NVU to Host Veterans Summit with Sebastian Junger
Northern Vermont University’s Lyndon Campus to Host Annual Veterans Summit June 3
Sebastian Junger, Author of Tribe, To Be Keynote Speaker
The Tenth Annual Veterans Summit will be held on Northern Vermont University’s Lyndon Campus on Wednesday, June 3, and veterans, military families, and all who care about veteran’s issues are invited to attend.
“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.”
Sebastian Junger, bestselling author, will be the keynote speaker for this year’s event. Junger is the author of Tribe, about soldiers’ struggles adjusting to life back home, and War, about American soldiers in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley. His documentary Restrepo — which he shot, directed, and produced with photojournalist Tim Hetherington — won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Oscar the following year.
A rich variety of voices will share their words during the full day program, including Dr. Brett Rusch, executive director of the White River Junction VA Medical Center; Jon Turner, Sierra Club Military Outings Leader and owner of Wild Roots Community Farm in Bristol; Steve Gagner, cofounder of 14th Star Brewery; and Misha Pemble-Belkin from Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. NVU Interim President John W. Mills will give the Welcome Address.
Breakout sessions will explore career opportunities for veterans, the link between chronic pain and TBI/PTS, support for homeless veterans, chair yoga for health and relaxation, and more. More than 60 veteran service organizations will staff information tables at this event, offering a one-stop shop for services, clubs, and resources.
Complimentary lunch is included, and a post-summit celebration will offer the opportunity for attendees to socialize as well as enjoy snacks, entertainment, and a beer tasting provided by 14th Star Brewing Company. Pre-registration for the Veterans Summit is required.
The Veterans Summit is made possible by the generosity of sponsors, including the Vermont Veterans Fund, Seven Days media support, VFW Post #793 in St. Johnsbury, VFW Dept. of Vermont, VFW Post #10038 in Lyndonville, Casella Waste Systems, New England Air Systems, People’s United Bank, Vermont Electric Co-op Community Fund, and Northern Counties Health Care, along with additional contributors.
For more information and to register, see NorthernVermont.edu/VeteransSummit.