From books to planes and now, back to books, third year law student Angel Betancourt recently founded the Idaho Veteran’s Law Association at the University of Idaho. After graduating from Central Washington University and serving four years in Iraq on the Tactical Air Control Party, Betancourt is now President of the IVLA after he proposed the student organization to the Student Bar Association last spring.
“I think that before you take the lead, you really do need to learn how to follow and see how things are happening,” Betancourt said. “I think I did that and once I knew the ins and outs of what and how things happen around here, I decided to stand up and do something.”
Matt Jessup, IVLA executive board member and social media manager, said the IVLA has been successful so far this year because of Betancourt’s hard work.
“Angel is very passionate about veteran’s issues,” Jessup said.
As a veteran himself, Betancourt thought it was important to create awareness of the presence of veterans at UI’s law school. He said it’s easy to get caught up in academics and forget about the rest of the world.
“We’re letting our students know that there are veterans among them, that means people that serve their country, people that have been deployed and people that have had difficult experiences,” Betancourt said. “The country is still at war and I think because it’s been so long that we don’t really talk or think about it anymore, there are still people dying.”
Currently, the IVLA consists of both veterans and non-veterans, totaling 12 active members. Betancourt said anyone interested can join.
Graduate and Professional Student Association President Kate Cobb and Betancourt teamed up to plan a veterans dinner for Monday — Veterans Day.
In order to cover catering costs, the IVLA accepted donations from the SBA, the UI Diversity and Civil Rights Center and GPSA. ASUI agreed to sponsor the dinner, as well as the Dean of Students Office through the Veterans Center.
The dinner will be held in the International Ballroom located on the second floor of the Student Union Building. It will be free for all veterans and open to the community.
“Sometimes soldiers come back not necessarily as strong as when they left,” Betancourt said. “I think it’s important for those that are healthy and able to unite and be the strength that they need.”
Retired colonel, local lawyer and UI Law school alum, Robert Wakefield is scheduled to speak at the Veterans Day dinner.
“The sky’s the limit (for IVLA),” Betancourt said. “As veterans that have served, we have a social and moral responsibility to be the strength for returning airmen, soldiers and sailors. It’s important to me, it’s important to the veterans here.”
Arianna Anchustegui can be reached at [email protected]