University Revives Student Veterans Group Indiana Tech has a long history of providing academic programs and financial benefits that support the needs of veteran and active military students. Now a student group has been revived for academic, social and emotional support. Warrior Vets is for students who are military service members, veterans, and spouses and dependents of either service members or veterans. Guided by the enthusiasm of Indiana Tech alum Dave Barrett, BSEE 1977, this group is well into the forming stage of development. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Barrett was a member of Indiana Tech’s former student veterans’ organization, Tech Vets. He graciously offered his time and talents in helping military and veteran students revive a student group at Indiana Tech. The group was launched with two strong student leaders in Ashley Miller, a freshman majoring in elementary education, and Robert Smart, a freshman majoring in networking. Smart is a veteran and is currently serving in the National Guard on his second deployment to the Middle East. Miller, whose father is in the Army, suggested that the group include dependents of veterans and military service members. The organization hopes to provide peer mentoring and social events for military and veteran students and their families. The group’s first event was a family night in the Andorfer Commons recreation center on November 12. Student veterans, military members and their families were invited to celebrate Veterans Day with free bowling, games, and pizza. The group also gathers for a run/walk on campus at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Warrior Vets is somewhat unusual among student organizations because it involves both traditional day and College of Professional Studies students. Students outside of Fort Wayne or online will have an opportunity to become involved through the Warrior Vets Facebook group. Meeting notes and a continuous dialogue will be posted so that all military students, spouses and dependents may be actively involved in this student group regardless of their location. Students or alumni who are interested in learning more about Warrior Vets can contact Ashley Miller via email to armiller01@indianatech.net.
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Student veterans, military members and their families were invited to celebrate Veterans Day with free bowling, games, and pizza in the Andorfer Commons recreation center.