Thursday, February 15, 2008
Six questions for Mark Vanneste
Mark Vanneste is a 28-year-old from ShelbyTownship, Michigan. A second- year law student, Mark holds two bachelor degrees from MichiganState: Economics and Human Biology.
ON THE ROAD: WHY VETERANS LAW AND THE MOBILE LAW OFFICE?
Mark Vanneste: The mobile law office is a great opportunity for UDM law students to gain valuable experience and distinguish ourselves from others when we graduate. The Veterans Clinic is a wonderful way to gain that valuable experience while contributing to a group of people who are in desperate need of help. The clinic is truly a win-win for everyone involved.
ON THE ROAD: DID YOU PICK SAN ANTONIO, OR DID THEY PICK YOU?
Mark Vanneste: Honestly, all of the cities the MVC will visit need assistance. Not only do the veterans need assistance, but pro bono attorneys in those cities need information about federal veterans benefits. Being a second-semester student, I wanted to go on one of the first trips to best use what I have learned to help our cause.
ON THE ROAD: WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO MEETING YOUR FIRST VETERAN?
Mark Vanneste: When I first started meeting with vets, I was shocked at the consistent feeling of underrepresentation and hopelessness. I could not help but put myself in that person's shoes and wonder what I would do to support my family and myself. If you are disabled and unable to work and are being denied any government (VA) assistance, what are you supposed to do? No one should ever be in that situation, especially the person who only is in that situation because of the ultimate sacrifice he or she made to this country.
ON THE ROAD: HAVE YOU SERVED IN THE MILITARY, OR EVER THOUGHT ABOUT SERVING, AND HAS THE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE MILITARY?
Mark Vanneste: I have never served and I had never thought about it until working with veterans. Working in the Veterans Clinic has definitely increased my admiration for our soldiers, present as well as past, and has given me a new appreciation for the sacrifices they make so that the rest of us do not have to.
I have wondered many times if I could find the courage and fortitude in myself to live through many of the stories I have heard and then deal with that, mentally, for the rest of my life.
ON THE ROAD: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A BROTHER/SISTER WHO WAS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
Mark Vanneste: If my brother told me he wanted to enlist, I would be very proud and supportive of him. However, I have to admit that inside I would hope he would change his mind. I cannot imagine a more noble service to your country than fighting for its freedom, but after the horror stories I have heard about what that service actually involves and how it affects a person afterward, it has to be scary for any family member to send a loved one into the military.
ON THE ROAD: WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL GOALS, HOPES, AND THOUGHTS ABOUT SAN ANTONIO, THE CITY, AND THE EXPERIENCE?
Mark Vanneste: Having never been to San Antonio, I am anxious and excited to see an area of the country I have yet to visit. But, our job there is to help veterans, train pro bono attorneys, and spread the word about the lack of help veterans have and how lawyers and future lawyers can get involved.