UL Lafayette Office of Veteran and Military Student Services

09/22/2026

09/16/2026

Earn CE credits while exploring the latest su***de prevention research for veterans and civilians with nationally recognized experts.

09/11/2026

On Friday, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will pause to remember. 🇺🇸 A ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks will begin at 9:11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the 9/11 Memorial located in the UL Lafayette Alumni Center grounds, at 600 E. St. Mary Blvd.

The ceremony will honor all those who lost their lives that day and remember two University alumni among them: Siew-Nya Ang, '88, who died at the World Trade Center, and Robert Hymel, '69, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who died at the Pentagon.

The University community is invited to join us in remembrance.

09/11/2026

Recently the Student Veterans Organization of UL Lafayette hosted an information session for student Veterans interested in becoming members of The Wounded Warrior Project. Raynatta Lockett, a current Masters Student and local WWP leader shared her knowlege of the benefits with the others in the Vet Lounge in Agnes Edwards Hall. Special thanks to Ross Murfree at Olde Tyme for providing lunch for this event. The group was also treated to day of bang therapy at LA Gun Range hosted by WWP.

09/03/2026

REMINDER!!

08/31/2026

MISSION: LAUNCH IS BACK — FALL 2026 COHORT 🚀 🚀 🚀

Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA) is excited to announce the return of Mission: Launch, our FREE six-week entrepreneurship program built specifically for veterans who are ready to turn an idea into a business—or take an existing company to the next level.

Following our first cohort earlier this year, Mission: Launch returns this October with a new group of veteran entrepreneurs ready to build, test, and grow their ideas.

Over six weeks, participants will work through the real-world fundamentals of entrepreneurship—from validating an idea and understanding the customer to building a business model, developing a go-to-market strategy, accessing capital, and preparing for growth.

The program combines in-person sessions and virtual Zoom one-on-ones, giving participants hands-on collaboration while maintaining flexibility. In-person sessions will once again be hosted at Opportunity Machine in Downtown Lafayette, connecting veterans with one of Acadiana’s leading startup and innovation communities.

Mission: Launch will be led by AVA Founder & CEO Andrew Ward and AVA Advisory Board Member and entrepreneur Chris Wickman, who bring experience building and growing companies across multiple industries—from early-stage ideas and market entry to raising capital, scaling businesses, and successful exits.

“Veterans already possess many of the qualities great entrepreneurs need—discipline, adaptability, leadership, and the ability to execute under pressure,” said Ward. “Mission: Launch is about pairing those strengths with the tools, strategy, mentorship, and network needed to build a successful business.”

Have a business idea or know a veteran who does? Are they already running a company? Or simply believe entrepreneurship could be the next mission in your life? We want to hear from you!!

🇺🇸 Mission: Launch — Fall 2026
📍 Opportunity Machine | Downtown Lafayette
📅 Kicking off in October
⏱️ Six-week program
🎖️ Built for veteran entrepreneurs

Your next mission could be the company you build. Email us at [email protected] to join our Fall 2026 cohort.

08/28/2026

Hey Everyone!

Next week members of the Wounded Warrior Project will be here for lunch to discuss the many opportunities of being a member of the WWP. James Fisher, Outreach Specialist, will be in the Vet center on Thursday September 3rd from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Lunch from Olde Tyme grocery will be provided. Also, anyone who is already a member, AND any new members who sign up next week will be invited to join WWP alumni for a Range Day at Louisiana Range in Maurice.

If you served after September 11, 2001, you are eligible to join. I have posted a link below.

If you have any questions, just email me know, [email protected]

Hope to see you next week.

Register for our free veteran and family support programs. Join our supportive community of veterans who understand your experience and can help you recover.

05/25/2026

Today we wear red for a different reason. The poppy's significance comes from the harsh landscapes of World War I. The soil across war-torn battlefields in France and Belgium became heavily enriched with lime from the rubble, causing bright red poppies to flourish amidst the destruction. Wear a red poppy today in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for you and your freedoms, and never forget them.

05/15/2026

Congratulations to ALL of our graduating Military and Veteran Students!! It has been OUR HONOR to serve you!!
A cording ceremony was held in their honor on April 22 at the Alumni Center, with Andrew Ward from the Acadiana Veteran Alliance and Dr. Andy Benoit, VP of Student Success invited as guest speakers. Congrats and Geaux Cajuns!!