Veterans T.A.L.K. 2012 — a round table discussion concerning the needs of student veterans — will be meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday in the Veterans Study Center in Room 110 of Moulton Hall.

The event, sponsored by Diversity Advocacy, Veterans at Illinois State and Veteran Services, will focus on obstacles soldiers face while they adjust and adapt from a life of military combat to the life of a civilian.

Challenges soldiers might face when assimilating back to civilian life can range from access to quality employment to discrimination in housing, as well as financial and mental issues.

“The purpose of T.A.L.K. is to bring awareness to the need of student veterans attending Illinois State University,” Edric Arana, president of Veterans at Illinois State, a chapter of Student Veterans of America, said.

“Our role is a rallying point for student veterans on campus,” Arana added. “We are trying to bring awareness on campus that student veterans are around and we are part of the campus community.”

They will be discussing topics such as adjusting from military to civilian life, adjusting to academic life and financial and mental health benefit problems veterans face. Plus, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how it affects veterans’ mental, academic and family lives will be a topic of discussion, Arana said. 

“Being in the military, we have a unique experience,” Arana said. We can share with our fellow veterans how to relate to those who have not served.”

“Our organization provides an environment where a student veteran can feel comfortable and understand where they are coming from. It also provides an outlet for networking.”

“The event is open to everyone,” Arana said. “We would like to share our experiences and make the community aware of the unique group of people that had signed a blank check one time in their life, so that we can enjoy our freedom.”

The round table will be moderated by Vance Godbold, ISU Diversity Advocacy senior specialist assistant. Speakers will include Judy Curtis, coordinator of Veteran Services at ISU, and various veterans at ISU.

For more information on the event, visit the event’s Facebook page.