job or Branch – ie – Military Intelligence, Infantry, Armor • Specialization – ie - Airborne, Ranger, Seal • Types of experiences – deployed to war or not; combat arms, combat support, service support – ie where in battle – front lines or rear area • More than one political viewpoint

4. Common Veteran Mindsets • Can fix my own problems – shouldn’t need help • Negative connotations to seeking help • Strong ideas about strength and weakness • Used to structure and being scheduled, regimented, following orders or giving orders, chain of command • Blending in and not calling attention to yourself is usually a plus, not always • Team Oriented • Strong ideals & values – duty, honor, country

5. Quote from A Few Good Men • COL Jessep (played by Jack Nicholson) Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Whose gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinburg? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.

6. Why you might work with a Student Veteran • Other situation – “not” related to ex-military “stuff” – ie financial difficulties, relationship issues, abusing drugs/alcohol, struggling with school, dealing with physical problems such as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), anger problems, roommate/classmate disagreements • In crisis – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, suicidal ideations or homicidal ideations – things may have to be pretty bad before they’ll voluntarily come in seeking any kind of help • Someone else talks them into coming in

7. Additional concerns that Veterans might also be dealing with • PTSD • Anger management – low frustration threshold • Survivor guilt • Physical disabilities due to injuries, including TBIs – which might also impact their abilities in school • Anxiety and/or depression; Suicidal ideation • Grief and loss • Relationship issues • Isolation – trouble fitting in and connecting with “peers” • Time management – lack of structure, instructions, or too much time on their hands • Drug or alcohol abuse – self medicating

8. How do we identify veterans • Working on getting information on forms – checking the veteran boxes to self identify, or may self identify without that • In classrooms – if receiving veterans benefits, Glen Vance from Registrar’s office will be in contact with instructors • Coordinating with other agencies and offices on campus to let them know about veterans coordinator and programs for referrals getting them connected with my office and other veterans • Collaborative care with outside agencies such as VA, Vets Center, local Guard and Reserve units • Education and outreach on campus

9. Things to consider when talking with Veterans/Guard/Reservists • Trust – many veterans struggle with trust – so building trust with veterans may be difficult and is critical • Credibility – are there ways you can establish your credibility with them early on – ie for me being ex-military myself, if you have family members who are veterans, similar experiences of any kind • Attitude towards veterans/guard/reservists – even if you don’t support the war – being supportive of veterans, we don’t get many thanks – acknowledgement on Veteran’s Day • Avoid “typical” questions – “so, have you ever killed anybody?” • Approach it like you would other cultural differences

10. Other things to consider • Know about resources they can access – my office, student veteran’s organization, VA, VFW, Vets Center – be aware they may be hesitant to do so for a variety of reasons, or have been working with VA and not satisfied (hearing that a lot) • Feelings of alienation – especially on college campuses – most of them are at least a couple years older than their “peers” – experiences can widen the gulf • May have black & white thinking – clear ideas of right/wrong, friend/foe

11. What you can do • Connect with them like you would anyone else – Veterans are people too – the whole spectrum, good and bad • Know that they may not seek help, you may have to be more persistent with offering assistance to them than some other students • Gain some basic knowledge about veterans and within group differences – information available on websites, books, handouts, newspapers – be aware of possible bias • Don’t be afraid to ask them to explain something – may use different slang, etc. • Consult – give me a call or email me any time

12. Question to think about • Who or what would you willingly sacrifice your life for?

13. Contact Information • Ann Ingala • 491-0601, 491-2248-OCSS/RAL • Ann.Ingala@colostate.edu • Room 195 Lory Student Center • Off-Campus Student Services/Resources for Adult Learners