UCSD Veterans Association

Last updated May 10, 2013 2:17:43 PM PDT

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What we do

The Veterans Association at UCSD supports veterans in the UCSD community through programs that are beneficial to all UCSD employees.

Purpose

The UCSD Veterans Association raises awareness and promotes respect and appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions made by U.S. Armed Forces veterans on behalf of California and the United States of America. This organization also provides information to the UCSD community about current issues and developments related to veterans’ rights and benefits.

UCSD Veteran of the Year

The Veterans Association at UCSD accepts nominations each year for the UCSD Veteran of the Year. If you know of a veteran from any era (or a student that has been enrolled for at least one year) who has gone above and beyond his/her UCSD career duties to impact his/her surroundings or community, complete and submit a nomination form in August. The individual selected will be honored at our annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony in November.

Once selected, the UCSD Veteran of the Year will also be nominated for the San Diego County Veteran of the Year award presented by the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center. (For that nomination, the veteran needs to provide a copy of his/her Honorable Discharge from U.S. Military service, a photograph in uniform, and a current photo.)

The Veterans Association at UCSD

Encourages networking opportunities and promotes support groups for all persons affected by War and military conflicts
Provides referrals to appropriate resources for veterans, including assistance with employment and education concerns and conflict resolution
Provides members with resources for personal and professional development
Supports and promotes the UCSD Principles of Community
Provides a communication network for veterans and staff at UCSD
Advocates the development of educational and social programs for all staff at UCSD
Promotes partnerships with other organizations
Values membership contributions
Offers opportunities to make new friends by meeting and interacting with other UCSD staff employees
Creates and participates in many community service projects to support our military, veterans, and veteran families

Mission

Promote respect and appreciation for UCSD veterans as well as those in the San Diego community
Cultivate an enhanced awareness of veterans' issues and concerns
Establish and strengthen professional and social relationships between our organization and UCSD faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the campus community
Provide support for UCSD-affiliated veterans and their co-workers with respect to issues affecting our community

The VA at UCSD supports this mission by participating in several community service activities and by selecting and recognizing the UCSD Veteran of the Year at an annual ceremony.

Membership

Membership is $5 annually and open to all UCSD faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members interested in supporting our mission and the UCSD Principles of Community.
Veteran members receive a membership card that entitles them to a 10% discount at certain eateries at Price Center.

Join by sending the membership form and $5 fee to Nick Busan, Veterans Association Treasurer, mail code 0411. Call or write for questions: (858) 822-6884, nbusan@ucsd.edu.

Purchase a lifetime membership for $100 and $50 will go to staff workshops and educational events. Membership fees help create educational opportunities, support in the election and celebration of the annually named Veteran of the Year, and also provide greater opportunities for the association to be of service to veterans, veteran families, UCSD and the broader veteran community.

Meeting times and locations

Meetings are normally held on the second Thursday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. on campus. Location will be announced via e-mail.

Calendar of events

Pre-Memorial Day visit to patients in the VA Hospital, La Jolla (week before Memorial Day, May)
Flag placement at Ft. Rosecrans for Memorial Day (May)
Stand Down (July)
UCSD Veteran of the Year is selected and nominated for the San Diego County Veteran of the Year award presented by the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center (August and September)
Staff Appreciation Picnic (August)
9/11 Commemoration, at the plaque, SW corner of Warren Mall (September 9th each year)
Veterans Recognition Ceremony: All Veterans and the UCSD Veteran of the Year will be celebrated the day prior to campus closure for Veteran's Day. (November)
Veterans Day Parade: November 11th of each year, unless it falls on a Sunday. Then it will be celebrated on Monday the 12th.
Holiday Pancake Breakfast (December)
Other volunteer opportunities throughout the year

For more information about the Veterans Association at UCSD or about attending monthly meetings, contact Billiekai Boughton, (858) 822-5450 or Lisa Rhodes, (858) 822-3557.

We welcome your comments and participation.