PA Student Veteran Honored For Helping Fellow Students
By: Bejoy Joseph
Updated: January 18, 2013
SHIPPENSBURG, PA- From the battleground to the classroom, a veteran turned student went beyond the call of duty to help his fellow vets succeed.
Now, he's being recognized by a national organization for his tireless work at Shippensburg University.
Senior Joshua Lang was awarded the 2012 Student Veteran of the Year by The Student Veterans of America.
After serving in Afghanistan for 15 months in the 82nd Airborne, Lang decided to enroll at Shippensburg University, but the transition was tough.
"Basically you have to rethink your study habits," says Lang. "It took be a long time as an individual to learn those things. I went to utilize the learning center on campus several times."
In 2008, Lang noticed the same issue among other veterans attending his school, so he decided to start a Student Veterans of America chapter at the university. Under his direction, a vet resource center was opened so fellow veterans could learn about college benefits and be able to reach out to one another in times of need.
The chapter now has 20 student vet members.
"I'm now more open to more scholarships, grants, loans or whatever I initially need. And that collaboration, as well within the organization, so I have members like Josh Lang that can help me out through out my college career," says Patrick Joseph Rist, a student and member of Student Veterans of America.
Lang did not stop his efforts at the university. He took his fight to the state level. Lang testified before the Pennsylvania Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness and spoke about the issues and challenges for student veterans, not only at his school but all over the state.
"I knew it was in my power to do anything and make the situation better for veterans that are going into college, says Lang. "I want to see every veteran succeed academically and life in general."
After all Lang's efforts, his was recognized by the Students Veterans of America in 2012.
"I feel humbled, I feel very privileged myself, you know the emails I get, the 'thank yous' I get, that means a lot," says Lang. "I will spend whatever time I need to assist that veteran in any way."
"It's so amazing to watch people like Josh over the last three years change and develop. He has a passion for helping veterans. I mean he found his niche in life. He knows through the next 10 to 20 years he has a good path where he wants to go," says Robert Smith, Associate Dean of Students.
Lang is set to graduate this May. He's hoping to pursue a higher degree in Political Science and one day run for political office.
Even after graduation, Lang says he's going to continue to fight for the vet in the college front.
Now, he's being recognized by a national organization for his tireless work at Shippensburg University.
Senior Joshua Lang was awarded the 2012 Student Veteran of the Year by The Student Veterans of America.
After serving in Afghanistan for 15 months in the 82nd Airborne, Lang decided to enroll at Shippensburg University, but the transition was tough.
"Basically you have to rethink your study habits," says Lang. "It took be a long time as an individual to learn those things. I went to utilize the learning center on campus several times."
In 2008, Lang noticed the same issue among other veterans attending his school, so he decided to start a Student Veterans of America chapter at the university. Under his direction, a vet resource center was opened so fellow veterans could learn about college benefits and be able to reach out to one another in times of need.
The chapter now has 20 student vet members.
"I'm now more open to more scholarships, grants, loans or whatever I initially need. And that collaboration, as well within the organization, so I have members like Josh Lang that can help me out through out my college career," says Patrick Joseph Rist, a student and member of Student Veterans of America.
Lang did not stop his efforts at the university. He took his fight to the state level. Lang testified before the Pennsylvania Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness and spoke about the issues and challenges for student veterans, not only at his school but all over the state.
"I knew it was in my power to do anything and make the situation better for veterans that are going into college, says Lang. "I want to see every veteran succeed academically and life in general."
After all Lang's efforts, his was recognized by the Students Veterans of America in 2012.
"I feel humbled, I feel very privileged myself, you know the emails I get, the 'thank yous' I get, that means a lot," says Lang. "I will spend whatever time I need to assist that veteran in any way."
"It's so amazing to watch people like Josh over the last three years change and develop. He has a passion for helping veterans. I mean he found his niche in life. He knows through the next 10 to 20 years he has a good path where he wants to go," says Robert Smith, Associate Dean of Students.
Lang is set to graduate this May. He's hoping to pursue a higher degree in Political Science and one day run for political office.
Even after graduation, Lang says he's going to continue to fight for the vet in the college front.
