In the summer edition of U.S. Veterans Magazine, Shippensburg University was recognized in its “Best of the Best” issue as one of the top veteran friendly schools in the country.

SU is home to many traditional and non-traditional service members and veterans.

Starting in 2010, the SU chapter of SVA, also known as Student Veterans of America, was founded by student veteran Joshua D. Lang. The SVA’s purpose is to help service members and veterans undergo a smooth transition from military life to a college atmosphere.

From filling out the proper paperwork to making sure the veterans get the benefits they need, SU is there. If a service member is coming back from overseas, SU puts him or her in contact with the SVA and fellow veterans. The university will do anything it can in order to make sure the incoming veterans feel as at home as possible, which is all the more reason why SU received the nomination it did.

The veterans and service members on campus agree with the magazine’s recognition
Christopher Littlejohn, a second-semester, non-traditional freshman and veteran, came back from California to further his education and become an officer at SU. He believes the university’s recognition had a lot to do with its resources.

“It’s phenomenal,” he continued, “there is a person who can help you with every benefit you need…. anything you need help with, they are always readily available to talk.”
He also believes his smooth transition from the military to college life is thanks to the SVA and the ROTC program.

“It’s a great place to be when you come back,” he said.

Littlejohn went on to say that by being around those who know what service members are going through, what they are going to go through, and the struggle of being a non-traditional student, veteran and enlistee made it all the more welcoming here at SU.

Another service member, Ryan Sheidy, a traditional freshman and Army National Guard member, also agrees with Littlejohn and U.S. Veterans Magazine. Sheidy believes the atmosphere and the university’s willingness to work with those who are prior enlistees or veterans are just tiny pieces to the puzzle as to why SU received the recognition it did from the magazine.

“They have been really kind,” he said. “Today we did a Hug-A-Vet group right outside of the library and already raised $1,300 to help a veteran who lost both of his legs in Iraq.”

Veteran or enlistee, aspiring officer or future member, SU will help make that transition as easy as possible, which constantly proves why the university is worthy of being recognized as one of the top veteran friendly schools in the nation.

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