They do need advocates. While I was in North Carolina I saw many veterans pursuing educations in the county and at the universities, but, I only have knowledge of one program at UNCW. The way it all came together was when a woman from the business department who was a former attorney and current professor took an interest and created a support group.
She was single and made herself available during office hours to help conquer some of the issues they might have been facing. The way she decided to open up her office hours to all student veterans was experience in counseling one of them. All staff with credentials is expected to carry a group of students to counsel them when it comes to choosing classes twice a year. One of the student veterans was on her counsel list and she found him struggling with decisions.
There were other support services including an adult group that had special circumstances because they also lived and worked off campus. The student veterans were welcome to be a part of that as well. There was some fund raising that helped with quality of life for these students on campus.
UNCW also has a counseling staff that is available to students for the asking. If there is continuing need for regular visits that will continue for a short time until more appropriate long term services can be ascertained.
But, the opportunity for education of veterans should never be underestimated when it comes to the idea the future is important. Their success should never be left to happenstance. Their future is far more important than that. They put their lives on the line for this country and the least this country can do in return is make sure they are well employed or as a small business owner. They are heroes, every one of them and that is not a minor achievement, but, it does not necessarily translate into a way of life other than career military.
Some of the student veterans also have families. That adds another layer of responsibility. Helping with child care is important. Their education careers can become tenuous if there isn't good child care that supports their class schedule.
They were always accepted within a community that were peace activists. Believe it or not there are people who seek peace over war. The veterans were never ridiculed that I know of. They were simply other students and really ardent students don't have time for that mess.
We also allowed military presence on campus in the way of recruitment. It was not continuous, but, they were there on career days. That was also a refreshing reality for them. Acceptance other than admission is important. Don't take for granted they have everything figured out to complete a course of study.
