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U.S. Army veteran Mark Erwin G’12, special assistant to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, gave the banquet’s keynote address. (Photo by John Benson)

The (SVO) recently held its Annual Ball and Awards Banquet at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango, New York. The event, which drew more than 70 student veterans and guests from the campus community, recognizes the contributions of the SVO to the University, celebrates ���ϲ�����’s tradition of service to veterans, and honors notable student veterans for their achievements at the University.

“The SVO and Student Veterans of America (SVA) are critical to the advancement of veterans in higher education,” says SVO President Adam Legrand ’18, G’19. “The Awards Banquet is just one opportunity to recognize and empower student veterans. With the University’s dedication and support, student veterans are able to engage with alumni, other SVO chapters and the local community to advance their experiences in higher education and beyond.”

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charlie Poag, a current public relations and political science major, served as the banquet’s emcee. U.S. Army veteran Mark Erwin G’12, who is now employed as the special assistant to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, delivered the evening’s keynote speech.

During the event, the SVO presented two awards. Will Harrington ’21 received the Organization’s “Best for Vets” award, which is presented to the individual who has done the most to help student veterans succeed both on and off campus. SVO community relations coordinator Syeisha Byrd was honored with the Community Support Award, which recognizes the individual who has done the most to support veterans, active duty military members and civilians on campus, throughout the ���ϲ����� community and across the globe.

The (OVMA) also presented two awards. The SGT Danny Facto Student Veterans Work-Study Award was presented to Marine Corps veteran . The honor is presented to a student veteran who reflects the value and character of Danny Facto, a decorated combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient and hardworking ���ϲ����� alumnus who passed away in 2009. To conclude the evening, the OVMA presented the Student Veteran of the Year award to Chloe Milliken ’19. The Student Veteran of the Year award is the highest honor bestowed by the OVMA.

The SVO is one of several initiatives overseen by the OVMA. The office and its efforts support the University’s long-standing commitment to be the “best place for veterans.”