Veterans Building Veterans: How Steven and Kyle Are Creating Community at Boise State University

When veterans leave the military, the transition doesn’t end with a DD-214. For many, the shift from structured service to campus life can feel isolating, uncertain, and overwhelming.

That’s exactly why Boise State students and Wyakin veterans Steven Wilson and Kyle McKinsey stepped up to rebuild the Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter at Boise State.

This isn’t just about restarting a student organization. It’s about rebuilding camaraderie, restoring purpose, and creating a space where veterans can thrive together – and it’s a powerful example of veterans putting into practice the leadership and community mindset they continue to develop through Wyakin.

Rebuilding What was lost

The SVA chapter at Boise State had largely disbanded during COVID. When conversations began about restarting it, Kyle saw more than a gap, he saw a need.

Pictured: Kyle (right) during his time in the USAF

After 17 years in the U.S. Air Force, Kyle returned to school as a non-traditional student and is now pursuing his MBA (Class of 2027). Like many veterans, he initially felt out of place navigating campus life.

“I was sure I wasn’t alone,” he shared. “Forming an official chapter at BSU is a great way to help the many veterans on campus enjoy the camaraderie they may have lost after they left the service.”

Steven, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2009–2016 in Supply and Logistics, understood that need as well. Now studying Construction Management (Class of 2027), he had previously experienced how transformative it can be to have other veterans around during school.

Pictured: Steven (right) during his time in the USMC.

“My most successful experience in school was when I had other veterans around me,” he said. “It helped me bond again and gave me a sense of purpose.”

Through their own transition journeys – supported by mentorship, accountability, and community – both recognized that leadership sometimes means building the very structure you wish you had.

Creating infrastructure that lasts

Steven and Kyle didn’t simply revive the club, they are intentionally building infrastructure that will outlast them.

Their goal is to ensure that veteran students at Boise State have consistent opportunities for camaraderie, leadership development, networking, and service. They want future veterans walking onto campus to immediately know there is a place for you here.

What makes this especially meaningful is that this effort is student-led. Veterans who understand the transition firsthand are guiding their peers through it. They are strengthening their own leadership skills while creating impact for others; a reflection of the initiative and ownership we encourage in every Wyakin veteran.

Steven with his Construction Management Classmates

Steven at the Veterans Services Center at Boise State

What SVA at Boise state stands for

The Student Veterans of America at Boise State exists to help veterans and their families translate military experience into academic and professional success.

Built on the pillars of camaraderie, development, and service, the chapter provides a dedicated space where student veterans can connect, grow, and continue serving their community in new ways.

It’s a mission closely aligned with ours: veterans thrive when they have strong community, clear direction, and meaningful opportunities. While SVA focuses on peer connection at the campus level, Wyakin works alongside veterans to help them stay on track academically, connect to mentors, and expand professional and community engagement opportunities.

Together, that layered support strengthens the entire veteran ecosystem at Boise State.

Thinking Bigger: National leadership & long term impact

One of the chapter’s major goals is sending student leaders to the SVA National Conference — the largest gathering of student veterans in the country. There, they can learn best practices, build relationships with industry leaders, and bring new ideas back to Boise.

For Steven and Kyle, this isn’t about recognition. It’s about sustainability. It’s about building something strong enough to serve veterans long after they graduate.

Their leadership also strengthens collaboration between organizations. They regularly connect fellow student veterans to Wyakin when additional support may be beneficial, and we encourage veterans in our network to engage with SVA for peer community on campus. It’s a mutually reinforcing partnership focused on one outcome: veteran success.

Kyle enjoying his outdoor hobbies.

Both Steven and Kyle embody something we see often in veterans — initiative. They didn’t wait for someone else to create the space they needed. They built it.

From organizing networking events to expanding local industry connections and fostering peer mentorship, their efforts strengthen not only veteran students but the broader Boise community.

They are students helping students. Veterans building veterans.

We are proud to support two Wyakin veterans who are taking initiative and putting into practice exactly what we believe in: investing in one another and strengthening the community around them.

Supporting their mission

If you’d like to learn more about the newly revitalized SVA chapter at Boise State, you can visit their website here: Home – Student Veterans of America | Boise State University or support them directly through Bronco Gives happening now through March 5th.

Veterans have always relied on each other. Now, thanks to leaders like Steven and Kyle, they have a place to do that at Boise State, together.

We are proud to support two Wyakin Veterans who are taking initiative and putting into practice exactly what we believe in: investing in one another and strengthening the community around them. what we believe in: investing in one another and strengthening the community around them.