Volume 1, Issue 3 | Quarter 2 | September 2026

 BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT (BLUF)

• ACTION REQUIRED: Register for National SVA. (see section 5: National SVA Update)
• ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITY: Casting call for SVA mentorship. (see section 4: UAGC SVA Chapter Spotlight)
• CHAPTER INITIATIVES: Battle of the Branches information. (see section 2: OPS Corner)
• SVA NATIONAL: NATCON dates 4-6 January. Registration is coming this summer. (see section 5: National SVA Update)
• SVA Chapter Mini Military Resource Symposium: Registration link for symposium on September 23^rd-25^th.  (see section 6: Mission Driven, Community Strong)

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA GLOBAL CAMPUS STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER

1. From The President’s Desk

Greetings UAGC, SVA Chapter Members, and Supporters,

As we enter September, our chapter steps into one of the most important months of our year; one defined by connection, awareness, and purposeful preparation. Across the military community, September invites us to reflect on the strength we find in one another and the importance of staying engaged, informed, and supported as we continue our academic and personal journeys.

This month holds deep significance as we observe National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and strengthening pathways to help. Every life holds value, and no one should face their struggles alone. As a chapter, we remain committed to promoting connection, compassion, and awareness to ensure our members know support is always within reach and that our community stands together.

We also recognize National Service Dog Month, honoring the highly trained service dogs whose loyalty, skill, and partnership provide life‑changing support to Veterans and individuals with disabilities. Their work enhances independence, confidence, and well‑being, which is why we celebrate both the dogs and the dedicated teams who train them.

September also marks the final stretch toward our Mini Military Resource Symposium, taking place September 26–28. This event represents months of planning, coordination, and collaboration, and we are excited to bring together organizations, leaders, and advocates dedicated to empowering military‑connected learners. The symposium will provide meaningful resources, mentorship opportunities, and community connections designed to support academic, professional, and personal success. You will see symposium highlights, presenter features, and important reminders throughout this digest as we prepare to welcome our partners and participants.

We are also entering Week 5 of our Battle of the Branches, and the enthusiasm, pride, and camaraderie displayed so far has been incredible. Watching each branch and our military‑connected civilians showcase their spirit has been a highlight of the season. Your engagement continues to strengthen our chapter and build the unity that defines our community.

As the fall term begins, I encourage you to take one intentional step toward your goals. Whether academic, professional, or personal, each step forward contributes to your growth and to the collective strength of our chapter.

Respectfully,

Ashley Gesler Chapter President, UAGC SVA

Important dates for the month of September 2026:

New Member Orientation: 16 September at 8 PM EST

Chapter Meeting: 22 September at 8 PM EST

Mini Military Resource Symposium: 23, 24, 25 at 4 PM EST

National Suicide Prevention Month: Month of September

National Service Dog Month: Month of September

V-J Day (Victory Over Japan): 2 September

Patriot Day: 11 September

Air Force Birthday: 18 September

POW/MIA Recognition Day: 18 September

Air National Guard Birthday: 18 September

Gold Star Mother's & Family's Day: 27 September

VFW Day: 29 September

2. The OPS Corner

DoD Announces 2027 Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) Expansion

Beginning in early 2027, the Department of Defense will expand eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance to support more junior enlisted families experiencing financial strain. The updated policy will adjust income thresholds, include more geographic cost‑of‑living considerations, and streamline the application process. This expansion aims to reduce food insecurity and financial hardship among active‑duty families, especially those stationed in high‑cost areas. For military‑connected students, this update may improve household stability and reduce stress during academic terms.

TRICARE to Roll Out 2027 Preventive Care Enhancements 

TRICARE has announced upcoming preventive care expansions for 2027, including    broader coverage for mental‑health screenings, women’s health services, and        chronic‑condition management. These enhancements will increase access to        early‑intervention care and reduce out‑of‑pocket costs for active‑duty families and         dependents. The update is designed to strengthen long‑term health outcomes and               support readiness. Military‑connected students balancing school, caregiving, and                 health needs may benefit from improved access to preventive services.

DoD Preparing 2027 Childcare Capacity Increase Across Installations

The Department of Defense has confirmed plans to expand childcare capacity across multiple installations beginning in 2027. This initiative includes new facility construction, increased staffing, and extended hours to support service members working non‑traditional schedules. The goal is to reduce long waitlists and improve access for junior enlisted families. For military‑connected students who are also parents, this upcoming change may provide more reliable childcare options, supporting academic persistence and reducing barriers to degree completion.

Advocacy Spotlight: USAA National Military Monument Petition

A national petition is calling for the USAA National Military Monument to receive a permanent home, ensuring long‑term recognition for service members and their families. The monument has become a meaningful symbol of gratitude, especially for Vietnam Veterans who did not receive proper acknowledgment upon returning home. Supporters argue that securing a permanent location would preserve the monument for future generations and honor the sacrifices of millions who served. Military‑connected individuals are encouraged to learn more and consider supporting the effort.

To sign the petition, copy and paste this link: https://www.change.org/p/give-the-usaa-national-military-monument-a-per…

Battle of the Branches: 7‑Week Chapter Challenge

As we continue building excitement leading into our Mini Military Resource                   Symposium (September 23–25), we are moving into Week 5 of our fun, friendly,       chapter‑wide Battle of the Branches. This seven‑week series celebrates service,      pride, community engagement, and the diverse branches represented within our SVA family. Each week features one challenge, one call to action, and a chance to earn points for your branch. The branch with the highest total will be named the 2026 Battle of the Branches Champion during our Symposium Wrap‑Up Party, and the service member with the highest total points accumulated will receive UAGC SVA Swag!

All challenges take place on our UAGC SVA Discussion Page. A new challenge is released every Friday, and members must comment directly on that weekly challenge post for their points to count. All submissions, photos, mottos, and responses must be posted on the official challenge thread for your branch to earn               credit.

Week 5 Challenge: Branch Meme Week

Week 5 brings a burst of humor, creativity, and branch pride with Branch Meme Week. This challenge is designed to spark conversation, boost engagement, and let members show off their branch identity in a fun, lighthearted way.

This Week’s Challenge:

Create or share a branch‑themed meme and post it directly on the Week 5 Challenge thread.

Your meme can be:

• Funny

• Sarcastic

• Wholesome

• Branch‑specific

• Military‑life relatable

• A classic meme template with a branch twist

Anything that brings humor and spirit to the competition is welcome.

How to Participate:

• Visit our Week 5 Challenge post on the chapter page

• Share your branch meme directly in the comments

• Use any meme format you like: original creations, templates, or classic military humor

• All submissions must follow UAGC community guidelines and remain respectful, appropriate, and inclusive

• Earn points for your branch

Points:

+15 points for every member who participates or +5 points for every meme you post (Up to 50 points).

Why This Matters:

Branch Meme Week keeps the competition lively and encourages members to engage with each other in a fun, creative way. Humor builds connection, boosts morale, and brings out the unique personality of each branch as we head into the final stretch of Battle of the Branches.

Call to Action:

Make us laugh and drop your best branch meme!

3. Service To Success

Transition Tuesday #16: Start Before the Windows Open

By: Cole Acker, UAGC SVA Chapter Executive Assistant

(Note: Transition Tuesday is a weekly post featured on the SVA Discussion Board) 

This week, I want to talk about the process I chose to file my VA disability claim.

I used the Benefits Delivery at Discharge, or BDD, program.

There are other ways to file a VA disability claim. I am not going to pretend I know enough about all of them to tell you which one is right for you. BDD was the process that applied to me, so that is the experience I can share.

For me, BDD made sense.

I knew I wanted to file a claim.

I knew there was a window that allowed me to start the process before I retired.

And honestly, I just wanted to get it done.

There were already enough unknowns surrounding retirement. If this was something I could start while I was still on active duty, I wanted to get this part moving as soon as I could.

My goal was to get everything I could control done as early as possible.

This is where something I talked about much earlier in this series became important: pulling your medical records early.

During TAP, the Military and Family Readiness Center helped connect me with the VA representative who served Shaw and Fort Jackson.

By the time my BDD window was approaching, I was not looking at more than twenty years of medical records for the first time. I had already reviewed them, figured out what was documented, and followed up on things that still needed attention.

I had also filled out as much of my paperwork as I could ahead of time.

One piece of advice a VA representative gave me was to actually look at the additional documentation listed on the claim paperwork.

Not everything listed was going to apply to me, but I went through it to see if there was anything else that applied to my situation or that I could provide along with my claim.

For me, the BDD filing window was roughly 180 to 90 days before retirement. With a 1 March retirement date, that meant my window opened around the beginning of September and closed around the end of November.

By the time my window opened, I had done a lot of the work.

But I still wasn't completely ready.

I had medical follow-ups I needed before my records were complete. Because I chose BDD, my deadline to have everything ready came months earlier than it would have if I filed later.

I did not get my final appointment completed and my medical records updated until about three weeks before my BDD window closed.

I remember being pretty stressed and on edge waiting for everything to come together.

I had pulled my records.

I had reviewed them.

I had filled out the paperwork.

I had asked questions.

I had been going to appointments.

And I still ended up closer to the end of that window than I wanted to be.

If I had waited until September to start, I may not have had enough time to finish my appointments, get my records updated, and be ready to submit before my BDD window closed.

Looking back now, I also realize I probably caused myself some unnecessary stress.

I had it in my head that BDD was the way I was going to file my claim. I had been given an opportunity to start the process before I retired, and I wanted to take advantage of it.

But if I had missed that window, it would not have meant I could never file a VA claim. I would have had to use a different filing process, and then my timeline would have looked different.

But the time was going to pass either way.

I made the BDD window, submitted my claim, and waited for the process to play out. Had I missed that window, I still could have filed later. My timeline just would have looked different.

Looking back from where I am now, either way, that time has already passed.

I still would have tried to use BDD. Getting the process started before retirement made sense for me.

But I probably would have reminded myself that missing that window would not have meant everything was ruined.

That was my timeline and the process I used. Your timeline and filing options may be different, so figure out what applies to your situation.

Find out what filing options apply to you.

Ask when your filing window opens and what you need to have ready before you can submit.

Ask what documentation you should be gathering and whether there is anything else you can submit to support your claim.

Go to VA.gov and start researching what applies to your situation.

The important part is not that you follow the same process I did.

It is that you figure out what process applies to you while you still have time to prepare for it.

I could not control what the outcome of my claim would be.

What I could control was whether I was prepared when my opportunity to file arrived.

Next week, I want to talk about what came after I submitted my claim: the C&P exams, how I approached them, and some things I wish I had understood before I walked into the first one.

Have you figured out which VA filing process may apply to you and when you need to start preparing for it?

4. UAGC SVA CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT

The next monthly chapter meeting will be held on 22 September 2026 at 8 pm EST. Please use the link below to register: 

https://uagc-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/1yzAOJUiTkuOPzkEc6iTVA#/registration

Summary of UAGC SVA NatCon Scholarship Update

• High Demand: The UAGC chapter received an overwhelming 66 applications for the National Convention (NatCon) scholarship.

• Selection Status: A total of 5 scholarships will be officially awarded within the next month.

• Notification Timeline: Students awarded the UAGC SVA scholarship will be notified as soon as National SVA’s MySVA Portal is back up and running.

• Selection Criteria: Scholarships are awarded based on how attending NatCon will directly benefit the chapter and help propel it forward to the next level.

• Next Steps for Non-Recipients: Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to stay engaged by attending monthly chapter meetings and getting involved in ongoing chapter activities.

SVA Mentorship Program — Open Casting Call!

Are you ready to step into a role that makes a real impact? Our SVA Mentorship Program is holding an Open Casting Call for students who want to grow, lead, and connect within our military‑connected community. Whether you’re looking to guide others or hoping to learn from someone who’s walked a similar path, we have a place for you on this cast.

Now Casting: Mentors

If you’ve navigated military life, higher education, career transitions, or personal development, your experience is exactly what someone else needs. Mentors don’t need to be perfect, just willing to share their story, offer guidance, and support fellow students as they work toward their goals.

Now Casting: Mentees

If you’re seeking direction, encouragement, or someone who understands the unique challenges of being a military‑connected student, becoming a mentee can help you build confidence and momentum. This is your chance to connect with someone who’s been there and is ready to help you move forward.

Why Join the Cast?

Our chapter thrives on connection, advocacy, and shared experience. Mentorship strengthens those values by creating meaningful relationships that support academic, professional, and personal success. Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, a spouse, a caregiver, or a civilian ally, your journey matters, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Copy and paste the link below to join!

https://connect.uagc.edu/hub/uagc/programs/expand-your-support-communit…

5. NATIONAL SVA UPDATE

Are you registered with National SVA? Using the link below to register:

https://studentveterans.my.site.com/login

Important Dates: Summer & Fall 2026

6. MISSION DRIVEN, COMMUNITY STRONG

Military Mini Resource Symposium | Schedule of Events

Register here 

September 23–25, 2026

All times listed in Pacific Time (PT). Schedule is subject to change due to speaker availability.

Wednesday, September 23

Day 1: Resources, Career & Community

Thursday, September 24

Day 2: Education, Career & Veteran Resources

Friday, September 25

Day 3: Celebration & Closing

Symposium Concludes

Join Us for All Three Days!

Registration is FREE, and everyone is welcome!

Military-connected students, veterans, service members, military spouses, family members, faculty, and staff are especially encouraged to attend.

Can't attend every session? No problem! We will record these sessions so be sure to register and we send you the recording following the symposium. We encourage military-connected students and their families to attend at least one session, or one full day, to connect with resources that can support their journey.

 ●•   Symposium Hours 

Pacific: 1–5 p.m.

Central: 3–7 p.m.

Eastern: 4–8 p.m.

7. HEALTH & MENTAL READINESS (Veteran Wellness Corner)

The Ties That Bind

By: Matt Kolodgie, UAGC SVA Vice President

Healing is not something we do alone. Connection - real, honest, supportive connection - is one of the strongest forces in recovery. The ties that bind us together are built through shared experience, mutual respect, and a commitment to growth. When we choose unity over division, compassion over conflict, and understanding over ego, we strengthen the foundation that supports us all. Community becomes a lifeline, especially when life gets difficult.

Part of nurturing that connection is learning to stay present. Many of us spent years regretting the past or fearing the future, rarely experiencing the moment we were actually living. Recovery teaches us to return to the present again and again - not because it’s always comfortable, but because it’s the only place where healing can happen. When we live fully in each moment, we open ourselves to joy, clarity, and peace that would otherwise pass us by.

And as we grow, gratitude becomes a powerful companion. Instead of resenting what brought us to this point, we begin to see how our struggles shaped our strength, our compassion, and our purpose. We don’t have to celebrate the pain we endured, but we can acknowledge the growth it sparked. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship - it transforms it into wisdom.

Every day, we get to choose:

•       To strengthen the connections that support our healing

•       To stay present instead of living in regret or fear

•       To practice gratitude for the growth that has come from our struggles

Every day, we can also take physical, actionable steps:

•       Do one small act of service or support for someone in your community

•      Practice a grounding exercise to bring yourself back into the present moment

•       Write down one thing from your past that shaped you in a meaningful way

Today, I will nurture the connections that support me, stay grounded in the present, and honor the growth that has come from my journey.

Resource to further your wellness:

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Worksheets (PositivePsychology.com): https://positivepsychology.com/act-worksheets/?

HELP REMINDER

• If you ever find yourself in crisis or needing immediate support, please reach out to the Veterans Crisis Hotline. You can call 988 and press 1 or use the text and chat options available. Support is available 24/7 for service members, Veterans, spouses, caregivers, and military‑connected students.

8. THE ART CORNER: MINDFULNESS & CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Creative Decompression for Non-Traditional Students

Welcome to our Art Corner & Mindfulness Space, a dedicated hub for non-traditional students to recharge and reset.

Title: The Weight I Carry, The Life I Choose.

Medium: Digitally Created 

"This painting represents the battle between the weight of the past and the hope of the future. Stress, pressure, regret, painful memories, and self-doubt remain part of the journey, but they do not define its ending. The light represents healing, faith, purpose, family, and the determination to keep moving forward, not because the journey is easy, but because there is still something worth fighting for." -John Harris

John Harris digitally created the image “The Weight I Carry, The Life I Choose”

 Call for Member Submissions: We want to feature your work in next month’s Brief! Submit your high-resolution images and a brief explanation of your creative process to militaryclub@uagc.edu to be featured in the August Art Corner.

9. UAGC CHAPTER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

John Harris, UAGC SVA Committee

The Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter is proud to announce John Harris as our Chapter Member of the Month! John embodies what it means to lead from the front by demonstrating academic excellence, selfless service, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow service members and community.

Academic & Professional Excellence

John is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), where his dedication recently earned him a spot on the Spring 2026 Dean’s List. His academic drive is further reflected by his recent induction into the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society and an invitation to join Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society. Professionally, John applies his expertise as a Community Outreach Assistant Behavioral Consultant at Alternative Paths Training School (APTS), supporting individuals with developmental and behavioral needs.

Military Service & SVA Leadership

A proud U.S. Air Force Veteran, John served honorably in vital roles including Conventional Maintenance Technician and Munitions Systems Technician. He brings that same discipline, teamwork, and mission focus to our SVA chapter committee. In his role, John actively supports the executive cabinet, builds cross-campus networks with fellow UAGC student organizations, and develops forward-thinking initiatives dedicated to making tomorrow better than yesterday for our service members and their families. Recognized by leadership as a dependable mentor and productive pillar of our chapter, John is always ready to step up and support his peers.

Community Impact & Heart of Service

Beyond the classroom and committee meetings, John’s dedication to helping others shines brightly:

Mental Health Advocacy: John is deeply passionate about suicide prevention and awareness. He was named Co-Captain of his team for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) "Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk," a cause he holds close to his heart.

National Recognition: He was recently recognized and included in the National Military Movement for military service.

Team Player & Inspiring Presence: Known for his infectious positivity, empathy, and motivated attitude, John lifts the energy in every room he enters and is always among the first to offer a helping hand.

Please join us in congratulating John Harris for his outstanding service, leadership, and well-deserved recognition as our SVA Member of the Month!

University of Arizona Global Campus Chapter • Student Veterans of America National Base Node: studentveterans.org

Operations Command: militaryclub@uagc.edu

Student Veterans of America is a national nonprofit coalition built to empower military-connected students as they deliberately transition into civilian career sectors by extending resources, network infrastructure, and advocacy.