Balancing classes, homework, term papers, finals, jobs, friends and family is hard enough by itself, but add the fact that military veterans return from combat and almost immediately start as full-time students again, and things can become difficult.

That is why the Northwest Student Veterans Association (NSVA) has formed on the Northwest Missouri State University campus.

Brandon Schuster, NSVA secretary, said this group is an integral link between the individual as a soldier and the individual as a student.

“Many of us have served overseas in combat situations and have almost immediately returned to classes at Northwest,” he said. “It can be a difficult transition and that is what NSVA is here for.

“We have difficult stories to tell and extreme experiences. It is easier to talk to those who have experienced something similar.”

The group’s first meeting of the school year will be at 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4 at Carson’s Sports Bar and Grille in Maryville.
JJ Johnson, NSVA president, said the group helps to ease the transition from soldier to student for all members of the uniformed services.

“Northwest Student Veterans Association is a fraternal organization whose main purpose is to provide past or present members of our armed forces an opportunity to continue the brotherhood we gained while we served our country,” Johnson said.

Johnson is a senior at Northwest and served eight years in the Marine Corps. When he arrived at Northwest, Johnson noticed there wasn’t a voice for these student-soldiers.

“Myself and some other motivated servicemen and women wanted to change that,” he said.
“We now have a group of like-minded individuals who can faithfully represent the members of our armed forces and at the same time go out and have a little bit of fun.”

According to the NSVA’s constitution, anyone who was a member of the uniformed services, or is currently a member, is automatically a member of the NSVA. The group has 12 active members, but with 82 students on campus receiving tuition assistance —whether through a G.I. bill, tuition assistance or vocational rehab — the NSVA has 82 members.

This year, is the first year for an organized focus, Johnson said. Throughout the school year, members can benefit from guest speakers, golf outings, service activities and a tour of downtown Maryville establishments.

Johnson said he knows how busy students are, but said the group doesn’t really require that much of its members’ time.

“We are low-impact,” Johnson said. “We know many veterans lead very hectic lives so we don’t expect members to dedicate much time — a couple of hours per month is all.”

Johnson said members of the uniformed services are not the only ones invited to the meeting Thursday, and that faculty members who have served or anyone in the community who supports the troops can attend as well.

“We would love to hear everyone’s input and receive their support,” he said.
To contact JJ Johnson, call (816) 248-3166 or e-mail him at s206025@nwmissouri.edu.