18 UW-Green Bay students called to National Guard service for Hurricane Irma

On Monday, Sept. 11, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay officials were alerted that 18 UW-Green Bay students who serve in the National Guard have been called in for military reserve duty to provide support to the residents of Florida. Their mission is to assist with relief efforts following Hurricane Irma and prepare for the possibility of landfall by Hurricane Jose in the days ahead.

Many of them left on Tuesday, September 11. Ultimately, 25 students from UW-Green Bay may be deployed to Florida with the Guard. (Pictured, UW-Green Bay student Nicolas Cravillion takes a selfie with his unit as they exit Wisconsin on a transport plane).

UW-Green Bay Chancellor Gary L. Miller sent out a communication to University faculty, staff and students, notifying them of the commitment and asking for flexibility for the students as they serve on this mission.

“I hope you are as proud of our students as I am and will join me in thanking these students for their service during this important mission,” he said. “We ask the campus community to provide our students with the support and flexibility needed to focus on their mission, both now as they activate and later upon their return to their academic careers,”

Faculty and staff who have questions or are looking for ways to support these students are encouraged to contact Elaina Koltz, koltze@uwgb.edu, veteran services coordinator in UW-Green Bay’s Office of Financial Aid. Read more about the Wisconsin National Guard in its efforts to support Hurricane Irma relief.

“These students have answered the call for help, and as a campus, we have a responsibility to respond to their call for help when they return,” Miller said. “Please keep them in your thoughts as we wish for their safe and expedient return to the Phoenix Family.”