Student Veterans of America registered student organization eases transition from battle to books

• Tweet
• 

The transitions from battlefield to campus and soldier to student can be difficult, but a new registered student organization on campus wants to help.

Central Michigan University is home to a new chapter of Student Veterans of America, a nationwide association that aims to provide a way for student veterans to network and discuss issues pertaining to their success.

Ithaca senior Randy Odem, treasurer and co-founder of the RSO, is eager to give veterans a voice on campus.

“CMU lacked veteran representation in the past,” Odem said. “Veterans of America will make life easier for those coming back by giving them a place to gather and get informed.”

President and co-founder of the RSO Philip Gerhardt said the association is at its beginning stages and it will continue to grow.

“Right now, it’s more about getting the word out,” said Gerhardt, a Mount Pleasant senior. “Eventually, we want to expand to the community with volunteer work, as well as creating a lounge area where the veterans can gather.”

As a veteran himself, Gerhardt is grateful to take part in putting together an organization that will ease the transition for students coming back.

The RSO’s first goal is to increase awareness and acquire funds. Through fundraising events, Facebook advertising and campus chalking, they hope to increase the amount of registered members.

Veterans of America works with the Veterans’ Resource Center in providing students with the resources and information needed for their success at CMU. This includes financial aid and benefits granted to them by the updated GI Bill.

Odem also stressed the importance of the timing in which the RSO was established. With the updated GI Bill, which opens more doors for veterans to attend college, there will be an increase in soldiers on campus.

Veterans of America is not an exclusive association. The team encourages anyone who is interested in the cause to join.

Steve Rellinger, academic advisor and advisor for CMU’s Veterans of America, is happy to be part of the new addition to campus.

“It takes a core group to keep things moving forward, and we have that,” Rellinger said. “Now, it’s just a matter of showing our face to the community and continuing forth with our mission.”