Appalachian State University is more dedicated than ever to helping military-affiliated students thrive on campus and in the community. This dedication begins during their transition from service to education, and lasts through to graduation and entering the workforce.
Government Shutdown and Your Benefits
Current situation (as of Oct 15, 2025)
The federal government shutdown began October 1, 2025. Many federal agencies and programs are impacted with nonessential functions suspended or delayed. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a contingency plan that preserves many of its core services during a shutdown.
What the VA says: Benefits and Education Payments Will Continue
According to VA’s contingency planning:
- VA benefits (including education, compensation, pension, housing) will continue to be processed and delivered even during the shutdown.
- Hotlines & support services impacted:
- The GI Bill / VA Education hotline (1-888-442-4551) and AskVA will be closed effective October 3, 2025.
- VR&E counselors have been furloughed as of October 2 and services are suspended, but ongoing payments will continue.
In short: your GI Bill or other VA education benefits (tuition, housing stipend, etc.) are expected to continue on schedule, but customer support and processing for new or changing claims may face delays or limited availability.
All students that have submitted an enrollment datasheet have been certified to the VA.
Major General Edward M. Reeder, Jr. Student Veteran Resource Center
The Major General Edward M. Reeder Jr. Student Veteran Resource Center, located in App State's Plemmons Student Union, serves the needs of App State students who are active-duty military personnel and veterans, as well as dependents receiving military education benefits. The center, on the second floor of the Plemmons Student Union, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Reeder ’81, a retired two-star major general with the U.S. Army, was awarded Appalachian’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013. He was a student veteran at Appalachian. He spent 34 years in the military, deploying to more than 30 countries. At the close of his deployment as commanding general of NATO special operations component command, former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani bestowed Reeder with the First Degree Baryal Medal, Afghanistan’s highest award for public service, for his work in counter-terrorism and training of Afghan forces.
Awards and Accolades
We are proud of the hard work and dedication that has gone into App State earning these designations.
Since 2010, App State has been designated as a Military Friendly School. For 2025-2026, App State was ranked for its efforts to help military-affiliated students thrive on campus and in the surrounding community.
We've been in the selective rankings for Military Times "Best for Vets" since 2018.
News
App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26 Oct 9, 2025
Appalachian State University has been designated a 2025–26 Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY, earning the distinction for the 16th co
Student Veteran Spotlight: John Diekmann Jan 31, 2025
John Diekmann, a U.S.
Caitlin Langley Recipient of Inclusive Excellence for Students Award May 15, 2023
Caitlin Langley, army reservist and student veteran, received The Inclusive Excellence for Students Award for the 2022-2023 academic year.
