The University of Houston-Downtown campus, with the support of organizations such as Lone Star Veterans Association and United Way, recently developed a program to help veterans transition from active duty to school or vocational training.
“Lone Star Veterans Association called to test the waters for an event back in August,” Richard Selvera, director for veteran services at UHD said. “We had a couple of planning meetings, and we set up the event, then reserved the space. Next up was to get some speakers and reserve parking.”
The UHD campus strives to bridge the gap between combat and civilian life for returning veterans. Selvera believes it is imperative that the organization uses care and compassion in completing this goal.
“We, at UHD, try and apply the highest level of customer service as we can,” Selvera said. “We take the veteran wherever they are and get them where they want to be, by any means. Veterans can come in and get all the services they need to get into their classes. We have a food pantry in office, so if they express a need we can help them out.”
This sentiment is shared at the UH main campus as well. Petroleum engineering senior Fontaine Wilson is the president of the Student Veterans Association. Wilson said she believes that veterans need help in transitioning from combat to civilian life and that UH main campus students are dedicated to helping them.
“Student Veterans of America at the University of Houston participate in this event to help newly separated Veterans transition smoothly from active duty,” Wilson said. “Since many of our members have recently separated, we are able to relate to these transitioning Veterans and give them advice and suggestions on their next steps. We hope to ease some of the stress and uncertainty that they may be feeling.”
The first-ever program will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Friday, Sept. 25 at the Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium at UHD.