Idaho State University has a Veterans’ Sanctuary on the third floor of the Pond Student Union Building dedicated to making ISU a veteran-friendly campus.
The Veterans’ Sanctuary helps guide veterans in any way necessary.
“We help our vets and service members transition into college life, support them in any way we can while they are here to promote their success, and then when they are ready to graduate, to help them transition into the workforce,” said Casey Santee, manager of the Veterans’ Sanctuary and a navy veteran. “The goal is a comprehensive transition and support program.”
“G.I. Jobs Magazine” listed ISU as a military-friendly school for 2010, 2011 and 2012. The award is given to the top 15 colleges and vocational schools. “The American Legion” and “Veterans of Foreign Wars” awarded Idaho State University with national citations.
The bottom line of the sanctuary is helping veterans succeed.
“The goal of the Veterans’ Sanctuary is to support our student vets and service members in their academic and social pursuits so that they have the best opportunity for success,” said Santee.
Getting veterans involved in the community helps them with success, according to Santee.
“Getting involved in community service is a natural fit for vets because of their military background,” said Santee. “When they get involved and network, this also promotes camaraderie and the development of a strong social network of good, community minded people.”
Some veterans find it hard to go back to school after leaving the military lifestyle and many face problems reintegrating.
“Part of the reason is that college is a very different world than the military,” said Santee. “[Additionally], at least a third of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which makes being around crowds of people difficult.”
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs after a traumatic event.
“Many of the vets dealing with PTSD recluse or become homeless, and most unfortunately, take their own lives,” said Santee. “Right now, the military is losing one service member each day, on average, to suicide.”
Making veterans feel welcome on campus is essential to their education.
“The fact is, if veterans do not feel comfortable on campus, if they do not feel like they have a stake in supporting one another, they will not stay,” said Santee. “All the academic support in the world, which is key once the veterans feel comfortable, is meaningless if they don’t because they won’t be here to take advantage of it. That is why camaraderie is so important.”
President Arthur Vailas founded the sanctuary in 2009. The office location is in the Pond Student Union Building. There is a satellite office in Idaho Falls ran by Vincent McHenry, a veteran of the marines.