Many kids look forward to leaving home and going to college. It is a place to party, mess up, grow up, and truly discover yourself. For one group, though, it’s not that easy. These young men and women have worked hard. They’ve seen things at a young age they shouldn’t have seen. They’ve literally poured blood, sweat, and tears into their life’s work for a mission that serves a purpose to a nation. They don’t take the opportunities given to them lightly, and they definitely don’t take days for granted. But as they head back to school and civilian life, it can be hard for them to adjust.
At Texas Tech University, there’s a group of students that know exactly how that feels. The Texas Tech Veteran’s Student Organization has a mission to help student veteran’s transition back to civilian life as a college student. They do so by welcoming new veteran students into their organization, a safe space, and brotherhood for people who have been through similar situations or suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As a group, they participate in community service and volunteer in Lubbock, Texas. They were particularly welcoming to Kevin Mosher.
“Being a student veteran can be difficult at times, “said Kevin. “We don’t really connect with civilian students very well. Transitioning from active duty to full-time college student was difficult for me but Adam Disque, who was then president of the organization, invited me to one of their tailgates for Texas Tech Football. I instantly connected with the other veterans. They do so much to reach out to other veterans.”
Kevin, a United State Air Force veteran, joined to serve his country straight out of high school. ‘I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” he said. Kevin, a husband and father, decided to go back to school to TTU once his service ended. Kevin struggled to integrate back into civilian life, but thanks to TTU Veteran’s Student Organization member Adam Disque, he didn’t have to feel alone during this difficult time. He grew close with the members and quickly made friends.
“They do a very good job of integrating my wife and daughter into activities too so that they have people to connect with as well. They are an awesome group and definitely deserve to be honored,” he said, “Without this group, I might not still be around.”
Kevin Mosher, student veteran, would like to nominate fellow veteran Adam Disque, his wife and active duty Air Force Officer, Bethany Disque, USMC veteran and TTU Veteran Student Organization member, Adrian Castillo, his wife and USMC veteran, Carol Castillo, as well as Navy veteran, Katie Bucher, Army veteran, Kyle Ridenour, and last but not least, his loving wife and huge supporter of the TTU Veteran’s Student Organization, Dabnee Mosher. They continue to be a shining light by welcome struggling veterans, supporting each other in times of need, and serving their community to the best of their ability.
