We count ourselves lucky to have almost 200 veterans as part of our student body. The life experiences of veterans add immeasurably to the discussion in any classroom. We try to cultivate this relationship – we are frequently named as a military-friendly school, and as a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium, we offer online Bachelors and Masters programs targeted to help mobile service-members to complete their degrees. And Purdue’s Military Family Research Institute offers similar services to students enrolled at the Purdue Technology program on our campus.

In fact, our colleagues at Purdue are engaged in a project right now to honor our veterans, and you can help. The Purdue Student Veterans Organization has ‘adopted’ the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard. They are collecting donations in Tom Raper Hall, room 140 to send to the Airmen throughout their six-month deployment.

Almost anything can be donated, but Purdue requests that items in cans or bottles be avoided since they are difficult to ship. Great suggestions include ready-to-eat snacks like bags of nuts or dried fruit, beef jerky, granola or power bars, fruit roll-ups, instant coffee or drink mixes; any personal hygiene item like soap, deodorant, wet wipes, razors, aftershave, toothpaste, or dryer sheets; gift cards for online shopping; or Hoosier-related items that can give Airmen a little piece of home while they are so far away. All donations are sincerely appreciated.

At the Campus Library we have resources to serve research interests about the military or materials for veterans returning to the civilian world, as well.  These include two major databases, the Military and Government Collection and ProQuest Military, and numerous books such as Military Assistance: An Operational Perspective by W. Scott Thompson, From Soldiers to Citizens by João Porto, Equipping Tomorrow’s Military Force: Integration of Commercial and Military Manufacturing in 2010 and Beyond, and Military Education Benefits for College: A Comprehensive Guide for Military Members, Veterans, and Their Dependents by David Renza.

Also at IU East, Dennis Hicks, a retired Navy warrant officer, advises the Student Veteran’s Organization. The SVO can help vets achieve academic success, transition into civilian life, and meet any continuing military obligations the might have.

If you have any questions, send them to us at iueref@iue.edu!