Thomas Korth | Contributing Writer

Lindenwood’s new Student Veterans Organization (SVO) for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces will meet the first Monday of the month (next meeting Oct. 1) at 6:15 p.m. in the ROTC building to provide information on benefits, veterans’ functions and community events.

“It is going to help me with support in what I am going through and for me to learn how to help somebody else with what they went through being deployed,” said Brandon McCannon, one of SVO’s event coordinators.

Student Life Sports Director Mike Elam and student veteran Thomas Korth organized SVO at the beginning of this fall semester.  McCannon said, “We are hoping that this organization will attract more veterans to Lindenwood University.”

SVO is open to any Lindenwood student, staff or faculty member who has served honorably or is serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of deployment or duty station.

“We are mainly around to help student veterans figure out what benefits they are eligible for so they can actually get an education after their service,” said Matthew Crain, vice-president of the Lindenwood SVO.  “We really want to make sure they get everything out of their benefits that they can.”

It will also provide as a gathering place for veterans to heal and share their experiences, as well as show their pride in their service to their country.  Member Travis Witt said, “I hope to gain friends and camaraderie through this group.”

SVO members say they are passionate about their service in the military, about helping other veterans and hope to promote Lindenwood’s reputation as a veteran-friendly campus, building solidarity among veterans on campus.

SVO members say they know firsthand how daunting Veterans Affairs can be and want to provide knowledge and support to other veterans. They say they fought in battle for the country and now they are fighting in another way for veteran’s benefits.
For more information, or to join, contact Korth at: [email protected].