Sven Alskog
News Editor
Idaho State University was recently recognized in both GI Jobs Magazine and the 2015 Military Advanced Guide to Colleges and Universities research study as a top military-friendly school.
The honors come as a result of an assortment of programs on campus meant to assist veterans who are attending school with anything they may need.
A more well-defined Yellow Ribbon Program was also a key area of emphasis for Veterans Sanctuary Director Todd Johnson and his staff. This program allows ISU to charge in-state tuition to out-of-state residents with GI Bill benefits.
The Veterans Sanctuary is designed to serve those on the traditional GI Bill along with current and former members of the National Guard and Reserve.
“We serve anyone that is a student veteran for any reason if they want to talk,” said Johnson.
Approximately 400 students at ISU are on VA benefits, while the total number of veterans is around 600-700 according to Johnson.
Services offered in the Sanctuary, located on the top floor of the Pond Student Union Building (PSUB) inside the LEAD Center, range from assistance with benefits, academics and stress relieving, among others.
Newly hired Certifying Official for VA Benefits Kerry Larsen has helped provide an on-site source for veterans to meet with to ensure they are receiving the benefits they are qualified for.
The Veterans Service Coordinator for Bannock County Melissa Hartman is on-site along with Larsen.
Also inside the Sanctuary is a computer resource lab made possible by a grant.
“Studies have shown that vets prefer a computer lab where they can concentrate without having to watch their back,” said Johnson.
To add further comfort for the former military members who attend ISU, the New Student Orientation program, also run through the LEAD Center, offers a separate orientation for these non-traditional students.
Prior to the current academic year the Sanctuary also adopted a service dog named Hero, meant to be of service on-site whenever needed.
Johnson mentioned a story about the impact Hero had on a veteran named Mike’s dog Annie.
Prior to interacting with the service animal, Annie had struggled when around other dogs, however after playing with Hero she has improved dramatically in this according to Johnson.
Hero also worked with the stuttering clinic hosted by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders this summer. At this clinic, individuals from all over the country came together to build a support system and improve upon their speech fluency. The clinic was led by Professor Dan Hudock.
Many entities on campus work closely with the Veterans Sanctuary.
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Disability Resource Center helps to accommodate the veterans with any difficulties that may arise in the classroom setting.
“They are one of our greatest resources by providing help for those with hearing loss,” said Johnson.
Along with the Career Closet located within the Sanctuary, a place where veterans can go for new or slightly used professional clothing, the Career Center is a great resource, according to Johnson.
“It provides a stronger focus on resume building and connecting on a major which leads to greater retention rates,” said Johnson.
“They also help with networking and the end goal of graduation,” he added.
Johnson also mentioned Counseling and Testing, Student Affairs, Central Academic Advising and the Student Success Center as key contributors to the success of the program.
“We thrive off of our partners on campus. We are an uber-advocacy group now,” said Johnson.
Multiple events are upcoming to help further benefit veterans at ISU.
On Nov. 17 and 18 the Armed Forces Club will be working to support Toys for Tots and Benny’s Pantry by collecting diapers, baby wipes, unopened formula, baby food, baby cereal and unopened new infant toys in the Sanctuary.
There is a point system to determine prize winners for group donations in specified areas.
The goal is to fill a light medium tactical vehicle (LMTV) in the Early Learning Center parking lot on Tuesday of the event. The vehicle is being provided by the United States Army Reserves.
A Veteran and Current Service Members Registration Event will also be taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 18 on the third floor of the PSUB in both the North Fork Room and in the Veterans Sanctuary from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
