Student Veterans of America

1
Student Veterans of America

• Yesterdays Warriors, Todays Scholars,
  Tomorrows 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 Opportunities What 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_at_studentveterans.org 231-
330-8913 Executive Director John
Powers John.powers_at_studentveterans.org 401-615-822
5 www.studentveterans.org