Tucson, Ariz.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated the University of Arizona’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter for being named “Chapter of the Year” by the national group. The chapter works closely with the University’s pioneering Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) program, which began in 2008 through money Rep. Grijalva sought at the federal level.

Both the national SVA and the University of Arizona chapter began in 2008. More than 300 other chapters around the country were eligible for the award, which was granted at the organization’s third annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The University has seen the highest number of student veterans in its history this year, increasing the need for career, educational and reintegration services at the school. The VETS program has received federal funding each year since its inception with Rep. Grijalva’s support, and the school is now one of only four in the country to offer scholarships through the Pat Tillman Foundation’s Tillman Military Scholars Program.

“The University is getting some much-deserved national recognition these days for its extraordinary work with student veterans, and today’s news is another reminder of the commitment the school has made to continuing that proud tradition,” Grijalva said. “Both the students and staff at the University have made veterans services a priority, and the SVA’s work over the past two years has been exceptional.”

Grijalva said he would continue to support veterans services and the VETS program at the University in future years and “spread the word about what a wonderful model the school’s services and programs provide for other universities, whatever their size or location. The SVA has led the way in showing how returning soldiers can succeed in school and in their future careers, and the country can benefit from its example.”