Veteran and Military Center Event | Photo by Christain Peters | The Wright State Guardian
With the recent events in Afghanistan, the Veteran and Military Center (VMC) is offering its services to all veterans enrolled in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Wright State University (WSU) has one of the largest veteran and active duty service member student bodies in the state of Ohio. The VMC is doing everything in its power to help military-connected students, faculty and staff process this tragic event.
What is the VMC
The VMC, located in Allyn Hall, is a dedicated space for any veteran or active-duty service member. The VMC offers facilities for students who need a quiet place to study, the opportunity to inquire about earned benefits or ways to connect with other student veterans on campus.
“The ideal day for us is sitting down talking and working with students one on one,” Seth Gordon, Director of the VMC, said.
Serving around 700 veterans and active duty each year, the VMC finds itself routinely busy during the academic year.
According to Joe Young, Certifying Official for the VMC and Army combat veteran who spent time in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the office sees about 100 veterans a week.
After hearing the news about Afghanistan, Gordon sent an email to all military-connected students on Saturday, Aug. 21 highlighting several services on and off campus that veterans can attend.
VMC outreach
“Check on your buddies, that’s [the] essential thing,” Amber Meyer, Army combat veteran and current WSU student, said. “Just that thought to check on people that you know might be affected can cause a trickle-down effect.”
The VMC sent an email to all enrolled veterans and active duty service members informing them about a fireside chat. Scheduled for Sept. 1, guests from the Veteran Readjustment Center, located in Kettering, will offer assistance.
“It would be inaccurate to say vets are angry, the feelings cycle up and down,” Meyer said, “I do think this is a good idea.”
In addition to the fireside chat, the VMC is hosting several events throughout the year. These include a weekly continental breakfast and a friendly game of cornhole every Friday in front of Allyn Hall so vets can socially engage.
