SVA National Conference

Greetings from the SVA National Conference in Scottsdale, AZ. I have made contact with representatives ranging from coast to coast, including “That School Up North.” This has been a great opportunity to hear what other schools are doing, both the good and the bad, and to share what Ohio State to help other Universities to improve. These people are giving great ideas for future fundraising ideas, service projects, and social events. I already have a list of items that I will be presenting to all of you on Monday. Some ideas are to begin reaching out for sponsors for the group, getting involved with the student government more, and reaching out the families of service members in the Columbus area.

I have also already started working with the leadership from “That School Up North” to talk about how we can build a bridge and unite the veteran communities on both campuses. We are talking about joint fundraisers, social activities, and working out arrangements for the members that travel with their team. This is all in the very beginning stages, but we are all motivated and are anxious to get these ideas rolling.

I have also began building relationships with the corporate sponsors of the SVA and attempting to bring them to campus to meet with the members. These companies include Cisco, Google, General Dynamics, at&t, PNC, J.P. Morgan Chase, and more. The representatives I have met have been pointing in the right directions and willing to help us get into contact with the regional representatives.

An unexpected twist is that I have also met Ohio State Alumni here. Going out to watch the Orange Bowl and hearing other people cheering for OSU and talking to them, I have learned the this the Scottsdale area is full of Alumni.

With that, I will see you all Monday night at 6 pm in the Veterans Lounge (Smith Labs rm 1132) for the first meeting of what is looking to be an eventful semester.  Semper Fi and Go Bucks!!!!

-John Haviland

Vice-President