The Veterans Advocacy Law Society announced their charter during the Student Bar Association’s October meeting.

As a result of the increasing veteran population in the College of Law, the organization has been working to become an official member of the SBA. According to their charter, the organization aims to foster “esprit de corps” among veterans and citizens, promote the understanding of the unique issues veterans face, and create a supportive community for veterans.

Byron Forrest, president of the veteran’s organization and law student, served in the Marine Corps for two years and said he feels that he needs to give back to the veteran community.

Forrest said he wants to promote a better understanding of what veterans face during and after war. This support system will allow veterans to have an easier time adjusting back to life outside of the military.

“My main goal is, I’m trying, we are trying, to doing our best to start a veterans’ legal clinic that will offer free legal benefits for veterans, whether it’s education or health benefit appeals. A lot of guys get turned down when they shouldn’t,” Forrest said.

One of the founding members, Aaron Maples, said he feels the organization will be mutually beneficial to both the veterans and civilians of the community.

“I think that the civilians that become involved will benefit as well as just being able to help a very unique class of individuals,” he said.

The organization will begin working in the spring. Forrest said Veterans Advocacy Law Society members are using this time to set goals for the upcoming semester.

Mary Jameson can be reached at [email protected]