VMAS Quarter 2 Introduction
Each year the Veterans Moving Forward Resource Fair is held in the Wright State University Student Union in partnership with the Southern Ohio Council on Higher Education (SOCHE). Over 70 Veterans Service Organizations and 60 companies supported this year’s event with more than 250 Veterans in attendance. As we do each year, VMAS was in attendance and was able to connect with those we support through this annual resource fair.
Are you a Wright State Alumni? Help us support the student population by signing up as an Alumni Ambassador. As an ambassador, you will be asked to periodically communicate with an assigned student for their entire time at the university. The time commitment is minimal, only 2 hours per year per student. Learn more on the Alumni Association site.
The VMAS Career Advancement Program (CAP)
We have been waiting a long time to formally announce this program, and we are EXCITED that it is finally a reality! The Wright State VMAS Career Advancement Program (CAP) will award $5,000 annually to support the professional development of qualifying individuals. This award will be distributed in the form of reimbursement payments of up to $500 for qualifying professional licenses, certifications, and conferences. This program is made possible by Fifth Third Bank. We are developing the final resources for this program now.
Champion Garden Dedication & Golf Outing
This September is significant for our Wright State Veteran & Military-Connected community as we partner with the Veteran & Military Center and Army ROTC program to put on a 2-day event. On September 8, we will hold a dedication ceremony for the Captain Shawn English Champion Garden. CPT English was a Wright State Army ROTC graduate who was KIA in Iraq in 2006. This public space will celebrate those who support, or champion, veterans, including other veterans/service members, family, friends, and Wright State staff and faculty.
On September 9 we host the Third Annual VMAS Golf Outing at Beavercreek Golf Club. This outing is part of the USA Patriots Veterans Golf Circuit and is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Visit the registration site for more details and to sign up as a player or sponsor. Want to know what to expect? Check out last year's event blog to learn more.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans
The first cohort of the Reynolds and Reynolds Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) program is now accepting applications! This program supports the success of military veterans who are aspiring entrepreneurs. The EBV is part of a consortium of universities across the U.S. including Texas A&M, UCLA, the University of Connecticut, Louisiana State University, Florida State University, Saint Joseph’s University, and the University of Missouri. To learn more about the program and how to become a participant or a mentor at this link.
Resource Highlight
The Dayton Vet Center offers confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Vet Center records are kept OUTSIDE of the VA system, which makes it an attractive option for many. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more at your discretion. The Vet Center can also connect you with more support through the VA and within your community. Learn more at va.gov/dayton-vet-center/.
Upcoming Events in 2023
Our annual recurring events calendar continues to grow and we are looking for help! Stop by one of our weekly meetings or send us an email to learn how you can help.
Career Advancement Program Application Window - Opens September 1
CPT Shawn English Champion Garden Dedication - September 8
Third Annual VMAS Golf Outing - September 9
Veterans Day Community Service - November 11
Support the Alumni Association by attending one of their events, purchasing a Wright State license plate, or becoming a Wright State Alumni Association Gold Member for as little as $50 a year.
Don’t forget to check out the Wright State Alumni Association calendar for more events.