“Every human has layers,” said John Pratt, Veteran Services advisor at the Â鶹ӳ». “These students are more than veterans. They each have their own story, and being a veteran is not the main part.”
Pratt was recently highlighted as the national finalist. This award represents over 1,600 chapters nationwide and recognizes exceptional leaders in the Veteran support community. When Pratt was named one of the top five finalists in the nation, it was no surprise to the Veteran Club leaders and members who had a hand in nominating Pratt.
“John was the first person I met when I first came to campus. He was very welcoming and helpful. I have been to three other campuses and their veteran organizations. They didn’t care as much as John did.” David Alizadeh Behbahani, Veteran Club president, said.
The testimonies from students speak for Pratt’s years of dedication to building an impactful veteran community at the University. Pratt said the acknowledgement helped him see the extent of his influence, which he often ignored in the day-to-day grind of supporting students.
“I think that helped me lean into that recognition side of it more because I knew what I did mattered, and I knew I impacted people,” he said. “You just don't know until you see it written over and over in different ways and in different forms.”
Before becoming the Veteran Services advisor, Pratt was an assistant director at the Joe Crowley Student Union for nine years. When the veteran service position opened, Pratt’s background in serving in the Marine Corps for four years, being a student and a strong leader made him a perfect fit for the role.
Pratt instantly knew what the transition feels like he explained, “When I got out, they didn’t have this stuff. So, I didn’t know how [to transition to civilian life].”
This experience speaks to the everyday challenges of transitioning from military to student life. It is common for many to go without a clear support system or guide to ease the transition.
“When you come onto campus, there's no training to get them ready, and (veterans are) used to being trained,” he said, “Without hierarchy your world is flipped upside down.”
Because of Pratt’s personal experience, he recognized the difficulties veterans face when living a highly structured lifestyle. For many, the lack of structure can be overwhelming, especially as they navigate both academic and personal challenges of university life. Pratt’s biggest concern is the diversity of needs within the veteran community. He understands that a one-size-fits-all approach will never work for such a varied group. Pratt’s secret to advising is to lead by listening.
“I have noticed every two years the students change along with their needs, so listening to them is the only way to know what they need.” he said.
One anecdote that Pratt shared about his approach involved a retired Army soldier who had just left the military after 20 years of service and was starting college as a freshman. Pratt recalls the student’s words: “I can do war; I don’t know if I can do school.”
"The transition can make it feel impossible," Pratt added. "For these student veterans, school feels selfish. They go from working as a team, leaning on one another for the same goal, to only focusing on themselves. This new freedom is what can be the hardest to navigate. With the proper support, veterans can overcome these challenges.”
Pratt believes every student veteran has a vital role, regardless of background or experience. Pratt encourages students to look beyond the label of “veteran” and approach their peers as individuals with similar goals.
“Understand that if you are sitting next to a veteran or non-traditional-aged student, they have the same goal as you,” he said. We are here for the same purpose. You can talk to them. If you want to connect to somebody, you can find a way, whether it's about the shirt they are wearing, their backpack, or whatever is important to you, you can start a conversation.”
The supportive environment Pratt has created for student veterans goes beyond the award nomination and titles. For Pratt, being a finalist for Advisor of the Year is not about winning but about reaffirming his commitment to a cause he believes in. By helping the community as a whole grow closer, The Wolf Pack Way.
“When I started this role, it was about creating a space where students could find the support they needed to succeed,” Pratt reflected. And it’s clear from his lasting impact on the community that he’s succeeded in doing just that.
