Geared Up for Good

Inside the United States Military, active-duty servicemembers are equipped with the 
advanced tools and technology they need to complete their missions.  

But the civilian world is a different story. For student veterans entering college—many who also have the financial demands of raising a family and owning a home—the rising cost of higher education is a significant burden to bear.  

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) assists Auburn University's military community in a variety of ways, but one of its most impactful programs is Rucksacks to Backpacks, which gives student veterans the literal tools they need for academic success.  

"You look at veterans who are transitioning into higher education compared to your traditional students, they're doing a lot of the most difficult parts of life all at the same time,” said Curtis Pippin ’17, program manager for the Veterans Resource Center. “This is just one small thing that we can do for these individuals to help give them a hand up as they pursue their academic goals here at Auburn.” 

Since 2016, Rucksacks to Backpacks has provided qualifying student veterans with a demonstrated need items like laptops and smartphones, which are essential now to college courses. The success of the program is due in no small part to Tiger Giving Day donors, who since 2020 have raised more than $77,000 for Rucksacks to Backpacks, providing more student veterans than ever before the peace of mind they need to excel in this new journey. 

Life After Service

Pippin understands the challenges of transitioning to life as a college student. After more than six years of active duty as a medic with the U.S. Army, he came to the Plains with the “military mindset” that everyone is personally accountable for their success.  

“No one will swoop in and save the day—if there's an issue preventing you from accomplishing your goals, you better fix it,” said Pippin. “A lot of military members have that mindset, and they're not really looking for resources.” 

Recently returned from his third deployment, Pippin has helped make the VRC an indispensable resource for Auburn's military community, from promoting resources like academic guidance and mental health services to organizing events for local servicemembers.  

Rucksacks to Backpacks is one of the most visible examples of the VRC impact, providing a true helping hand when student veterans need it most. Once student veterans receive their items, they own them, easing their transition into their careers and setting them up for professional success even after they leave the Plains.  

“It's great to see Auburn show an appreciation for these individuals who were willing to go out and serve our country,” said Pippin. “They don't ask for anything in return, but as Lincoln said, [we have] a sacred oath to take care of these individuals and their families, because they are the ones that are defending our freedom.”

Equipped to Succeed  

Senior in aviation management Henry J. Mercado joined the military after spending time in college more than a decade ago and hoped the same laptop and iPad would be enough to continue. But to access new software and his online flight lessons, he needed a newer model.  

With family expenses to consider in addition to school, he was prepared to settle for a rental laptop when he learned about Rucksacks to Backpacks. He says applying “was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made.”  

“I did not realize how much I was struggling to get schoolwork done on my iPad,” said Mercado. “I became more effective, resulting in straight A’s for the semester. I exceeded my expectations, and part of the reason was the new laptop I was gifted by the Rucksacks to Backpacks program.”  

Charlotte Ryder, a junior in professional flight—as well as an electrical power production journeyman in the USAF Reserves with the 908 CES at Maxwell Air Force Base—struggled with reintegration and balancing her military commitments with school and a part-time job.  
After her laptop gave out, she was attending all her online classes on an in-library computer, adding stress to an already challenging situation. Rucksacks to Backpacks replaced her computer, allowing her to focus more on her academic success.   

“The support I have received from Rucksacks to Backpacks has allowed me to transition successfully back into my life as a college student,” said Ryder. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it and hope that many others will be able to share these same types of opportunities in the future.”