Military-connected students arriving for their first semester at Syracuse University typically have a myriad of needs and challenges that are vastly different from the traditional students they attend classes with. Understanding these unique issues, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) hosts a new student orientation and resource exclusively for military-connected students each semester.
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Hometown Hero – Luis “Lu” Weierbach
United States Army CPT Luis “Lu” Weierbach hails from Hoosick Falls, New York. After winning a New York State high school wrestling title, Lu was recruited to wrestle at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2014.
Continue ReadingMeet 2023 Tillman Scholar Luis ‘Lu’ Weierbach L’24
The ambition to make the world a better place is a common characteristic among Tillman Scholars. Some aim to have far-reaching global impact while others want to address problems in their local communities. For U.S. Army Captain Luis “Lu” Weierbach L’24, that ambition comes from experiencing poverty at a young age.
Continue ReadingWarrior Scholar Project ’23 Comes to A Close
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at Syracuse University leverages access to world-class faculty for introductory lessons in entrepreneurship for a small group of participants with the Warrior Scholar Project (WSP).
Continue ReadingCollege of Professional Studies Announces Degree Completion Partnership With the United States Army Warrant Officer Career College
Syracuse University continues to demonstrate its national leadership role as the best university for veterans and military-connected students with a first-of-its-kind degree completion partnership with the United States Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC).
Continue ReadingTillman Scholar: Luis Weierbach’s Inspiring Journey of Service and Advocacy
“I believe that we are as strong as our weakest moment and the grit we summon to wrestle through it.”
Luis “Lu” Weierbach was born in Mays Landing, New Jersey. He grew up poor in the Bronx and Washington Heights before finding a home and community in rural Hoosick Falls, New York. A New York State champion in wrestling in high school, he was recruited to West Point.
Lu commissioned as an active duty infantry officer in 2018. He became airborne qualified before being stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. While at Schofield Barracks, Lu led a light infantry platoon in Thailand and Korea. He also served as a company executive officer and battalion logistics officer.
Lu is now pursuing a law degree at Syracuse University College of Law. He is motivated to continue service as an advocate in the courtroom for soldiers and later to underserved youth. Lu also aims to be an ambassador of the sport of wrestling through non-profit such as Beat the Streets and prevent youth from entering the justice system in the first place by providing them with a healthy outlet. He lives on a homestead in central New York with his wife and two cats.
Tillman Scholars Run to Remember Pat Tillman’s Legacy
Members of Syracuse University’s military-connected community recently traveled to Tempe, Arizona, to take part in the 19th Annual Pat’s Run, hosted by the Pat Tillman Foundation. Among the 29,000 participants, this year were four Syracuse University Tillman Scholars and two staff members who took part in the annual event honoring Patrick “Pat” Tillman’s legacy of service beyond self.
Continue ReadingU.S. Flag Retirement Station Established at National Veterans Resource Center
To commemorate the adoption of the stars and stripes on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress, Americans proudly celebrate Flag Day, June 14, by displaying the U.S. flag at their homes and businesses.
Continue ReadingVeteran Career Services Director, Jen Pluta, Selected for Prestigious Veteran Leadership Program
Two staff members from Syracuse University’s military-connected community have been selected as scholars for the 2023 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program (VLP). Quiana Abner and Jennifer Pluta, who work for Syracuse’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), and the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), were selected as scholars by the George W. Bush Institute for the 5th annual cohort of the prestigious leadership program.
During PTSD Awareness Month Legal Clinic Helps Veterans Apply for Benefits They Have Earned and Deserve
Many veterans suffer from PTSD and may qualify for healthcare and compensation for their mental health conditions that resulted from their military service. “Veterans often face barriers when applying for their benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Legal Clinic strives to break down those barriers by advocating on behalf of veterans to connect them with benefits for treatment and support,” says Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic Executive Director Beth Kubala.
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