U.S. Navy veteran Brandon Schoonover works full time as a resource and referral specialist with the department of military affairs, helping veterans access the benefits and assistance they’ve earned through their service.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Viterbo University, Schoonover will continue to help veterans in a different way. He plans to work as a licensed counselor, serving incarcerated and other veterans.

“There is a large need for therapists who can offer peer support to veterans and military families,” Schoonover said. “Continuing to serve them is my passion, and I want to fill that gap.”

Schoonover served as a member of the U.S. Navy for eight years, stationed aboard the USS H.W. Bush aircraft carrier as an aircraft weapons system mechanic. His service included combat deployments to the 5th Fleet Area of Operations. He has experienced anxiety and depression due to things he witnessed.

“Father Conrad Targonski (a veteran and Viterbo chaplain) has been a great influence,” said Schoonover, a husband and father of two. “There is a great deal of support for military-aligned students at Viterbo and I have felt very welcome from day one.”

The university offers mental health and spiritual counseling, academic support, extensive assistance navigating college life and veterans’ benefits, activities, and a military-aligned student lounge in which to gather.

Schoonover serves as the president of the Viterbo chapter of the Student Veterans of America. They host a monthly wing night, a movie night, and recently held a very successful brat sale to raise money for the organization. The chapter is open to all students, not just military-aligned or veterans.

“We want to be as inclusive as possible,” he said. “We’re open to all students, and we want to have an open dialogue with anyone who wants to know what it’s like serving in the military or being a veteran.”