Ohio University's Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter/Club offers a friendly environment of diverse and dynamic individuals who share many of the same struggles, excitement, and pride of returning to formal education for professional and personal development after completing our country’s call to service. SVA membership is open to Ohio University student Veterans, current members of the Ohio National Guard, Reservists and ROTC Cadets.
Get Involved
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OHIO's Veterans Success Program
Are you interested in maximizing your VA education benefits? Want to help us build a closer and more connected military community? Are you attending in-person classes on the Athens Campus or 100% online? Interested in earning certifications in peer mentoring and student leadership for your resume? Join our VALOR Squad today!
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Support OUr Student Veterans
Support OUr Veteran and Military-Connected students by making a charitable gift to the Veterans' Services Fund.
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Annual Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Campaign (#STOP17)
Our Annual Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention campaign is held in Baker’s 3rd Floor Atrium during Veterans Week in November. We challenge students, faculty, staff and anyone from the Athens or university community to complete 17 repetitions of their favorite exercise to represent the 17 Veterans we lose each day by suicide. Participants who complete the challenge receive a FREE "Bobcats Support Veterans" #STOP17 T-Shirt. This event is hosted and sponsored by the Ohio University Veterans Center and Student Veterans of America. At our most recent event, on November 14, 2024, we distributed 1,100 t-shirts in 6 ½ hours.
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Polar Bear Plunge
Annual event hosted by the Albany VFW Post 9893, at Lake Snowden in Albany Ohio, benefiting the Beacon School and the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
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Veterans Day
Annual Veterans Day parade hosted by Ohio University and the city of Athens.
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Heroes Helping Heroes
Each year, Ohio University Veteran and Military-Connected students work with the Athens County Veterans Service Office, in The Plains, to identify local veterans' families that need financial assistance over the holidays. The Ohio University Chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA) provides support to these families through charitable contribution requests from local Veteran and Non-Veteran organizations like the VFW, American Legion and Elks Lodge.
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Athens Area Stand Down
The Athens Area Stand Down is held the first Friday of October every year at the Athens County Fair Grounds. The event helps homeless and near homeless people by getting them through the winter months. Open to Veterans and non-Veteran.
Disclaimer: It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.