As part of supporting our nation’s heroes, Utah Tech University offers the Veterans and Military Services program to service members, military veterans and their families.
This program creates an inclusive environment through the Veterans Lounge, offers the VITAL program to help students adjust to the academic setting, and provides the Veterans and Patriots Club to foster a sense of community. Due to all the program offers, Utah Tech was recently voted No. 1 in Utah and No. 4 in the West for the “Best for Vets.“
With about 225 veterans and military-connected students, the Veterans and Military Services program offers a variety of resources to help every student find a place. Karl Watters, director of Veterans and Military Services, said the goal is to provide a high level of service as they pursue academic, personal and career goals.
One of the first resources is the Veterans Lounge, which is located in room 116 of the Browning Learning Resource Center. Stepping into the room, veterans and military-connected students are welcomed by couches and a computer lab, along with snacks and food. Watters said this is a safe space for students to decompress, reintegrate and build a social network.
Due to the Veterans Affairs organization being very large and difficult to navigate, the Veterans and Military Services also help the students receive their VA educational benefits.
“We provide two school certifying officials, who are subject matter experts in navigating the VA educational system so that students are able to maximize their financial benefits,” Watters said.
Additionally, peer mentoring is offered through the VITAL program. Watters said it is a way to aid students in adjusting to the academic setting by helping them overcome obstacles and supporting the completion of their educational goals.
Another addition to the Veterans and Military Services program is the Veterans and Patriots Club. Vice president of the club Benton James, a junior digital media major from Tallahassee, Florida, said the goal of the club is to involve students with a support system of each other. James also said that he found friends within his first week of joining the club because he was able to tell stories and jokes that fellow veterans would understand.
“It’s good to affiliate myself with other people who are really hard-working but also know how to have a good time,” James said. “You know, you can’t take life too seriously.”
James said this is a great source of support for anyone who might be struggling with mental health. With veterans being two times more likely to commit suicide, he said showing support and reaching out is always a great way to step in. Additional support can be found through the Veterans Crisis Line.
James said: “It’s those little daily acts of kindness. It’s those opportunities to spend time with each other that really make an impact over the course of time.”
The Veterans and Patriots Club also welcomes anyone wanting to join, not just veterans or military-related students.
Lewis Kunzler, a senior digital film major from Brawley, California, served 10 years in the army until he eventually found his way to Utah Tech in 2020. At the university, he has been able to find his community through the program, along with his passion for digital film. Kunzler said he never thought he would have been able to apply himself to school, but now he has already made a variety of short films and found his voice as an artist.
“Being around those guys made me feel like I was back home all over again,” Kunzler said. “It allowed me to find a community of people who’ve gone through the same experiences I had.”
As a way of honoring and recognizing their sacrifices, the Veterans and Military Services program provides vital resources to help service members, veterans and their families in their journey toward academic and personal success.
“Being able to go to that [Utah Tech] school changed my life,” Kunzler said. “It allows me to be me and figure out who I am post-army, not just the soldier wearing combat boots.”
