|
Concordia University is first Wisconsin college to open an American Legion post
By Jeff Rumage
Mequon - A new American Legion post opened on the Concordia University of Wisconsin campus on April 1.
Concordia has never offered a veterans organization on campus, but that changed with the opening of American Legion Post 1881, which is named after the year the university was founded. American Legion Post 1881 consists of 36 military veterans who are either students, alumni or faculty at the university.
Concordia's veterans outreach efforts started in February with the promotion of academic support coordinator Eduardo Garza, a U.S. Navy veteran, to the newly-created position of director of veteran services. Garza leads the university's new Veterans Services Office, which will help guide and support veterans interested in pursuing higher education.
Garza said he chose to partner with the American Legion because of the programs, resources, advocacy and national network that it offers to its membership.
"We felt by partnering with the American Legion, which is the largest veterans organization, that we would be able to access all of the things they offer," Garza said. "We want to create some comradery among veterans and be a part of the community."
While Concordia will gain access to the Legion's resources and community connections, the American Legion is also benefiting by engaging with younger veterans. Wisconsin American Legion Commander Bob Shappel said there are less than 20 university Legion posts across the country, and when he became state commander last fall, he set a goal to partner with a university.
Shappell said he is working with three other Wisconsin colleges to create more community connections with the Legion. He said the resources and community connections that the Legion offers are valuable for younger veterans.
"It's a great way for these young veterans to get involved in the community and get their faces out there," Shappell said. "They have the support of their peers in college, but the Legion gives them the ability to go further than that. If they take advantage of those opportunities, they will become dedicated Legionnaires in the future."
The Wisconsin chapter of the American Legion is poised for growth again this year. By attracting younger veterans in colleges, Shappell believes the Legion will continue to be strong and relevant to young veterans in the future.
"It's a different world than it was in 1960, when I was growing up with my dad and going to the Legion post, but certainly we are relevant to today's younger veterans when they find out what we are all about," Shappell said.
|
.jpg){kind=logo}
