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Student Veterans of America

Student Veterans of America. “Yesterday’s Warriors, Today’s Scholars, Tomorrow’s Leaders” 16 February 2009 Veteran Symposium for Higher Education. Derek Blumke -- Background. Born and raised in Alanson, MI; 28 years old Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force

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Student Veterans of America

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  1. 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 – 16th 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 AmericaRapid 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 “21st Century GI Bill” (S.22) • All-hands conference (Washington), June 2008 • More than 50 groups represented

  7. Student Veterans of AmericaFuture 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 17-19 San Francisco, CA

  9. Collaborative OpportunitiesWhat you need to do… • Go to Website and select resources • Organize vets on campus by setting up a meeting via email 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 derek.blumke@studentveterans.org 231-330-8913 Executive Director: John Powers John.powers@studentveterans.org 401-615-8225 www.studentveterans.org

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