Northern Vermont University’s Lyndon Campus to Host Annual Veterans Summit

The Ninth Annual Veterans Summit will be held on Northern Vermont University’s Lyndon Campus on Monday, June 14. Veterans, military families, and anyone who cares about veteran’s issues are invited to attend. The event includes speakers, breakout sessions, exhibitor booths, and a vaccine clinic for veterans who would like to receive either the Moderna or Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. The Veterans Summit will be held outdoors at NVU’s Veterans Park, rain or shine. The event, typically held in March each year, was able to be rescheduled for June 14 as the shift in COVID-19 guidance from the Vermont Department of Health allowed the campus to begin to reopen to community events.

“Great things happen at the summit because veterans, their family members, and stakeholders get together to share valuable information and to support one another,” said Thom Anderson, NVU Associate Dean of Academic Programs, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Veterans Summit organizer. “The exhibitors provide a wide array of services and resources. The speakers and presenters bring fresh insights, expertise, and inspiration. There is something of value for everyone.”

Speakers at this year’s Veterans Summit include keynote speaker John Hojek, a US. Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq. Hojek, who will complete a master’s in clinical social work this month and is also an NVU-Lyndon alum, has worked with several veterans’ health care organizations, and will discuss his journey to finding his purpose to this work in honor of those he served with. Dr. Laura Gibson, Associate Chief of Behavioral Health Services at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, will address attendees on behalf of the Veterans Administration and will share information on available services.

Other breakout sessions will explore “Options for Living with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Substance Disorders: Three Perspectives and a Chance to Ask Questions,” “Veterans Career Opportunities — Employment and Education,” and “Choosing the Right Care for Your Brain and Pain: Understanding the Neurology of Pain and PTS, the Benefits of Physical Medicine, and How to Find the Care that Helps You Meet Your Goals.”

For more information and to register, see NorthernVermont.edu/VeteransSummit.