Together then, together now: Student organization works with veterans to help them adjust to a new lifestyle

Jared Bush-Howe, president of the Student Veterans Organization at Southeast Missouri State University, said members of the military are trained for combat, taught how to jump out of airplanes and learn how to do things others may be afraid to do.

"But what we're not trained to do is go to college," he said. "Most people aren't scared of that, but we are, because it's something brand new and there's not a lot of structure like there is in the military."

The organization helps veterans transition to college life by providing moral support and guidance. And soon, it also will be able to provide temporary housing.

An anonymous local veteran recently donated a house at 323 N. Fountain St. to the organization. It will provide veterans a place to live as they adjust to a new lifestyle and search for permanent housing.

The home also will serve as a meeting space for the organization.

The house donated for student veterans to live in while attending Southeast Missouri State University is seen Friday in Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

However, it was built in 1912 and is in need of renovations before anyone can move in.

"Overall, the house is very sound, but it's very old," said Bush-Howe, a senior at Southeast majoring in construction management and design.

About 28 people have volunteered to work on the house so far and have spent about 120 hours ripping out flooring, cabinets and appliances.

Next, cracks in the walls need to be fixed, baseboards and flooring need to be replaced and appliances need to be installed, just to list a few.

When it's completed, up to six veterans will be able to stay at the house, with four bedrooms on the second floor and a third-level area that will be transformed into two dorm-style rooms.

A fundraising website, gofundme.com/svohouse, had raised $550 as of Friday. A goal of $10,000 is set, but Bush-Howe said that's a starting point.

"Probably $25,000 would be more realistic as far as a final cost," he said.

Bush-Howe served in the Army for five years, including a tour in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. He took over the student organization about a year and a half ago, when it had five members and $40 in a bank account.

"We've grown quite a bit, and it's really starting to take off," he said, adding the group now has more than 50 members signed up and about 112 involved on Facebook.

The organization works with veterans, active military members, those in the reserves and their families.

The group's motto: Together then. Together now.

"I think it speaks volumes about our organization," Bush-Howe said. "Whatever branch you were in, you served with others. Now we're united again in a common goal, and we try to get that camaraderie back up and help each other."

The university also offers assistance to student veterans through the Office of Military and Veterans Services.

Director Jeremy McBroom said although the university doesn't own the house, it is supportive of the student organization.

"I think it's great that student veterans are able to do this and have a place," he said.

Bush-Howe said he worked in construction for three years before going to college. And when he became a student, he needed help with paperwork and other details.

Many veterans quit college, not because they can't do it, but because college lacks the structure of the military, he said.

"So if we can help them with the transition, then that's what we're going to do," he said.

Those who want to help with the housing project may call the organization at 801-923-2172 or email semostudentvets@gmail.com.

klamb@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

323 N. Fountain St.