VMAS Quarter 3 Introduction
Quarter 3 of 2023 is complete and it was an eventful one. Our biggest updates are detailed below, so we will start this newsletter by looking forward to Q4 and 2024. To start, we are gearing up for our Third Annual Cornhole Tournament! The tournament will be held on March 23, 2024, and will be managed like last year's tournament with some noted improvements based on the feedback of those in attendance. We will share the registration link when it is available.
On September 23rd we were one of many sponsors to take part in the Sapphire Jubilee, the African American Alumni Society’s signature fundraiser. The event supports funding for the African American Alumni Society Scholarship and supports the mission of the Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center and its program fund. This year’s event raised over $7,000 for the African American Society Scholarship.
Wright Day to Give, Wright State's largest annual fundraising program had another successful year. The program ran the first week of October and ended with more than 1,000 donors giving over $160,000. VMAS helped the VMC raise over $1,500 for the VMC Excellence Fund and ranked second among Alumni Society programs. Next year donations will be directed to our new scholarship program with the Alumni Association.
For Veteran’s Day this year, we are doing something a little different. Our goal is to take the day as a veteran and change the focus by giving back to the non-veteran community. To do this, we will be partnering with the Wright State Alumni Association by taking part in Alumni Service Day. Alumni Service Day organizes volunteer events across the community to support organizations that rely on volunteer support to be successful. Each Veteran's Day moving forward VMAS will continue to identify opportunities for our veteran community to support the civilian community.
The VMAS Career Advancement Program (CAP)
The application window for the Wright State VMAS Career Advancement Program (CAP) closed on October 13th but will be back again next year. This program is made possible by Fifth Third Bank and awards up to $500 in the form of reimbursement payments for qualifying professional licenses, certifications, conferences, training, and more. Whether you are Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, a Veteran, or dependent, you qualify for this program. This program application window will remain open for six months in 2024, so applicants have more time to ensure all requirements are met.
Captain Shawn English Champion Garden Dedication
On September 8th we joined the Wright State Veteran & Military Center, the Wright State Army ROTC program, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests in dedicating the Captain Shawn English Champion Garden. The outdoor space honors veterans, military-connected students, and those who support them, and is named for Shawn English, a 1999 Wright State Army ROTC graduate killed at age 35 on patrol in Iraq in 2006. English’s widow, Tricia, said memorializing her late husband with a campus garden space open to everyone is a special honor because Wright State and its Army ROTC program changed his life. Learn more about the event and the memorial garden here.
Now through November 13, 2023, all donations will be matched up to $5,000. Donation opportunities include a dog tag or paver that can be customized to honor a veteran, service member, or champion in your life. Visit givecampus.com/campaigns/40850/donations/new to donate today.
Third Annual Golf Outing
On Saturday, September 9th, VMAS held its third annual golf outing at Beavercreek Golf Club. This year’s outing saw significant growth, adding 35% more golfers over previous years and maxing out our registration goal with eighty-eight golfers. This year we also had the support of fifteen sponsors made of a mix of individuals and local corporations. Our biggest supporters continue to be the Miami Valley Veteran Service Commission and Wright State University Alumni Association. Without those two groups, this event would not be possible. This year's event raised almost $6,000, with the majority of that money going towards endowing an annual scholarship.
Resource Highlight
The Montgomery County Veterans Services Commission is a county agency that provides services such as;
Assisting with VA compensation claims
Emergency financial assistance
No cost legal consultation
Medical transportation
And more…
Not a Montgomery County resident? Visit this link to find the county Veterans Services Commission closest to you! Visit the link in the prior Reach out to your local affiliate for the support you need!
Upcoming Events
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.
Wright State Alumni Service Day - November 11, 2023
Wright State Homecoming - February 14, 2024
Wright State Alumni Achievement Awards - February 16, 2024
VMAS Third Annual Cornhole Tournament - March 23, 2024
Support the Alumni Association by attending one of their events, purchasing a Wright State license plate, or become 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.