Freedom has a price. As both Americans and Georgia State students, there is a lifestyle we are guaranteed that ensures the ability to learn, develop and become whoever we desire. Many of us lose sight of that on a daily basis, and tend to forget about those who protect this freedom. The Student Veterans Association seeks to bring honor to those who make this privilege possible.
Led by President Chief of Staff Clint Coleman and President Jeremy Jefferson, the association advocates for resources to assist student veterans and increase enrollment, graduation and retention as well.
Joining the association a year ago and quickly earning a leadership role, Coleman explained their mission.
“We find a social niche for veteran students,” Coleman said. “We bring together veterans who may be living different lifestyles from a majority of students.”
Having served five years in the Navy, Coleman explained the difficulties that a lot of veterans face upon their dismissal from the service.
“A lot of vets get caught up in alcoholism and depression because they don’t know how to make the transition back to the American lifestyle,” Coleman said. “You can become institutionalized in that system, and we’re here to help veterans overcome that in positive ways.”
Two-year member and naval veteran Jefferson agreed that there is difficulty behind transitioning back to the American lifestyle.
“Being in the military is much simpler,” Jefferson said. “You have so much structure and order being in the military that when you gain that freedom back in America, it can be tough. The lack of structured time and the freedom to work at will is a difficult adjustment.”
Although there is a lot of structure behind the militant lifestyle, Jefferson explained how the prolonged conditioning can alter one’s mentality as a person.
“It definitely wears on you mentally,” Jefferson said. “You become a lot more desensitized to certain things, both emotionally and mentally. When I first got home, I tended to overlook the things that my peers were going through simply because of everything that I’d been through.”
Both Coleman and Jefferson are still in the reserves, available for dispatch at any moment. Even though they have a strong commitment to service, they still have personal aspirations. Jefferson is studying criminal justice to be a police officer, and Coleman is a business student looking to become a military contractor, handling branding and marketing.
Coleman said that although his life and career goals have a lot more direction now, he started off more lost than anything.
“I joined when I was 20 years old. I was down and out, and it was a desperate move. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I wouldn’t change anything about the experience.”
Having learned a lot on his journey, Coleman also explained how the time spent has changed his perspective on life.
“My whole perception of time changed after serving,” Coleman said. “Coming home and seeing how everyone I spent so much time with went their separate ways made it feel like five years just flew by. It really put everything into perspective.”
Learning different perspectives has also shown Coleman and Jefferson both sides of the spectrum in terms of how they are perceived as servicemen. Jefferson explained his personal frustrations about the stigma that comes with being a serviceman. Jefferson, having been stationed in Iraq, knows from personal experience.
“The biggest misconception is that everyone who has been to the Middle East has killed someone,” Jefferson said. “People seem to assume that all veterans are violent and crazy killing machines. There are a very small percentage of us that even deal with that aspect of the field.”
Coleman said that it’s an unfair assumption that no other profession can quite relate to.
“People need to find out who the person is first, and take into account the role that they play in the military,” Coleman said. “You don’t automatically categorize someone as a savage or hero in other career paths. Finding out who I am and what I actually did should always come first.”
Regardless of any negative baggage that comes with the job, Jefferson claimed that the fulfillment of being a patriot makes up for it.
“The most memorable experience to me has to be getting on the airplane coming home,” Jefferson said. “I get goose bumps thinking about it. You get off the airplane after arriving home, and everyone is clapping and waving flags. Everyone is thanking you for your bravery and there’s a ton of appreciation. It’s amazing.”
Coleman agreed that the feeling is unimaginable and also explained that working in the military has made him a much better person.
“Being in the service has taught me a lot about work ethic and becoming more personable,” Coleman said. “You have no choice but to become diverse, so I think it’s great.”
Coleman also had advice for anyone considering enlisting in the military.
“I would advise anyone interested to do their research and know what they’re getting into,” Coleman said. “There are hundreds of roles you can play, and there’s something out there for everyone.”
The Student Veterans Association will be having its “Haverty Lecture” on Nov. 6 at the Rialto. There will also be a Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov. 9.
Twitter: @studentvets_gsu
Facebook: http://facebook.com/svaatgsu
