The NDSU Veterans Alliance Organization, known as VALOR, has announced the first presenter in its new “VALOR Presents” speaker series.
Brad Aune, Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program specialist at Job Service ND,is scheduled to give the initial presentation, “How the Effects and Trauma of War Impact a Service Member's Transition from the Military,” on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m. in the Memorial Union’s Arikara room.
The presentation is free and open to the public.
Aune specializes in assisting disabled veterans with overcoming barriers to employment. He has been a volunteer mental health peer mentor with the Fargo VA and serves as a VALOR board member.
During his presentation, Aune will sharehis story of living with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and his personal transition from the military. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the challenges veterans can face as they come home from war.
Aune served 22 years in the military with the Marine Corps and as a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in Iraq.
Aune is the 2015 recipient of the Disabled American Veterans National Employment Service Award. He also received the 2016 American Legion State and National Award for Veterans' Employment.
“The VALOR Presents series is part of VALOR's ongoing effort to provide insight and education regarding military service and the ways that VALOR allies, staff, faculty, students, and community members can help create a more welcoming environment that understands and meets the specific needs of military service members and veterans at NDSU and in the community,” said VALOR faculty liaison Carol Cwiak, associate professor of emergency management.
VALOR Advisory Board member Jill Motschenbacher is chairing VALOR’s Training and Outreach Committee. She will work with Advisory Board members, VALOR allies, and other campus and community members to enhance timely and valuable VALOR presentations and training.
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