The relationship between Guam and the United States military has been mixed over the last century. For the University of Guam, they have been welcoming of prior service members whether local or abroad.  Because of this support, the University of Guam has decided to revive the Student Veterans Organization. 

The Student Veteran Organization is a club for students who served in the United States Armed forces as well as for students who did not serve. It is an organization for like minded students who are going or have gone through the transition from military life to student life. 

University of Guam Veterans Affairs Representative Aileen Artero asked Keana Perez, who is a current service member in the Army National Guard as well as a University of Guam student, if she would be interested in revamping the Student Veteran Organization and Perez obliged. Perez would then become the president of the newly revived Student Veteran Organization. 

Perez explains why the Student Veteran Organization was reborn. “SVO seeks to provide the resources and support needed to reintegrate into campus life and achieve academic success”. Perez proceeded to explain some of the benefits of being a veteran student, “Many service members are unaware that registering as a veteran with UOG qualifies them for early registration”.

Not only do veteran students qualify for early registration, but those who have been honorably discharged qualify for the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill for their education. Think of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill as a full scholarship that pays for your costs of living as well. The G.I. Bill can also be helpful when it comes to purchasing supplies for school. Another form of G.I. Bill is the Vocational Rehabilitation for Employment, a scholarship for disabled veterans that will pay for the veteran’s education for them to have a career post college to accommodate the disabled. 

There are a few challenges that come with living a different life that one has already been accustomed to. “There will always be a time a veteran seeking higher education faces adversity,” said Perez. “Although there aren’t any challenges of my own, a good battle buddy of mine approached me about their difficulty in managing their own time or making their own schedule and I saw the disconnect between their military lifestyle and civilian lifestyle.

SVO is not only exclusive to veterans. Students without a military background can also join the club. Perez wanted the Student Veteran Organization to be an all inclusive club regardless of how long you served or if you didn’t serve at all. Perez wanted to ensure that anyone and everyone is welcomed to join the club, which is great for students who are interested in the military and military life in general. 

Perhaps some students may want to consider joining the military after they graduate and SVO can give students knowledge about the military and military lifestyle. Perez says, “SVO is here to do just that. Help all our brothers and sisters. A veteran can serve a day, 10 weeks, or 20 years. Here at SVO you are considered a veteran.”