Local Purple Heart Veteran Advocates for Those Returning from Combat

Juggling the busy schedule of a college student isn’t easy, but after serving the country in Iraq Rutgers—Camden sophomore Bryan Adams says nothing will be that hard again. But Adams, a Purple Heart veteran from Palmyra, knows firsthand the great challenges facing veterans who are trying to return to everyday life after risking their lives in war. In 2004, his Army foot patrol was ambushed at close range with automatic weapons in Iraq. Although he was shot twice, he survived, and after rehabilitation was able to walk again.

Now he serves as president of the Rutgers—Camden student organization Veterans for Education to advocate for newly returning military veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Comprised of 20 members, the group has organized inspiring events, including a 65-mile run from Camden to New Brunswick last spring to raise awareness and $10,000 in scholarship pledges. This semester the group recently organized a congressional debate between New Jersey State Sen. John Adler (D) and Medford Mayor Chris Meyers (R) on veterans issues in the Third District of New Jersey – an area that boasts one of the highest veteran populations in the country. Approximately 300 people, largely veterans and their families, attended.

“The debate got issues out there and made it public. As a result we’re hoping changes will happen in the state of New Jersey,” says Adams, who hopes to be a business major at Rutgers—Camden. The Purple Heart veteran credits his experience in managing severe crisis situations in war for a new confidence and job opportunities. “People have been contacting me offering me internships and I’m only a sophomore,” he adds.

Adams positive energy was also sensed by Ad Council, which has produced a public service announcement for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America (IAVA). Just this month Adams stayed in New York City for a weekend shoot that sought to capture the emptiness vets can feel when readjusting to civilian life. The PSA will air this Veteran’s Day across the country to raise awareness of IAVA’s new web site that fosters an online community for veterans.  

“After the PSA launches, I will act as one of the media spokespeople for the group.  I will travel back and forth from New York City to Washington D.C. to publicize this campaign on various news stations and networks,” exclaims Adams.

At Rutgers—Camden, Veterans for Education will organize a troop drive on campus to collect gifts and toiletries for American soldiers stationed in Iraq.  Due to the hectic schedules of the members, meetings are often held on the phone or online. To join, student veterans should email Adams at mailto:bryanadamsvets4edu@gmail.com and attach a picture of themselves in uniform.