As we close Q1 we get the opportunity to provide progress on our 2021 goals, introduce new members, share plans for in-person events, and thank those who helped make our first fundraiser of the year a success. Two of our Executive Committee members, Ken Folino and Paul Fleischman, used their February birthdays to raise some money for VMAS. Ken and Paul will spend the year putting their bad knees to the pavement as donations racked up over 200 miles of running for each of them. Paul, a Marine Corps Veteran, is our newest member and serves as the Chair of the Finance & Fundraising Committee.
Member Highlight
Our Member Highlight for Q1 2021 is Ericka Laforse. Ericka has been active in the local Vet/Mil community while finishing her degree from the Raj Soin College of Business. She worked at the WSU Veteran and Military Center and served as Project Coordinator for the WSU Veterans' Voices Project. Ericka is a force multiplier, and we are grateful to have her on our team.
“VMAS to me is a one-stop-shop for veterans and supporters of veterans to GET IT DONE; and yes, that includes fun!”
VMC News
For those who have passed through Wright State and used veteran or military benefits at some point, you are likely familiar with Amanda Watkins. Amanda has served the veteran and military-connected students of Wright State for 16 years, with her most recent role as the Associate Director of the Veteran & Military Center. Amanda will be moving into a new role as the Associate Director of Retention, and we want to thank her for all she has done. Few people understand the level of leadership that Amanda has exercised over her 16 years in the VA education office. Amanda has been critical in ensuring compliance with the Department of Defense MOU’s while also advocating for student veterans in jeopardy or threat of dismissal.
Amanda has challenged herself by attending the HERS Institute, serving on USAC, presenting on her own at the NASPA annual Military symposium, and becoming an active force in statewide discussions of GI Bill processing and benefits. Simply put, Amanda is a game-changer. We wish Amanda the best in her new role and we are forever grateful for all she has done for the Wright State Veteran & Military Community.
With Amanda’s departure, the VMC will be welcoming a local Veteran and Wright State graduate as the new University Certifying Official. Congratulations to Joe Young! Joe served in the US Army, is a veteran of Afghanistan, and is also the League Director of the Greater Dayton Flag Football League. Joe’s team SMYTD not only competed in but won the Flag Football World Championship Tour in January. We look forward to Joe stepping into this new role and we are grateful to have him as part of the team.
Events
Have you been to our events page lately? Throughout the year you can find links for our monthly meetings as well as information for new and upcoming events. On April 17th we will be at the Veteran & Military Center, welcoming the newest class of upcoming graduates to the Alumni community while providing them with their VMC graduation stole. On August 28th, we will hold our first golf outing at the Beavercreek Golf Club. As we finalize the details of this event, we will create a registration page through the Alumni Association and make that available as soon as it is published.
VMC / VMAS Spring Graduation Stole Pick-Up | April 17, 2021 Alumni Association | Wright State Day at Kings Island | June 6, 2021
Hire Ohio Virtual Alumni Virtual Career Fair | June 9-10, 2021
VMAS Golf Outing | August 28, 2021