By: TK Layman Staff Writer
Student veterans on campus have many resources available to them in order to help them achieve personal success. With events held by the Veterans Success Center, also known as the “Vet Center” around campus, students with prior or current military service are invited to be a part of their group.
The Veterans Success Center hosts a variety of events, along with allowing students to come in and plan their long-term education and career goals. Andrew Holbert is a five-year veteran who served with the Marine 
Corps. during his time in the military and works as the veteran services coordinator on campus. His role on campus is to help student veterans find the resources available to them on campus, by assisting with finding scholarships and becoming successful both academically and within their chosen career.
The VSC also puts on several events for students on campus, both with the military and not serving. This week in the Werner University Center they have a table where students can express what Veterans Day means to them. On Thursday, Nov. 10 students have the opportunity to be a part of a student panel where both active and inactive service members share their experiences in the military.
Another resource for students who are considering joining the military is the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, or ROTC, which allows students to observe what military life is like before making a commitment to serve. By offering a standardized training program, students sign up to graduate through the ranks.
“If students have no prior service, the first two years gives a sense of military experience,” said Andrew Doborowski, a Cadet with the ROTC, “When you contract as an MS3 in your third year, you are in the military, you receive a stipend, and at the end of your fourth year you are commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the military, and you commit to four years’ service active duty, or six years’ national guard or reserve.”
The ROTC program also has scholarship opportunities for students both looking to enroll after high school, and current college students. High school students must meet academic and physical requirements, along with agreeing to accept commission with the Army, Army Reserve or National Guard. Current college students are able to receive a two, or three-year scholarship: eligibility coming with the same academic and physical standards, but make a shorter commitment to the Army, Reserve or National Guard.
Western offers classes for MS1 and MS2, which are Private to Sergeant ranks respectively. MS3 and above are offered through Oregon State University.
Students looking to join the ROTC program are encouraged to speak to Major Boisvert on campus who can help guide the students in the correct direction to enroll.
The VSC is open to students the same hours the WUC is open. Andrew Holbert is available to assist students Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If students have any other questions they are encouraged to contact the VSC at 503- 838-9246 or email at wouveterans@wou.edu
