Archives

November 2025

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The Husky Vet Gazette

November 2025

Volume 12 – Issue 70

Veterans Day Ceremony

Tuesday, November 11th at 11:00a.m.

Founders Green (Rain location: Wilbur Cross North Reading Room) – Storrs

Join UConn’s Office of Veterans and Military Programs in Celebrating Veterans Day! With Special Guest Speaker, Heather Sandler, MSW, UConn Alumna and Navy Veteran.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial on the UConn Campus (Storrs) with wreath placed in front.
November 8th – Military Appreciation Football Game
November 9th – Husky Run & Ruck (sign up today!)

First-Gen and VAMP Open House

Student Union Oasis (Storrs)

Tuesday, November 4th

11a.m. to 1p.m.

Connecting First-Gen military students with resources and the First-Gen community on campus! Stop by for swag, ask questions, and see if you’re eligible for a First-Gen cord for graduation.

Wreaths Across America

We Want YOU To Sponsor A Wreath

UConn’s Office of Veterans & Military Programs, in partnership with the Town of Mansfield, need your help. This holiday season we’re honoring the service and sacrifice of over 900 veterans laid to rest in Mansfield, and we can’t do it without you.

More details are on our Wreaths Across America Website.

First Wednesday of Each Month

1-3 p.m.

Hawley Armory, Room 105

During the Fall 2025 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: November 5th and December 3rd

Women’s Basketball vs. Loyola – Nov. 12th at 7:30p.m. (Gampel Pavilion)

Women’s Hockey vs. Vermont – Nov. 22nd at 2:00p.m. (Toscano Ice Forum)

Tickets can be picked up in the main office of Veterans & Military Programs in Hawley Armory 100B during regular office hours (first-come first-served)

Hawley Award – Apply Today!

Application deadline: Friday, November 28th, 2025

Applicants can submit nominations for the Willis N. Hawley Service Award directly through the Student Leadership Awards website.

Students can nominate themselves or fellow students. The Hawley Award is awarded to a UConn student Veteran or Guardsman/Reservist who has made significant contributions to the UConn community through leadership and service as a student; and has demonstrated commitment to raising awareness and actively advocate for Veteran’s issues.

Meet Our Veteran of the Month

Veteran of the Month

Learn More About Heather Sandler
Heather Sandler standing in front of a plane clothed in safety equipment and gear.

UConn’s Veteran of the Month – Heather Sandler

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The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Heather Sandler as UConn’s Veteran of the Month.  Heather Sandler is a UConn Alumna, Navy Veteran, and keynote speaker at UConn’s Annual Veterans Day Ceremony this year. Heather Sandler, MSW currently is a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She spent 2 years as a Management Analyst and Employment Coordinator. She previously was employed by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal as a Senior Constituent Liaison for Military and Veteran Affairs.

Mrs. Sandler enlisted and served on active duty in the United States Navy from 1995-2005 completing four deployments in ten years — two while on the USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 in support of Operation Southern Watch and two on the USS Harry Truman CVN-75 with Strike Fighter Squadron 37 in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She completed a shore duty rotation to VX-23, Naval Aircraft Test Squadron. During her final deployment on the USS Truman, she served as the night shift Quality Assurance Supervisor. Heather earned three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and three Navy Good Conduct medals during her ten-year enlistment and was honorably discharged in 2005 at the rank of Petty Officer First Class.

While working on the staff of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Mrs. Sandler provided advocacy and assistance to the Veterans and their families of CT with the Department of Defense, Department of Veteran Affairs, and National Personnel Records Center as well as several other government agencies. She serves as a member of the CT Women’s Veterans Network and served as one of Senator Blumenthal’s academy panelists, interviewing candidates for the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She is a member of Senator Christopher Murphy’s Veteran’s Advisory Council.

Heather was the first co-chair and founder of the CT Veterans Engagement Board with General Dan McHale (ret).

She is a past participant of the Veteran’s History Project and speaks to high school and college students regarding her time in the military and has spoken with Daria Sommers at a viewing of her film “Lioness” at Central Connecticut State University, Women in Film Festival. She speaks about her experiences as a woman serving our country and is a frequent speaker at colleges and universities on this topic.

Mrs. Sandler earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Social Services from Elmira College, Elmira, New York and her Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut, School of Social Work. This is where she completed work at the CT Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the CT Commission on Aging. She is a graduate of the Nancy Humpherys Campaign school and a prior presenter on training social workers to participate and run for political office.

Mrs. Sandler is a past participant in the Fisher House Fundraiser—Dancing with the Heros, and a volunteer at South Park Inn’s Veteran’s Drop-in Center. She was appointed to the Board of Trustees at the State Department of Veteran Affairs in 2019 by Governor Ned Lamont and continues to serve on the Board. Mrs. Sandler is in the Class of 2020 CT Veteran’s Hall of Fame.

Mrs. Sandler resides in Glastonbury with her husband Saul Sandler since 2006 and is the proud hockey mom of two boys, 18-year-old Joshua and 14-year-old Max. She is the daughter of United States Air Force Veteran, Paul Belanger, and the granddaughter of a United States Navy Veteran Raymond Belanger.

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.

UConn’s Student Veteran of the Month – Zhiling Lin

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Zhiling Lin

The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Zhiling Lin as UConn’s Student Veteran of the Month.  Zhiling Lin is a cadet in the Air Force ROTC Program at UConn. Within Air Force ROTC, Zhiling is active in UConn’s Arnold Air Society, ensuring proper protocol is followed for our regional conclave where hundreds of cadets from across New England gather to select the next regional headquarters. Last year, Zhiling oversaw an event that brought together over 100 students and cadets from four states. She currently serves as the Color Guard Officer for the Cloutier Rifles Precision Drill Team, training cadets in color guard procedures and leading performances at UConn sporting events. She shares that she has personally participated in more than 15 color guard events, representing both UConn and the Air Force with pride. Beyond campus, Zhiling has helped regenerate the Flying Yankee Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association and currently serves as its Executive Vice President, working with regional and national leaders to strengthen the military–civilian bond through service projects. Recently, Zhiling led the UConn’s POW/MIA Remembrance Event, a 24-hour service run where participants carried the POW/MIA flag to honor those who never returned home. The event brought together 138 participants, including six marathon runners, and showcased the incredible energy and dedication of the UConn community.

Currently a junior, majoring in Mathematics – Actuarial Science, Zhiling’s primary goal is to graduate from UConn and commission as a U.S. Air Force officer, with the dream of becoming either a C-17 cargo pilot (11MX) or an Intelligence Officer (14N). Academically, Zhiling aims to deepen her knowledge, form close relationships with others, and, above all, fly. To support this dream, she has been awarded two Air Force ROTC scholarships for flight training, which have allowed her to log 21 flight hours toward earning her private pilot license. Zhiling plans to commission as Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in Spring 2027.

Zhiling values UConn’s welcoming environment, which fosters a strong sense of community and support as she pursues both academic and military goals. Advice Zhiling shares with fellow students is that “cognitive growth is not about sudden inspiration, it comes from consistent, deliberate practice. First, seek out high-quality information and challenge yourself to break free from information bubbles so you can reflect deeply. Second, force yourself to share what you learn through conversation or writing, because explaining ideas exposes gaps in understanding and sharpens thinking. Finally, create personal rituals for reflection, such as setting monthly topics for self-evaluation, to build steady progress over time. The goal of cognitive improvement is not to be superior to others, but to take fewer detours, avoid manipulation, and live with purpose. With steady input, thoughtful output, and intentional habits, you can achieve success in any career path.”

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.

October 2025

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The Husky Vet Gazette

October 2025

Volume 12 – Issue 69

VAMP Visits to Campuses

During the fall semester, our staff from the Office of Veterans and Military Programs (VAMP) will be available for students at each campus – no appointment needed. We hope you will come and join us!

Hartford – Oct. 1st at 10a.m. to 3p.m., Hartford Times Bldg. Rm. 216

Waterbury – Oct. 14th at 10a.m. to 3p.m., WREC Rm. 402

Law School – Oct. 15th at 10a.m. to 3p.m., Hosmer Rm. 002

Stamford – Oct. 21st at 10a.m. to 2p.m., Veterans Lounge, Rm. 141

November 8th – Military Appreciation Football Game
November 9th – Husky Run & Ruck (sign up today!)
November 11th – UConn Veterans Day Ceremony

VA Visits

VA Healthcare Visit

October 7th

10:30a.m. to 1:30p.m.

Hawley Armory Rm. 105 (Storrs)

Do you have VA healthcare or benefits questions? Meet with VA staff to ask about healthcare enrollment, services and resources available, claim questions, file a claim, and more. No appointment needed.

VR & E Visit

Thursday, October 16th 9am – 3pm

Hawley Armory Rm. 105 (Storrs)

Stop by and learn about the Chapter 31 benefits, whether you’re interested in learning about it or want to check in with a counselor.

Jared Buchanan at sitting with an energy drink in one hand, at the end of an ultra-thon wearing image of his father on his t-shirt.

Beautifully Broken Film Screening

Monday, October 6th at 6p.m. in the Student Union Theater

UConn’s Office of Veterans & Military Programs and SHAW is hosting a FREE film screening on-campus of Beautifully Broken. Please stay at the end of the film for a Q & A with film-maker Daniel Herzog, and the main character of the film, Jared Buchanan.

Interested? Please RSVP HERE!

Dean of Students
Drop-In Hours

First Wednesday of Each Month

1-3 p.m.

Hawley Armory, Room 105

During the Fall 2025 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:
October 1st
November 5th
December 3rd

Halloween Party

FOOD, FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITES, COSTUME CONTESTS, KARAOKE, AND MORE! EVENT IS BYOB

When: October 18th at 5pm

Where: Start – Hawley Armory (Storrs)

Meet Our Veteran of the Month

Student Veteran of the Month

Learn More About Zhiling Lin
Zhiling Lin in the cockpit of a plane with a helmet and harness on.

August/September 2025

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The Husky Vet Gazette

August/September 2025

Volume 12 – Issue 68

VAMP Visits to Campuses

During the fall semester, our staff from the Office of Veterans and Military Programs (VAMP) will be available for students at each campus – no appointment needed. We hope you will come and join us!

Avery Point – Sept. 16th at 10a.m. to 2p.m., Veterans Lounge, 2nd floor library

Hartford – Oct. 1st at 10a.m. to 3p.m., Hartford Times Bldg. Rm. 216

Waterbury – Oct. 14th at 10a.m. to 3p.m., WREC Rm. 402

Law School – Oct. 15th at 10a.m. to 3p.m., Hosmer Rm. 002

Stamford – Oct. 21st at 10a.m. to 2p.m., Veterans Lounge, Rm. 141

FYE Class for Military-Affiliated Students
Fall 2025 Career Fairs

Dean of Students
Drop-In Hours

First Wednesday of Each Month

1-3 p.m.

Hawley Armory, Room 105

During the Fall 2025 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:
September 3
October 1st
November 5th
December 3rd

POW MIA image on dark background with You are not forgotten written underneath

POW/MIA Service Run

24-HOUR RUN/WALK CARRYING POW/MIA FLAG

When: Sept. 19th to Sept. 20th

Time: 12 p.m. to 12 p.m. the following day

Where: Start – Hawley Armory (Storrs)

Sign Up for the Run
U.S. Flag raised on top of Hawley Armory, the location of UConn's Office of Veterans & Military Programs.

VA Visit

October 7th

10:30a.m. to 1:30p.m.

Hawley Armory Rm. 105 (Storrs)

Do you have VA healthcare or benefits questions? Meet with VA staff to ask about healthcare enrollment, services and resources available, claim questions, file a claim, and more. No appointment needed.

Jared Buchanan at sitting with an energy drink in one hand, at the end of an ultra-thon wearing image of his father on his t-shirt.

Save the Date! Film Screening

Monday, October 6th at 6p.m.

UConn’s Office of Veterans & Military Programs and SHAW is hosting a FREE film screening on-campus of Beautifully Broken.

Please stay tuned for more details and to RSVP.

Meet Our Veterans of the Month

Student Veteran of the Month

Learn More About Olivia Giuffria
Olivia Giuffria standing next to her father in National Guard uniform in front of military aircraft in a hangar.

Employee Veteran of the Month

Learn More About Roger Nadeau
Roger Nadeau in his workspace at UConn, wearing a hat that says Veteran on it.

UConn’s Employee Veteran of the Month

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Roger Nadeau

The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Roger Nadeau as UConn’s Employee Veteran of the Month.  Roger served as an Aviation Electronics Technician, 2nd Class (AT2) from 2001-2006.  During his time in the military, he got to work on some of the most notable military aircraft in the world, F-14 Tomcats with squadron VF-101 Grim Reaper’s, F/A-18 Super Hornets with squadron VFA-106 Gladiator’s, and SH-60B Seahawk Helicopters with squadron HSL-44 Swamp Fox.  He was honored as VF-101 Plane Captain of the year and got to fly a T-34 plane. 

Roger was hired at UConn as a Power Plant Operator, and soon after as an Electronics Technician at the Cogeneration Plant.  He says that he has been able to do what he loves for nearly 20 years:  working with electronics, troubleshooting, programming, calibrating.  Nearly 8 years ago, Roger and one of his co-workers started UConn’s Metering Department where they design and build electronics that help monitor energy usage and collect data UConn.  Roger also programs graphical interfaces to allow us to see the data and report it so that everyone can see how efficient the university is doing, helping to achieve the University’s goals.

Roger’s advice to his colleagues and students on-campus, and in recognition of the recent Mental Health awareness month, and his own struggles through life, he says “that one way or another, we are all here, together, striving to make the best of our futures;  we all experience highs and lows in life, and at times we may need a helping hand to get back up.  Mental health can be debilitating at times, and sometimes we need to talk to someone about our struggles.  The tools you’ll get to help yourself, can very well lead you to helping someone else in need.”   

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.

UConn’s Student Veteran of the Month

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Olivia Giuffria

The Office of Veterans & Military Programs (VAMP) at UConn is pleased to recognize Olivia Giuffria as UConn’s Student Veteran of the Month.  Olivia is a member of the Air National Guard in Health Management Administration (4A0X1) within the 103rd Medical Group. Her additional duties include CPR instructor and CUI manager in addition to being a functional training manager for her section where she oversees the education and training. She enlisted in January 2021 and was just promoted to Staff Sergeant. Olivia’s dad is an Air Force veteran, and her brother is also active-duty Air Force, so it’s a great experience bringing her family to promotions and other family-oriented events for the military.

One of her most memorable experiences was going to Okinawa, Japan for AT in September 2024 where she trained & shadowed at the naval hospital for 3 weeks, learning how the different services work together and see how a military hospital works. On the way to/from Japan they also stopped in Alaska and Seattle and had the opportunity to explore those places too.

Olivia came to UConn in January 2022 after coming home from initial bootcamp/tech school training. She started on the pre-med track as a Physiology & Neurobiology student, but last year she realized that she wanted to do nursing.  So, she applied to the Nursing program, got in, and is now a nursing student set to graduate in 2027! Her goal is to become an ICU nurse and commission as a nurse into the Air Force and join the Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT). She currently works as a patient care technician at Hartford Hospital in the Neuro-Trauma ICU to gain experience. Besides her academic goals, Olivia wants to get out of her comfort zone and build close relationships. Over the past few years, she shares that it’s been important to join different clubs and get involved, to meet new people and build friendships. One of Olivia’s favorite parts about being a UConn student is going to the sports games and working as an RA. She loves putting on events for her residents and making different goodies for them such as treats or goodie bags to help build community and foster friendships. She has also met amazing people within the different RA staffs which has been amazing.

One piece of advice Olivia would give to fellow students is “to not be afraid to change paths mid college and to reach out if you need help. College is not easy, but there are so many great resources available to us that can make our life a little easier! Choosing a career path can also be very intimidating and challenging, so don’t be afraid to switch majors or paths if you feel that is right for you. It is better to get a degree in something you know will be right for you, even if it takes a little bit more time.”

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.