UConn’s Student Veteran of the Month – Rhiannon Trunzo

Posted on March 31, 2026March 31, 2026 by Eberly, Nikki

The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Rhiannon Trunzo as UConn’s Veteran of the Month. Rhiannon is a senior member of the VA Work Study Team in addition to being the President of the UConn Chapter of the SVA (Student Veterans of America). She was recently awarded the Willis N. Hawley Student Leadership Award here at UConn, which recognizes a student veteran (or Guard/Reservist) who has made significant contributions to the University community through leadership and service during their tenure as a student and demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness and actively advocating for veteran’s issues at the University.

In addition to pursuing her undergraduate degree, Rhiannon has also been serving in the Connecticut Army National Guard. She originally enlisted as a flute player in the Rhode Island National Guard 88th Army Band in April 2021, then transferred to the 102d CT Army National Guard Band to come to UConn in September 2022. She has been a great role model for her fellow students, juggling her time between her responsibilities as a UConn student, National Guard member, VA Work Study team member, and prominent leader of UConn’s SVA Chapter. Through her roles with the SVA and with her VA Work Study position, Rhiannon is an integral part of the UConn community, particularly with military and veteran students on-campus. She has gone above and beyond to assist, coach, and advocate for her fellow students, particularly when they’re going through a tough time while at UConn. Through her leadership roles with the SVA Rhiannon has been a prominent part of creating many opportunities for students to connect with each other and form vital supportive relationships.

It is with great joy to see Rhiannon graduating with her undergraduate degree from UConn in May, and to see her pursuing an advanced degree to further her efforts to assist her fellow veterans and service members as a practicing clinical psychologist. We wish her the best in all her future endeavors, but she will be missed here at UConn. Congratulations Rhiannon!

If you would like to nominate a student, faculty, or staff member for “Veteran of the Month,” please contact Nikki Eberly with the name of the person and reasons for your nomination.

UConn’s Veteran of the Month – Justin Tomlinson

Posted on March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 by Eberly, Nikki

The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Justin Tomlinson as UConn’s Veteran of the Month. Justin Tomlinson is currently a POC cadet and he serves as the Physical Fitness Officer in the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Program at UConn. He has the unique experience of having served in the Air Force as an enlisted service member, prior to joining UConn’s AFROTC program. His favorite Part of AFROTC is he gets the chance to continuously mentor young officer candidates and share his experiences from active duty. One of his most memorable experiences from serving in the Air Force on active duty was being one of the airmen to help plan and execute an airshow for his previous base in 2024.

Justin’s primary goals at UConn is not only to graduate, but to be an excellent scholar and cadet. He hopes to commission with his bachelor’s in economics and be selected as a contracting officer (which is also his previous enlisted AFSC – Contracting). He says he enjoys all the friends he’s made so far, whether through AFROTC or just being a student on campus. Additionally, the change of pace from active duty, the freedom, and being back home has made settling in and his time here at UConn so memorable.

Justin’s advice to military-affiliated students at UConn is: “to keep inspiring others and keep moving upwards and onwards, no matter how overwhelming school and/or family life can get, keep pushing towards your goals. Being a non-traditional student with a different perspective, lifestyle, and responsibilities from your peers can be challenging and a great problem to have, but these differences can also serve as an inspiration to those around you.”

If you would like to nominate a student, faculty, or staff member for “Veteran of the Month,” please contact Nikki Eberly at with the name of the person and reasons for your nomination.

March 2026

Posted on March 2, 2026March 3, 2026 by Eberly, Nikki

The Husky Vet Gazette

March 2026

Volume 12 – Issue 72

Free Webinar: Campus Conversation with ACNSL

Wednesday, March 11th 1p.m. to 2p.m.

Online – Zoom

Discussion about ethical decision making with a panel of four retired U.S. Military, Government, and Diplomatic leaders currently serving as Fellows at the American College of National Security Leaders (ACNSL). Made possible by the UConn School of Public Policy.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Register to attend

Reminder – Fill out your Form D once you register for classes (Summer & Fall Registration begins March 23rd)

Save the Date – Fresh Check Day on April 26th

Spring Career Fair

UConn Volleyball Center (509 Jim Calhoun Way, Storrs)

Wednesday, March 25th

11:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.

UConn’s Spring Career fair will feature employers from various industries, offering internships, co-op positions, and full-time job opportunities. This fair is open to all majors and all years. Whether you’re a first-year student, senior, graduate student or anything in-between – employers are coming to campus to meet you. Learn more at 12twenty.com

Register here

Backpacks for Life

Donation Drive – April 11th from 9a.m. to noon

The Catholic Center (Storrs – 46 North Eagleville Rd.)

Backpacks for Life helps Homeless Veterans and is being sponsored by UConn Catholic Center Students for a Donation Drive on April 11th. They are collecting donations to fill backpacks with daily essential items to help homeless veterans. Email Ava Abruzzese for more information or to get a list of necessary daily essential items.

Dean of Students Drop-in Hours

Last Wednesday of Each Month

1-3 p.m.

Hawley Armory, Room 105

During the Spring 2026 semester, the Dean of Students Office will hold drop-in hours in Hawley Armory (Storrs), so students can drop in without an appointment to ask any questions they may have.

Dates Include:

March 25th

April 29th

Graduation Cords

Are you graduating in May?

Graduation cords are available for student Veterans (also for those in the Guard, Reserves, or on active duty) who are graduating. These cords are available at no cost, if you served/are serving in the military and will be going through the May Commencement Ceremony.

Please stop in the main office in Hawley Armory 100B (Storrs) and pick up your cord. Or, if you’re at a different campus, send an email to Nikki Eberly with your name and mailing address so we can mail it to you.

Meet Our Veteran of the Month

Veteran of the Month – Justin Tomlinson

Learn More About Justin Tomlinson

Justin Tomlinson standing in front of a stand of multi-colored balloons wearing a light green sweater with black collared shirt underneath.

April 2026

Posted on March 2, 2026March 31, 2026 by Eberly, Nikki

The Husky Vet Gazette

April 2026

Volume 12 – Issue 73

Eisenhower Series

Friday, April 10th 4:00pm

School of Business Rm. 211

The Eisenhower Series panelists travel across the U.S., engaging students, faculty, staff, and the community in a candid exchange regarding a variety of issues. This is your chance to pose questions and have a thoughtful discussion with service members who have advanced experience and knowledge about different topics related to national security, leadership, and technology.

This Panel Discussion is open to EVERYONE!

No RSVP Required

Blood Drive – April 13 – 17th

Reminder – Fill out your Form D once you register for classes (Priority deadlines are April 15th for Summer & June 15th for Fall)

ACNSL Campus Conversation

A Webinar on Public Health

Wednesday, April 1st, 1-2p.m.

Online

Join this session to learn from four retired US Military, Government, and Diplomatic leaders currently serving as Fellows at the American College of National Security Leaders (ACNSL) as they share their professional backgrounds, relevant career examples, and personal insights related to Public Health.

Register here

Fresh Check Day!

April 25th – 1p.m. to 4p.m.

Student Union Mall (Storrs)

Fresh Check Day is a mental health promotion and suicide prevention fair that consists of interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support of multiple campus departments and groups, free food, entertainment, and giveaways. More details are available on the Fresh Check Day website for dates and times at ALL UConn campuses.