Respite for Military Veterans

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Created on Friday, 19 February 2016 13:26
Written by Skyler Dixon

americanflagLYNDON- Military veterans who wish to start or continue their college careers might find it difficult to go through the higher education process after serving their country. That's why groups like Lyndon State College's Veterans Club exist.

 The college's Veteran's Club is one of a few groups in the area that provide support for veterans. Associate Dean of the Faculty and Academic Programs and Veteran's Club Faculty Advisor Thom Anderson explains how Veteran's Club greatly benefit student veterans on a college campus.

"It gives student veterans the opportunity to talk and support each other." Anderson said.

The group is around 25 members strong, with some members not veterans, but rather wanting to help out veterans in need. The goal of these members is to make a positive impact not just to student veterans, but to veterans outside of the college around the area. Anderson explains how the group helps other veterans out.

"Members of the club like to help outside the college, like helping a disabled veteran stack firewood for the winter." Anderson said.

Lyndon State College is a part of the nation's Yellow Ribbon Program. Also known as the Post-9/11 or GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program pays for a veteran's tuition fees for a public school, among many other benefits.
One upcoming event, the 4th annual Northeast Kingdom Veteran's Summit will take place on Lyndon's Campus on March 12. The main focus of the event is to allow veterans in the area to build strong connections with one another, with over 50 veteran service organizations taking part. This event is not just attended by locals, Anderson said.

"You don't just get people from around the Northeast Kingdom. You see people come from all over Vermont, northern New Hampshire, and even from Massachusetts." Anderson said.

The ability for veterans of all ages to meet and talk with another is very important, says Anderson. Being a former Marine himself, Anderson understands the need to help those who served their country after they come home.

"Once a Marine, always a Marine," Anderson says.

To read more about the benefits and requirements of the Yellow Ribbon Program, click here.

For more information on the upcoming NEK Veterans Summit, click here.