Mark Lettiere joined Portland State on March 15 as a full-time vocational rehabilitation counselor for students who are veterans, dependents or on active duty. This is a part of the VetSuccess on-campus program.
Mark Lettiere joined Portland State on March 15 as a full-time vocational rehabilitation counselor for students who are veterans, dependents or on active duty. This is a part of the VetSuccess on-campus program.
Lettiere’s primary role at PSU is to serve as the liaison for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment division of the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. His responsibilities include assisting veterans with questions they might have about veteran benefits, enrollment, the veteran’s hospital, Veteran’s Affairs guaranteed home loans, and compensation and pension.
“We get veterans who get onto campus who know nothing about the VA,” said Chris Olson, VRE officer. “Lettiere is there to provide support, guide them through the process and help them to break down barriers.”
Olson notes that Lettiere’s job is particularly important because it can be difficult for returning veterans to successfully integrate back into society. “Soldiers are in a very supportive environment while in the military and in groups of people of similar age,” Olson said. “Veterans have to adjust to a society, which does not quite understand the veteran experience—and sometimes with disabilities.”
Lettiere described the transition as a labyrinth: “It can be somewhat daunting when [they come] out of the military to figure out what is available, what they can do, how they can access something and who to talk to.
“My role here is first and foremost to help veterans transition to civilian life, and then employment,” he added. “What we are hoping to accomplish is to be an invaluable resource for all veterans who attend PSU.”
In addition, Lettiere is involved in outreach off and on campus to raise awareness about veterans’ societal value. Lettiere added that the pool of veterans in the community is a valuable resource and opportunity for employers: “The military is a place that that teaches people a lot of things: how to be self-disciplined, work in an organization and how to respond to a boss.”
According to Olson, who has worked with Lettiere the entire time he has been with the VA, Lettiere has a vast amount of experience that relates to his new position. Lettiere is a U.S. Air Force veteran and PSU alumnus with a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling. He has been working with Veteran’s Affairs for 12 years.
“He actually came through the vocational rehabilitation program and was successful,” Olson said. “He is a holistic counselor and knows the benefits of the VA and how to coordinate with veterans.”
VetSuccess started a few years ago as a pilot program on 10 campuses across the nation. Its primary purpose was to serve as a resource specifically for veterans attending college. It was expanded to 24 campuses this year.
PSU was ideal for the program because of its history hosting veteran students. A number of veterans attended PSU while it was still known as Vanport College near the end of World War II. There are nearly 1,000 veterans attending PSU now, and according to Lettiere, that number is expected to grow.
“We want PSU to be known as a place where veterans feel welcome and that there are people here to assist them with their transition,” he said.
The new VA position will be supplementary to existing services for veterans on campus, such as the Veteran’s Services office.
“[Lettiere’s] knowledge is something we have not had on campus. He fills so many gaps; he is going to be phenomenal here,” said Allen Roberts, veteran’s certification officer. “We are overwhelmed here. He is going to help us do everything we do, and do it better.”
Roberts confirms that the classes veterans are taking count toward degree requirements and then sends the information to the VA. His office only counsels veterans who are currently on benefits.
As Lettiere is a certified clinician, he will be able to provide services that Veteran’s Services cannot. “He is the guy we send people to if we can not help them,” Roberts said.
For example, if a veteran has a friend with a drug addiction, is depressed and needs counseling, Lettiere is well-equipped to help.
“Mark has a customer service orientation that is new to the VA,” Roberts said. “He does not want to just give answers, he really wants to help. He is open, easy-going and eager to help.”
Roberts said he is very excited to work with Lettiere, who will add another layer to the services on campus. “He will be nothing but an asset,” Roberts said.
Part of the excitement of Lettiere’s arrival stems from the success of this position in other universities. Arizona State University hired Troy Rundle as a counselor as part of VetSuccess in March 2011.
“Many of these veterans are fresh from the battlefield and have to make the transition from warrior to student,” Rundle wrote in an email. “The benefits the VA provides through this program helps bridge the life experience gap between them and other students who are coming directly from high school.”
Rundle said that he feels the first year of VetSuccess at ASU has been successful. “ASU is extremely supportive and continues to improve services for veterans on campus. It has been a great partnership.”
Lettiere’s office is in Smith Memorial Student Union, suite 425, room 427a. His office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. He can be reached at 503-725-9828 or at [email protected].
“I am available,” Lettiere said. “Students are welcome to contact me with any questions or concerns they may have, and if I am unable to help, I will find a person who is.”
