Students Supporting Veterans (SSV) is an RSO that not only offers campus involvement and resources to students, veterans and others, but it also gives back to the community.
SSV was established in 2011, and often partners with the Veterans Services Center (VSC) at UW to provide a community for veterans, students, friends and family alike.
“The Students Supporting Veterans Organization is here to provide social and educational outlets for student veterans, as well as promote financial and employment opportunities to veterans within the University of Wyoming and Laramie Communities,” according to the Students Supporting Veterans website.
The SSV organization welcomes all students, regardless of any relation or lack thereof to a veteran.
SSV member Meghan Gable has been a member since last spring, and recently assumed the position as president of the organization.
“Veterans have done a lot for us, this is the least we could do to pay them back,” Gable said.
The organization emphasizes recognition of veteran sacrifices made to this country, and doing whatever possible to repay veterans and let them know they are appreciated.
SSV recently changed their weekly meeting date to Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. on the second floor of Knight Hall in the CACS conference room. These meetings include supporting veterans and providing a place for them to go. Anyone who is interested in joining or participating is always welcome and encouraged to come by.
Gable said membership with the SSV is not an obligation, but it is the perfect way to show gratitude and give back to all of the country’s veterans.
SSV offers other exciting and engaging activities and events as well.
The last Thursday of every month from 6 – 8:00 p.m., SSV hosts a game night in Pete’s Game Room in the basement of the union. This event offers a place for students, veterans and anyone else interested in connecting, relaxing and having a good time. SSV’s game night features all of Pete’s Game Room’s amenities, as well as free pizza and drinks.
“On average there are about 25-30 people who show up to the game night,” Gable said.
SSV doesn’t require attendance of the weekly meetings, and the organization keeps membership open.
“We are focused on gaining new members currently,” Gable said.
SSV is working on new volunteer projects and opportunities that include partnering with other organizations such as the VSC and helping at the American Legion within Laramie.
SSV also hosts the Combat Color Run next month. On Saturday, April 22, from 12 – 2:00 p.m. all veterans, students and community members are invited to participate in this free three mile run or one and half mile walk and game of color tag.
Another opportunity offered by SSV is The Connor Montgomery Cloud Memorial Scholarship for Veterans. Specifically funded by members of SSV, this scholarship is given exclusively to veterans attending UW. 10 scholarships of $500 are given each semester.
Current information and further updates regarding the organization’s events, activities and meetings can be found on the Students Supporting Veterans University of Wyoming Facebook page.
