Traci Trainer is one of the 338 military-connected students attending Grand Valley. She served in the Air Force from 1998-2002 and will graduate in April with a double major in social work and nonprofit and public administration.
She and other students, faculty and staff members who served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard were honored November 11 at the Ninth Annual Veterans Day Breakfast held in the Alumni House.
There are 735 military-connected students, faculty and staff members.
President Philomena V. Mantella thanked veterans for their service and sacrifice and announced the creation of a position to better serve student veterans.
"We will continue to look for opportunities to shape our programs and strengthen support for our veterans," Mantella said. "Your duty and diligence make our university stronger and remind us that preserving and protecting our way of life is important."
Mantella said her father's service in World War II shaped and defined his life.
Zaneta Adams, director of the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency, said outreach is key and reminded veterans of the resources the organization offers including educational opportunities, emergency housing needs, mental health assistance and financial counseling.
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland), whose father and grandfather served in the military, told veterans it's important to keep their stories alive and encouraged them to share their experiences with family and friends.
Euphoria, a student acapella group, performed the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful."
Grand Valley has received national recognition for its commitment to veterans, offering a number of programs.
• Student Veterans Network (gvsu.edu/veterans) provides support for veterans, active service members and dependents in successfully progressing to degree completion, and on to post-military careers.
• TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program (gvsu.edu/vub) provides free academic support services to low-income veterans who want to complete degree programs.
• Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (gvsu.edu/mve) gives veterans and military families the skills, knowledge and opportunities they need to develop and launch a business.
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