Pat Tillman Veterans Center welcomes new VA counselor

Pat Tillman Veterans Center welcomes new VA counselor

July 16, 2024

The Pat Tillman Veterans Center at Arizona State University welcomed Andre' Thomas recently as the new VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) counselor who will help military-affiliated students access and learn about their Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits.

Thomas is an eight-year Army veteran with a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling and extensive experience in vocational counseling. Prior to ASU, he served as the vocational rehabilitation counselor at the VA in Hilo, Hawaii.

As the VSOC Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor here, Thomas becomes the direct link to the VA on behalf of over 19,000 ASU students using G.I. Bill benefits, including veterans, Guard, reserves, active duty and military family members. ASU is one of 104 schools nationally with a VSOC program and an on-site VA counselor.

"Having a representative in person delivers the kind of quality customer service that both the school and VA strive to provide," said Michelle Loposky, director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at the PTVC. "Prospective students can rest assured knowing a VA expert is here to go over their G.I. Bill benefits, lessening stress and anxiety."

With the addition of Thomas, the veterans center is further enhancing its commitment to providing personalized, high-quality support to student veterans. Thomas' expertise in vocational counseling and his deep understanding of the military experience make him an invaluable resource for the ASU military student community.

Since 2018, Thomas has helped veterans and service members transition to civilian careers through personalized rehabilitation and employment plans. At ASU, he looks forward to the on-campus experience, while assisting student veterans understand their benefits and guiding them through any challenging or unfamiliar processes.

"I will do my best to provide stellar customer service and guidance to help veterans on their educational journey," Thomas said. "I'm committed to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles so they can achieve their career goals."

The VSOC program is part of the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration. The VSOC counselor can also help veterans with vocational exploration and assistance in selecting suitable careers and electing health care benefits with the Veterans Healthcare Administration. The counselor also provides information about referrals to VA medical centers, informs veterans on submitting disability claims, along with helping locate community and other resources. Additionally, the counselor is a resource to learn more about other VA benefits, such as life insurance, home loan guarantees, etc.