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VA Providence Goes to School: Connecting with Student Veterans at URI

VA Providence Director Lawrence Connell speaks to Student Veterans at URI.
VA Providence Director Lawrence Connell speaks to Student Veterans at URI. On the right is Bob Flynn Commander USN (Ret.) Director, Military and Veteran Education, University of Rhode Island.
By Justyn Charon, Public Affairs Specialist

On Thursday, February 1st, VA Providence had the honor of attending a Student Veteran Town Hall at the University of Rhode Island (URI).

The event was organized by the Rhode Island Office of Veteran Services and the URI Center for Military and Veteran Education (MAVE).

VA Providence Director Lawrence Connell spoke to the Student Veterans about the various services and programs that VA Providence offers, such as health care, mental health, education, employment, and housing assistance. Director Connell highlighted the benefits of enrolling in VA healthcare and encouraged the Student Veterans to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

The event also featured Director Kasim Yarn of the Rhode Island Office of Veteran Services, who shared his personal and professional journey as a Veteran and a leader. He also emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering Student Veterans and praised their contributions to the state and the nation. Additionally, Bob Flynn, USN, the Director of the Center for Military and Veteran Education at URI, was present at the event and offered his guidance and assistance to the Student Veterans in pursuing their academic and career goals.

The Student Veteran Town Hall was a successful event that fostered dialogue and a partnership between VA Providence, URI, and the Student Veteran community. VA Providence is grateful for the opportunity to participate in such events and looks forward to continuing to serve and support our Student Veterans.