Veteran services officer available to students

Grand Valley signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in early March to support a veteran services officer on campus.

Annette Dennis, who is a department service officer for Disabled American Veterans, will be available to meet with Grand Valley student veterans on Mondays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in room 1240 of the Kirkhof Center or by appointment.

Steven Lipnicki, assistant dean of students, said Dennis will be available to help any student veteran gain access to VA health care and assist with filing claims for serviced-connected disabilities. She will also be available to answer questions about other veterans benefits.

Dennis was an active duty staff sergeant who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1985-1993. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health sciences management and a master’s degree in mental health counseling. She can be contacted at [email protected] or (586) 215-0540.

The addition of a veteran services officer at Grand Valley is part of the Michigan Campus Counselor Program for Veterans, offered by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs through the Michigan Veterans Coalition. The program was established to help student veterans take advantage of disability benefits, health insurance and other programs that assist veterans. The program includes six locations across the state.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/veterans.