Serving veterans

In 2013, Troy University was named a “Purple Heart University” for its commitment and service to the well being of student veterans and their families.

With assistance from VA programs and benefits, counseling resources and established organizations like the Troy for Troops Center, Troy has continued to build upon its reputation as one of the nation’s top military-friendly schools.

According to Dave Barron, a retired captain of the United States Navy and Troy University’s associate vice chancellor for military affairs, military-affiliated students account for 24-33 percent of Troy University’s total enrollments. Several of these students have chosen to make use of the Troy for Troops center.

“Just at the Troy for Troops center in the Trojan Center, we had over 1,200 visits by military affiliated students in just September and October combined,” Barron said.

According to Barron, the center “demonstrates Troy University’s commitment to the dedication, honor and service of our military personnel and veterans.”

“Whether logging in online from Afghanistan or joining us in classrooms at our many campuses and sites, we want members of the military to know that we understand their unique needs and are here to support them,” according to the Troy for Troops website. “We desire them to be successful students who will be walking ambassadors for Troy University.”

The Troy for Troops Center gives veterans, active-duty members of the military, and their spouses or dependents access to financial aid, advisement and counseling services.

The center also provides entertainment and information for both military and other students.

In honor of Veterans Week, Troy for Troops has celebrated veterans by hosting a number of events relating to veterans and the military.

The center placed a table on the social quad, where games were played, such as a grenade toss, and information was given to those interested in learning more about the military.

The center also held a discussion panel about veterans in school and hosted a movie and discussion night.

Troy also accepts and provides many financial assistance programs for veterans and active military who want to attend the university.

“Just about every program the VA offers, Troy participates in,” said Travis McCullough, a VA counselor at Troy University’s main campus. “These are for veterans, their dependents or their spouses. I definitely believe that Troy University is one of the top VA friendly schools in Alabama.”

Jared Mack, a senior political science major and current public affairs officer of the Army ROTC, believes that Troy University is a great place for veterans and any military-affiliated individuals.

“For those who have been in the military and didn’t really have the opportunity to go to college, it’s a great chance for them to come back and get an education,” Mack said. “That way they can have a civilian job and a civilian career, not just one in the United States military.”