Transitioning from military life to civilian life has always been viewed as a difficult process, but a relatively young student organization at USF St. Petersburg has set out to change that.
Founded in 2014, the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) has been working to provide the university’s veterans with a sense of support, unity and comfort during their transition back home.
According to SVO Vice President Kaitlyn Michelle Mollo, 25, the organization “strives to further the social, physical and educational well-being of the veteran community.”
SVO assists in the reintegration of student veterans from military life to a campus setting, something that is often overlooked. With the assistance of gatherings, social activities and community service, SVO hopes to unite student veterans with the rest of the campus, fostering a sense of purpose and unity. The group seeks to accomplish its goals through the use of intellectual development, social engagement and physical wellness.
According to SVO President David Creighton, 27, one major roadblock the group has encountered is the assumption that SVO only accepts veterans as members. However, the organization encourages all USFSP students and faculty to attend meetings, events and group activities.
“If you’re patriotic and support the troops and veterans then SVO is a great organization for you to be a part of,” said Mollo.
So far, the organization has been happy with the support offered by the university and student population. SVO is now settling in at its new center of operations, an office space shared with the Military and Veterans Success Center at Terrace 301 and 302.
The organization plans to host all of its meetings in the new location. Although Mollo and Creighton said the road to obtaining a decent center of operations was still quite long, the two are thrilled their group has finally found a place on campus to call home.
The organization is pleased to finally offer student veterans a comfortable environment for studying, relaxation and conversation. Although the new location’s soft opening was held on Sept. 11, the grand opening is set to occur on Wednesday, Nov. 11, during SVO’s Veterans Day Expo.
