Veterans Summit March 9 at Northern Vermont University-Johnson
Hundreds of veterans from Vermont and nearby states are expected to attend the seventh annual Veterans Summit on March 9 at Northern Vermont University-Johnson,
the only such event in Vermont.
The free event, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Dibden Center for the Arts, Bentley Hall and SHAPE Center on campus, is open to all veterans and their immediate family members.
The summit is part of a weekend-long tribute to veterans that includes the sixth annual Ian Muller Rail Jam and a ski promotion for veterans and their families at Burke Mountain resort in East Burke. The event was established at Lyndon State College, now Northern Vermont University-Lyndon.
Psychotherapist Edward Tick of Belchertown, Massachusetts, known for his work with military veterans, will give the keynote address. Other speakers include Maj. Gen. Troy Kok, head of the Army Reserve Accessions Task Force at Fort Knox, Kentucky; Dr. Brett Rusch, chief of staff at the White River Junction VA Medical Center; and
Lyndon State College graduate Jason Clark, a physical therapist in Massachusetts and Navy veteran. Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Jeb Spaulding and Northern Vermont University President Elaine Collins also will make remarks.
Breakout sessions will focus on homeless, female and student veterans; job opportunities for veterans; mental health awareness and other issues. The event will include counseling resources, assistance for homeless veterans and veteran-services vendors. The NVU Student Veterans Association and NVU Student Veteran Support Committee coordinate
the summit.
NVU-Lyndon was ranked the top military-friendly school among small public colleges and universities in the United States in Victory Media’s 2018 Military Friendly® Schools list. NVU-Johnson also has been included on the list.
The Ian Muller Rail Jam at Burke Mountain will be 2-5:30 p.m. March 9 with an awards ceremony afterward. Proceeds from the jam will benefit NVU’s Ian Muller Memorial Scholarship for student veterans. Muller, a Marine, attended Lyndon State College before he died in combat in Afghanistan in 2011.
On March 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Burke Mountain will offer free lift tickets for veterans with proof of service and their families.
Pre-registration for the summit is recommended. To register, go to NorthernVermont.edu/VeteransSummit. For more information, email Thomas.Anderson@NorthernVermont.edu.