By: Student Veterans of America - UAGC Chapter
The Student Veterans of America (SVA) began as the UAGC Military and Support Leadership Club and was a way for military students to come together and connect. The Advisors saw an opportunity to make the group something greater by connecting with National SVA (which currently has over 1600 Chapters nationwide) and they seized the opportunity. In March 2024, it officially became the UAGC Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter. The goal was to create a dedicated space for military-connected students while gaining the support, resources, and opportunities provided by a national organization. Today the UAGC SVA membership is at 1,983 students and alumni and that number continues to increase each week. Members can connect with the UAGC SVA each month through chapter meetings, new member orientations, discussion posts, and social events. National SVA also hosts various sessions related to military students and more information on those can be found on their website.
2025 was an eventful and meaningful year for the UAGC Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter. Throughout the year, students from across the country came together to participate in several important events, including the Letter Writing to Veterans campaign, the Memorial Day event, and Wreaths Across America. Each of these opportunities allowed military connected students to honor those who have served and build lasting connections with fellow UAGC students who share similar experiences and values.
One of the most heartfelt and successful initiatives of the year was the Letter Writing to Veterans campaign. During this event, UAGC students, staff, and faculty volunteered their time to write letters of appreciation to veterans as a simple yet powerful way to say, “thank you.” These messages expressed gratitude and support which reminds veterans that their service and sacrifices are remembered and valued. These 61 letters were mailed to a VA hospital in Ohio, where they were distributed to patients on Veterans Day. According to the VA Chief, Center for Development & Civic Engagement, Traci Washington, for many recipients, these letters served as a meaningful reminder that they are not forgotten and that their service continues to be honored by the next generation.
The Memorial Day event provided another opportunity for the UAGC community to come together in remembrance. Participants were encouraged to honor fallen service members by taking part in a walk, sharing a photo, or posting a story dedicated to someone who served and lost their lives in battle or in other service during war. This event allowed students, regardless of location, to participate in a shared moment of reflection and gratitude. By sharing personal tributes and memories, participants helped keep the legacy of fallen heroes alive while creating a sense of unity and shared purpose across the UAGC military connected student, staff, and faculty. More information about the Memorial day event can be found here: A_Year_in_Review_UAGC_SVA.pdf
Later in the year, UAGC students took part in Wreaths Across America, a national initiative dedicated to honoring fallen service members by placing wreaths on their headstones. This event happens every year in mid-December in national cemeteries across the county. UAGC was represented in Arizona, California, Colorado, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Illinois. During this event, participants laid wreaths at national cemeteries in remembrance of the sacrifices made by those who served our country. Students shared their experiences and photos in UAGC Connect, allowing others to witness the collective impact of their efforts.
While these acts may seem small individually, together they carried a powerful impact. Each letter written, step taken, photo shared, and wreath placed served as a tribute to our military community and those who have served. Through service, remembrance, and community, the UAGC SVA Chapter continued to uphold its mission of supporting all military connected students and building connections that extend far beyond the virtual classroom. We encourage all military students to get involved by joining the UAGC Student Veterans of America chapter located in UAGC Connect or reaching out to militaryclub@uagc.edu