Missouri State is dedicated to helping veterans, military, and dependents. The mission of the Veteran Student Center (VSC) is “to empower, encourage, and engage military-veterans and their families as they become a part of the university and surrounding community. We strive to ensure that our veterans, military, and dependents have the accommodations and assistance needed to be successful students at Missouri State University.”
Take a moment to get to know D Ashley, Marine Corps Veteran (Staff Sergeant), Veteran Student Services Liaison and president of the Veteran Students Organization.
Tells us about yourself. What are you majoring in, where are you from? What are your career goals? I major in Criminology. I was born in Albany, NY, but spent most of my life in Mtn. Grove, MO. After graduation from Missouri State, I want to be a VA School Certifying Official.
You were in the Marine Corps. What led you down the path to the military? What lessons did you take away from your time in the military? How are those lessons helping you as you complete your degree? September 11th is what inspired me to join the military. My sister brought home a recruiting packet from the Marines and after looking through it, I had my heart set on being a Marine. My military experience taught me never give up even when it seems impossible. I am not much of an academic, but I have pushed myself to keep pushing until I get that degree.
Tell us about Veteran Student Services. What is the role of the office? What is your job? What services are offered to Veterans? The Veteran Student Center is a one-stop shop for almost all VA education benefit information and guidance. I am an education liaison for veterans and their family members. I answer any questions they may have regarding their education benefits, help them apply for benefits, and inform them of their responsibilities when using those benefits
Recently the grand opening was held for the Oldham Family Veteran Student Center. Why is it important to have a center dedicated to our veterans? How is the center utilized? It is important because we want veterans to feel welcome here at Missouri State and let them know they have a place where they can be themselves and make friends. We veterans have urr own culture. When we leave the military, it can be a very difficult transition to civilian life. Our lounge space is a place where veterans can feel like they belong and know they are not alone here on campus.
Tell us about the Veteran Student Organization. What kind of activities do y’all take part in? The Veteran Student Organization brings veterans and dependents together through community service that is directed toward helping our local veteran population. We recently assisted a WWII veteran and his wife clear debris out of their home after it caught fire. We have also rallied together to acquire items for veterans at the Mount Vernon Veteran home. Our annual Veterans Ball is our biggest event. Every year we have hosted a Ball to honor certain groups of the military such as Purple Heart recipients and Vietnam Veterans who did not receive a pleasant welcome home like their brothers and sisters of other wars.
What is your favorite Missouri State tradition? Why? I think my favorite Missouri State tradition is Fountain Day. I just think the fountain is one of Missouri States most beautiful features and I love seeing it on when I come to campus.
What was the last movie you saw? Would you recommend it? Why or why not? The last movie I saw in theaters was the new Beauty and the Beast. I definitely recommend it. It goes into more in depth to the story than the animated version. It is now one of my favorite movies.