Sven Alskog

News Editor

From Jan. 8 through Jan. 11 inside the JW Marriot Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, three members of the Idaho State University chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) and Director Todd Johnson of the Veterans Student Services Center, formerly titled the Veterans Sanctuary, attended the 2015 National Conference.

The event had prominent speakers including Vice President of the United States of America Joe Biden, Second Lady Jill Biden, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald and Medal of Honor recipient William “Kyle” Carpenter.

Over the years the SVA National Conference has grown rapidly.

“SVA started seven years ago with seven chapters and 40 participants,” said Johnson. “Well over 2,000 attended the conference this year.”

The number of key figures from within the U.S. government who showed up to speak at the event demonstrated the level of interest SVA is drawing from outsiders.

“SVA as an organization is so important to the U.S.,” stated Johnson.

He added that the vice president showing up to address the participants helps to show just how important it is to some of the people who are running the country.

“We are delighted to be joined by two champions for military veterans – the Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden,” said SVA President and CEO, D. Wayne Robinson in a press release prior to the event. “Both have shown extraordinary commitment to supporting the brave men and women who serve our country and their families and we look forward to welcoming them to our [Seventh] Annual National Conference.”

Along with Biden and his wife, multiple other speakers with varying previous experiences stood before attendees.

One such individual was Carpenter, a veteran with a story that shows some of the immense sacrifices he and others in similar situations make on a daily basis.

“Amazing,” said Johnson. “The guy literally threw his body at grenades to protect this country.”

For the ISU chapter, attending the event was a key achievement in the continued emphasis on the program.

“We got to benchmark with schools from around the U.S.,” said Johnson. “If you look at us compared to other schools around the country we are leading in this area. We are well ahead. ISU treats student [veterans] with such esteem and respect.”

Johnson hopes to continue to help continue raising veteran advocacy, specifically in education.

“We want to be more involved in the future of education for student veterans,” he added. “We have really lifted the bar, it’s not just bake sales anymore.”

Along with Johnson, Chapter President Jessie Koyle, Vice President Casey Cornelius and Idaho Falls representative Jordan Trively all attended the national conference.

The group is leading a program that is being looked at from other chapters from around the country.

“Being a part of SVA, when a student veteran has an issue we have already connected with counseling, student services, student success center and more,” said Johnson. “We are student advocates for peers on a local and a national level.”

An example of the influence of the ISU chapter was a girl who is starting her chapter at James Madison coming to Johnson and the chapter officers to see how they do it.

“The big thing is we are striving to be the school of destination for military service members seeking an education,” he added. “We want to be the school they look to and have all the services available when they are here. They need that sense of belonging when they come back [from serving].”

The success stories from past members involved with the Veterans Student Services Center and the programs offered within it are available in bulk supply.

Many of these individuals follow the ISU Veteran Student Services Center Facebook page on social media and also keep in contact through other means.

“They want to know we are still there for them,” said Johnson. “Our job is to provide a place of comfort.”