Empowering Veterans: IU Northwest’s Vet Week 2024 Focuses on Community and Support

Support, Service, and Solidarity: IU Northwest’s Vet Week 2024 Unites Veterans and Allies

Indiana University Northwest is set to host a series of events during Veteran Week 2024, starting on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024. The university is proud to support veteran students, faculty, staff, and alumni through its Office of Military and Veteran Services, which addresses the needs of veterans, service members, and the families of disabled veterans. All events will be open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.

The festivities will begin with a flag hoisting ceremony at the flagpole on Broadway, followed by a Veteran Mental Health panel discussion. Students, faculty, staff, and the public are encouraged to attend the ceremony to honor Veterans Day. After the ceremony, a panel including Dan Riordan, the Veteran Services Coordinator; Ted Craig, President of the Military Service Association; ROTC student Owen Sandefur; veterans Jackie Bell and Rob Anderson; National Guard Officer Jonathan Roach; and Kenneth Collins, a Veteran Mental Health Specialist, will discuss veteran mental health.

On Nov. 12, IU Northwest will hold a Veteran Resource Fair in the Savannah Center and Moraine Student Center. Campus and community members are invited to join and learn more about various resources related to housing, employment, benefits, and opportunities to connect within the military community. A variety of partners will be in attendance, including 160 Driving Academy, A Wise Choice, AARP, Abundant Quality Care, ACL Home Care, an Army Recruiter, BMO, the Central Midwest Carpenters Union, Disabled American Veterans, DriveCo, Edgewater Health, ESS, the Gary Area Vet Center, Hancock Mortgage, Hard Rock Casino, Homes for Heroes, Lake County Veterans Treatment Court, the National Guard, Onyx Fingerprinting and Lab Services, Operation Charlie Bravo, ROTC, Schneider National, Spring Mill Health Campus, Catherine Hospital, True Top 1 Percent Foundation, S. Steel, Volunteers of America (Chicago & Gary), WorkOne, and more.

On Nov. 15, the university will host a Veteran’s Volunteer Day of Service in the Moraine Student Center. This outreach service invites students, faculty, staff, and the public to volunteer at various community sites, including Veteran’s Village in Gary, Safe Haven in Hobart, Operation Charlie Bravo, and the Adam Benjamin VA Outpatient Clinic in Crown Point. Participants will check in at the Moraine Student Center, where they can enjoy coffee and donuts before heading to their chosen volunteer site.

Editor's Note:

Indiana University Northwest’s Vet Week 2024 is a commendable initiative that showcases the university's strong commitment to supporting veteran students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The events, including the Flag Raising Ceremony and the Veteran Mental Health panel discussion, honor veterans and address their unique challenges. The Veteran Resource Fair offers important resources and information, helping to create a supportive community for veterans and their families. Additionally, the Volunteer Day of Service encourages active participation and community engagement, highlighting the university's dedication to giving back. This week not only celebrates the contributions of veterans but also strengthens connections within the military community and the broader campus population. 

Skoobuzz appreciates these efforts and believes they play a vital role in fostering understanding and support for veterans.