Student Veterans Association builds community and support at Montana Tech
When Army veteran and Montana Technological University senior Matthew Ashcraft first arrived on campus, he quickly realized that while the University welcomed veterans, there wasn’t a central place to connect, find resources, or navigate the benefits process.
“There wasn’t really a centralized system,” Ashcraft explained. “A few faculty members volunteer to help veterans, but it was inefficient. We wanted to bring everyone together.”
That desire for unity led Ashcraft, an exercise and health science major from Silver Star, and fellow veteran Troy Springer to help found the Student Veterans Association of Montana Tech, a group dedicated to helping student veterans access benefits, build community, and make their voices heard on campus and beyond.
Since forming, the SVA has created a vital support network for Tech’s student veterans. Members share information about benefits, scholarships, and programs such as the GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE), and the Yellow Ribbon Program—resources that can make a huge difference in a veteran’s education journey.
Through peer guidance and shared expertise, the group has helped veterans secure thousands of dollars in scholarships and better understand their options.
“We’ve been able to show veterans how the system works so they can navigate it properly and get the benefits they deserve,” Ashcraft said.
Ashcraft knows the value of properly navigating the benefits system. Through careful planning, he is focused on earning his undergraduate degree and continuing on to chiropractic school.
“I’ve been paying for Tech with Pell Grants and scholarships, so now I can use the GI Bill for chiropractic school and graduate debt-free,” Ashcraft said.
Beyond helping with logistics, the association has worked to strengthen the sense of belonging for veterans on campus. The Veterans Lounge, located in the Mill Building, has been transformed into a comfortable and welcoming space where veterans can study, relax, or simply connect with others who share similar experiences.
“It’s kind of our little refuge,” Ashcraft said. “We’ve got new desks, new furniture, and even a flag flown over D.C. from U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke. It’s slowly turning into a space that feels like our own.”
The organization has also opened lines of communication with policymakers. Members have met with representatives from U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ and Zinke’s offices, ensuring that Montana Tech veterans have a voice in state and national veterans’ affairs discussions. Zinke also spoke with veterans in an on-campus event.
The group continues to grow, with about 20 active members and many more who participate informally. Plans for the coming year include social events such as hikes, barbecues, and possibly a paintball tournament with veterans from other campuses.
Ashcraft said the association has already made a lasting impact.
“Things have gotten better for veterans at Montana Tech,” he said. “We’ve created more cohesion, improved the lounge, and made it easier for veterans to access the benefits they’ve earned. Now that the major problems are solved, we can focus on building community.”
For student veterans or prospective students interested in joining, Ashcraft said the best way to get connected is by noting veteran status during enrollment, which helps staff link them to the SVA.
“We want veterans to know they have somewhere to go,” he said. “Coming into campus life can be difficult, but we’ve got people who’ve been through it and can help every step of the way.”
For more information about Veteran Service at Montana Tech, click here.