Beyond Gratitude: A Justice and Advocacy Campaign for Veterans
In recognition of Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, Dr. Michele P. Bratina, WCU
professor of criminal justice, has spearheaded the organization of several free programs
under the theme “Beyond Gratitude: A Justice and Advocacy Campaign for Veterans.”
Events honor those who have served their country while exploring issues of justice,
advocacy, and reintegration.
The campaign’s highlight program, “Veterans, Justice, and Community: Navigating Systems & Securing Support,” is a dynamic panel discussion that will take place November 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the University’s Business and Public Management Center Room 101, followed by a reception and resource fair in Room 102. Registration is free and open to the public; there is a Zoom option for those who cannot attend in person.
This dynamic panel will feature representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Chester County Veterans Affairs Office, West Chester University’s Veterans Center, and other community partners. Panelists, most of whom are veterans, will address key topics including mental health, financial exploitation, victimization, reintegration challenges, and access to justice and services. Moderated by John Crouser, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and current doctoral student in WCU’s public policy and administration program, the discussion will engage both in-person and virtual audiences, followed by a Q&A session and a networking reception.
Additional events on Tuesday include a student veteran resume review and career lunch (for student veterans only). On Wednesday, November 12, staff from the Coatesville VA Medical Center will lead a free virtual veteran suicide prevention and awareness training (open to all).
Dr. Bratina’s co-organizers are student leaders of the criminal justice honor society Nu Beta; the Criminal Justice Student Association; the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI on Campus); and the Student Veterans Group.
For additional information, contact Dr. Bratina: mbratina@wcupa.edu.