Making life easier after the military

A pilot program that aims to help student veterans on campus deal with life after the military–from dealing with disabilities to the possibility of receiving counseling in the future–started on campus this term.

A Portland State student group and the state of Oregon have been working together on this project, called the Student Veterans Resource Project, to help ensure that veterans are successful in overcoming barriers by working together. If the pilot project is successful at PSU, similar programs might open on other Oregon university campuses.

The program was initiated by the Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs and the Portland State Student Veterans Association after a group of PSU student and alumni veterans pushed for a program to help returning service men and women who wish to continue schooling in the spring of 2007.

Frank Van Meter, a national accredited veterans service officer at the department of veteran affairs, works on the project and with veterans at the PSU campus full-time.

Van Meter said he usually helps student veterans by helping them deal with disability claims, school benefits and medical issues. He said that dependents and spouses of veterans are also encouraged to visit the program.

“We’re here, we’re on the job, and we’re ready to serve,” said Van Meter.

Jake Meeks, the outreach coordinator for the resource project and president of the Student Veterans Association, said he hopes the project will have group counseling sessions and will be able to work on social gatherings for PSU veterans.

“My goal is to give veterans a voice,” Meeks said

Tyler Joki, a former marine, said he plans to use the Student Veterans Resource Center.

“Having the Student Veterans Resources Project on campus not only provides a comfortable environment for vets, it shows that PSU has a place for them,” Joki said.

The Student Veterans Resource Project can be found in the Extended Studies Building, room 123 and can be reached by phone at 503-725-4804.

The SVA will be having their first meeting Oct. 11, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Smith Memorial Student Union, room 225. It will have free pizza.