Special donation helps vets transition to student life

People have many reasons for joining the military.

To some, the U.S. Armed Forces offer an opportunity to pursue action and adventure while traveling the world. To others, becoming servicemen or -women is a family tradition, while some crave the camaraderie. For most, it's an opportunity to participate in a larger calling, to protect freedom and country.

But to many, the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy and National Guard represent something else. For young people from low-income or disadvantaged homes and communities, a tour in the military can mean the difference between a lifetime of want and a college education.

But while military life is girded with constant order and supervision, college life is a different animal.

In college, no one's sounding a whistle when it's time to wake up, and no one's watching their buddy's back while slogging through a swamp in the middle of a war zone. Nobody's tracking land mines or dodging grenades, and no one's dragging an injured comrade to safety while missiles scream overhead.

Being punctual and engaged is a choice in college; following through and sticking together aren't always required.

And that kind of ambiguity can be daunting to those who aren't used to it, said Jared Bush-Howe, president of Southeast Missouri State University's Student Veterans Organization, in a recent article by Katie Lamb.

"Most people aren't scared of [going to college], but we are, because it's something brand-new and there's not a lot of structure like there is in the military," he explained.

Loneliness is a factor, too, especially when student veterans begin looking for a place to live. That's why Bush-Howe and others are working to provide these students with a temporary housing solution, helped along by an anonymous veteran who recently donated a home at 323 N. Fountain St. in Cape Girardeau.

Built in 1912, the structure has room for up to six occupants, and work continues to replace worn-out appliances, flooring, walls, baseboards and cabinets. Work also continues to raise enough money to get the old-but-sturdy house ready for its new tenants.

By Thursday, $650 had been raised through GoFundMe, but $10,000 is the ultimate goal.

If you'd like to contribute to the effort, visit gofundme.com/svohouse. In the meantime, we extend a special thanks to the anonymous donor who gave a handful of veterans one less thing to worry about as they transition to civilian life.