Ohio University is a campus of diverse and widespread student involvement. Every fall, a new class comes to campus. While there are a large group of “traditional” students, the number of veteran students on campus is underrepresented within “veteran only” student organizations.
Veterans face a number of issues when returning to the civilian world. The transition from military life to civilian life — college life in particular — is challenging to say the least. For some, they would prefer to cut all ties with their military culture. For others, they want to retain that identity. Each veteran has their own opinion on this topic and some felt it necessary to redefine who they were.
While transitioning from the discipline, uniformity, regimented and hierarchical structure of military life to a much more blurred cultural atmosphere; veterans struggle with their place in society. Being thrust into an environment where your jokes, stories, and experience are no longer relevant or relatable poses a challenge to transitioning warriors.
As a 21-year-old freshman here at OU, most of my friends from high school were graduating or had already graduated. Without any past friendships to count on, I was forced to reach out to my peers. In particular, I came across two student organizations where I felt I truly fit in. The Combat Veteran’s Club and the Student Veterans of America are two student organizations on campus that not only helped with my transition but also allowed myself and others to give back to our community.
The CVC and SVA consist of veterans, current service members and community members with the goals of helping our student veterans and our surrounding community. While we crack jokes and have fun, we also give back to the community through different projects.
Every fall semester the CVC and SVA work in conjunction to raise money for children of struggling veterans/widows. The Heroes for Heroes event generates approximately $2500 to purchase gifts for 8-12 children. The clubs also raise funding for the Eyes of Freedom scholarship, which awards 2 students with $1000. In addition to these two existing fundraisers, during Race for a Reason the clubs are working to attain a $3000 goal to provide necessities for the students of Plains Elementary.
These two student organizations have not only allowed myself and many fellow veterans to socialize and engage with our peer group, but also allow us to help those in our community. Our outreach is to promote veterans, not as a class of citizens disconnected from society but instead to bring about the change and support that we want in to see in society.
Peter Bronner is a junior studying war and peace studies. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to know how to get involved with these groups? Let Peter know by tweeting him pb124614@ohio.edu.
