Conference opens

We had a beautiful rendition of the national anthem by Randy Plunkett. Remarks by the ROA exec director. Now Derek Blumke is speaking about SVA and why we're having the conference. Derek gives a shout out to Luke Stalcup (me) and Liz O'herrin. 

Derek gives a shout to John Mikelson, John Powers, Brendan Hart. 

Derek gives our three primary missions: 

establish and develop student groups on campuses 

develop resources for vets on those campuses

advocate for vets at the state and federal level

talking about why everyone is here.

 Glenn from FL state talks about getting connected to a larger group

 Will Velasquez from Texas talks about why GI Bill is great, but we need some resources on campuses for vets.

 Alan Grundy talks about U Houston. Wants to be a role model for helping organizations to get established on campus. 

 Mr Hernandez AIU online it's important to unify to represent veterans more effectively. Talks about the importance of online resources.

 Mr Whittaker talks about Wright U setting up a groups on his campus and needing to get ideas

 U Kansas talks about advocating at the state level. Programs on their campus. 

Derek, we're all here because we have been missing that sense of brotherhood that we had in the military.