In Honor of Veterans Day

The University of Pittsburgh Office of Veterans Services (OVS) is hosting several events designed to promote awareness around veterans issues and celebrate those who have served, both within Pitt’s student body and throughout the region. Events details are listed below and more information can be found here.  

National Remembrance Day Roll Call 2013

Join OVS on Veterans Day, November 11, 2013 at Heinz Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m.–noon to celebrate those who served and remember with gratitude those who gave all. The event will include addresses by John McCabe, president of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum; Vice Chancellor G. Reynolds Clark; and current veteran student Paul Kantner.  Participants will have the opportunity to send a personal thank you card to a service member overseas. Those who do will receive a gift from OVS. 

The Battles After War: A Soldier's Struggle with Mental Illness

Bryan Adams, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and wounded warrior, will present his story on November 4, 2013 from 8 -10 p.m. in the William Pitt Union Ballroom. The event is hosted by the University of Pittsburgh chapter of Active Minds and sponsored by OVS. Join us to hear Bryan speak about such topics as post–traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and stigma reduction.  

OVS Presents Pitt Alumni and Author, Bryan Bender

Join OVS on Tuesday, November 12 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the O'Hara Student Center Ballroom for a book discussion and signing with Bryan Bender (A&S ’94), author of You Are Not Forgotten, and writer for the Boston Globe.  Mr. Bender’s book tells the true story of a lost World War II pilot and a modern soldier’s mission to bring him home. 

Join the Pitt Vets

The Office of Veterans Services is proud to support its veteran and military-affiliated student body. We seek to create and foster an active, engaged, and tight-knit community of veterans on campus. The University of Pittsburgh has its own chapter of the Student Veterans of America, the Pitt Vets. The group provides an opportunity for students to connect with other veterans on campus and continues the camaraderie you enjoyed while serving your country. You can find out more at the Office of Veterans Services and by checking out the Pitt Vets Web site here. 

Pitt Veteran Receives Scholarship

Nathan Babyak, United States Marine Staff Sergeant and current College of General Studies student, was selected to receive a gift from the Wounded Warrior and Veterans Education Assistance Fund this fall. Nathan was born and raised in Pittsburgh and recently returned to attend the University of Pittsburgh, the only school he applied to while considering separating from the Marine Corps. Exactly one month after separating from the Marines, Nathan started taking classes at the University. In that month, Nathan completed the monumental task of moving his wife and two young children from Maryland to Pittsburgh. The Office of Veterans Services congratulates Nathan on being selected for the gift, and wishes him and his family well in their new home. More>

Messages from the Certifying Official

Scare House Tickets: Located in Etna, Pa., approximately 15 minutes from the Oakland campus, the Scare House has been voted one of the the top 10 scariest scare houses in America.

Discounted tickets are available in the OVS office:

Thursday and Sunday nights $14.99

Friday and Saturday nights $16.99

(Tickets are normally $19.99)

Tutoring Services: If you are in need of a tutor, the VA will reimburse you for tutoring services up to $100 a month for 12 months. Please contact Dennis at the OVS office for more information.  

Refund: Did you know that you may be entitled to a refund for the $1,200 you paid into the Montgomery GI Bill once you exhaust your benefits? Contact Dennis for more information,

Certify for spring: Make sure you come into the office to certify prior to going home for the holiday break to ensure that your benefits are processed for the spring 2014 term. GI Bill Week is scheduled for the week of November 18-22. We will have cookies and snacks for you while you certify.

Workshop: Maximize Your Veteran's Benefits

Tuesday, November 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., fourth floor, Cathedral of Learning

Are you getting the most out of the veteran’s benefits that you have earned? There are a variety of services and benefits offered through the VA and other agencies that can ease your transition into civilian life, including home loans, life insurance, health care, service connected disability, NSC pension, and employment assistance. Representatives from the VA Regional Office, VA Healthcare System, Army Strong, Pitt’s Office of Career Development & Placement Assistance, and the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Chapter 31) will be on hand with information for you.  These representatives will be set up outside the Office of Veterans Services during this time to assist you. No appointment necessary: Stop by to chat, pick up some valuable information, and a enjoy refreshments compliments of OVS! More>

Veterans Day Deals 2013

Happy Veterans Day! Local businesses are offering free and discounted services and products for veterans. Check them all out here. More

Veterans Mini Career Fair

November 15, 4–5:30 pm

McCarl Center Conference Room, fourth floor, Cathedral of Learning. Local and national employers interested in hiring veterans, including Wesco and Bechtel, will visit the Office of Veterans Services to discuss the opportunities available within their organizations. (Internship opportunities will also be discussed.)  You will have a chance to network, ask questions, and learn what qualities and expertise employers are looking for in an employee.  Résumé review opportunities will also be available. All majors are encouraged to attend.