Veterans Student Services Center Welcomes DoD SkillBridge Intern, Marlon Thomas

The staff and students of the Veterans Student Services Center (VSSC) at Idaho State University wish to express great thanks to the Idaho Veteran Chamber of Commerce for connecting us with Department of Defense SkillBridge Intern, Marlon “Thomas” Thomas. Mr. Thomas came to work with us as a Petty Officer 1st Class from the U.S. Navy in the early fall of 2023. Immediately, his tremendous enthusiasm and cultivated leadership impacted the performance of our Center in a very positive way. Thomas immersed himself in the operations of the VSSC. He quickly became very knowledgeable in student advocacy and support. He has reviewed and reevaluated a great deal of the operating procedures of the Center, and coordinated training for the Student Outreach Specialist that make up the staff of the VSSC.

Thomas not only became a significant member of the VSSC, but he has also contributed to the campus community as a whole. He assisted with the set-up of the Festival of Trees in celebration of the holiday season, where he and our Veteran Facility Support Dog, Hero, represented the Veteran and military-connected community. In January, Thomas was invited to be a keynote speaker at the ISU, Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. His presentation was inspiring and thought-provoking for the audience of students, staff, and community members.

It has been a tremendous honor to welcome Mr. Thomas as a DOD SkillBridge Intern, and it is equally exciting to now have him as part of the team in the role of a Career Path Intern and VA Outreach Specialist. He became a new ISU student in January, just before the end of his career in the Navy, and will be studying toward a degree in Psychology while continuing on the staff of the VSSC.

Marlon Thomas is a valuable example of the transferable skills and work ethic obtained through military service. We are grateful to the DOD SkillBridge program and the Idaho Veteran Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring Thomas in his burgeoning education and career path.