Officers' Biography

President - Jessica Dunn

• Jessica's personal statement to VATS

  Hello fellow Veterans and extended community, it is good to meet you even through this small write-up. I hear your calls for representation here at Texas State University (TXST). After speaking with Rob and others in the Veterans Alliance of Texas State (VATS), you have asked me to consider the President role…I salute you, I have listened, and therefore will serve, as you so elect.

  Why I care about VATS, I care about Veterans, service, and creating a community here. I want you to know – I understand. I served (21 years), married to my husband (25 years of service), my Grandfather was a POW in the Great Raid, my father is a Vietnam Veteran, my brother served, my nephew currently serves, I have kids that have moved too many times, I have a disability from my Iraq deployment, which I share, to encourage others to seek VA assistance. Painfully, I have lost comrades through suicide. I am a member of multiple Veteran organizations. The list goes on how we share our experiences, sacrifices, and have mutual understanding. Know that I respect you for facing your challenges here at TXST and pressing on. I look forward to working with you all and creating a shared vision here, as fellow students, at TXST.

• John's personal statement to VATS

  As a student veteran, my primary goal would be to enhance and strengthen the support for our military-connected students on campus. One goal I want to achieve as an executive board member is to improve and ease the transition for veterans entering the university. Whether that is connecting them with other veterans or getting them the necessary resources to succeed in their academics. My second goal is to foster a higher sense of community through events that promote camaraderie and mutual support. As vice president from last school year, I learned that through our sponsored socials, we have a good group of veterans that come out and get connected. This year, I would like to expand on that and aim for higher turnouts. This year I would like to help in any way I can and leverage my experience and skills in several ways including advocacy and representation, community building, and resource enhancement. By engaging with faculty and fellow students/organizations, I would like to foster a culture of appreciation and respect for the unique perspectives and contributions that veterans bring to the university. Through these efforts, Texas State can continue to evolve as an institution for supporting not only veterans, but dependents and family. 

• Nate's personal statement to VATS

  My Name is Gerald L. NatalRoman (Nate), Retired from the United States Army, with 27 years of service and served in multiple leadership positions. Currently enrolled in the Texas State University, San Marcos, Tx. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports and Science, with a certification in all levels Physical Education and a Minor in History. Bottom Line Up Front, I’m seeking to be elected to the Veterans Alliance of Texas State Executive Board in the Position of Chief of Staff, as a current student and veteran, I will always speak and advocate on behalf of all student veterans in any platform and forums at Texas State University.

• Hailey's personal statement to VATS

  Hello everyone! I'm Hailey Alonzo, and I'm honored to announce my candidacy for the position of Director of Communications for VATS in the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.
  
  Since joining VATS this past January as the Social Media Chair and Executive Assistant, I've gained invaluable experience and insights into the organization's marketing needs. During my tenure, I've successfully forged connections with various campus organizations ( One being The Gold Star Society where members serve as official student representatives on behalf of the university and the University President at campus and community functions) and prominent companies, laying the groundwork for future collaborations that will undoubtedly benefit VATS.
  
  Moreover, through my current roles, I've developed a comprehensive understanding of VATS's marketing strategies and objectives. I'm confident that my knowledge, coupled with my dedication and innovative ideas, will enable me to take our marketing efforts to new heights, further elevating VATS's presence and impact.
  
  If elected as the Director of Communications, I pledge to leverage my expertise and relationships to create dynamic campaigns that resonate with our target audiences. I will work endlessly to enhance our visibility, foster meaningful partnerships, and ultimately contribute to the continued growth and success of our organization.
  
  Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve VATS in this critical role.