News

Remember Vets on November 11th

The UUP Veteran Affairs Committee asks you take a moment on November 11th to thank those serving and those who have served in all branches of the Armed Forces.

“Many veterans on our campuses are UUP’ers some with service in peacetime and now many recently returning from duty in Iraq or Afghanistan,” said Veterans Affairs Committee chairman William Borgstede. “Veteran’s Day gives you an opportunity to let our military vets know you appreciate the sacrifices they made to serve our country.”

Borgstede also notes that his committee is charged with identifying problems faced by veterans of foreign wars, and suggesting strategies that UUP might use to address them through legislation and the collective bargaining process. And he wants military vets to take advantage of the committee’s services.

“If you are a veteran, please contact the Veterans Affairs Committee so we can keep you informed about issues affecting veterans. Just as important, if your research is about the military – historical, scientific, or sociological – take a moment to let us know what you are doing. It could help not only our veteran members, but also foster a better understanding among all our members.”

To contact Borgstede, call him at (315)470-6796 or send email to adkbill@esf.edu

In the past year our committee has made strides in a variety of ways.  We make certain that a wreath from UUP is included in the New York City Veterans parade.  We have the American Flag displayed at all the delegate assemblies and also have the National Anthem played at the beginning of the assembly.  Lastly we developed and sent out a survey form to gather information about who our union members are that are veterans.

We are working to have the Fort Drum RSO (Regional Services Officer) be at the February 2008 DA to talk to us about current military issues.  There is a lot of exposure and conversation about the war at delegate assemblies.  This committee wants to find out who is coming back from the war to work at their SUNY campus or to attend as a student.  This committee feels that people returning may need support and guidance in a variety of ways upon returning, and there should be a support/mentor program for them to use. Right now, we do not know who these people are, nor the scope of this issue at each campus.  We need to first find out who these people are, and our hope is to form a network of people to assist them with personal veteran issues, work related concerns, and lastly war veterans that are returning to higher education as a student.