Gaps in student veteran transition as seen by SVA

·1 hr 15 min·5 clips

Abby Kinch explains how government shutdowns and a degree in Chinese led her to study veteran transition gaps.

The episode opens with hosts Adam and another discussing National Medal of Honor Day, noting there are 61 living recipients and sharing personal anecdotes about meeting them. After a break, they introduce guest Abby Kinch, Vice President of Research at Student Veterans of America. Kinch recounts her career journey: enlisting after 9/11, serving as an Air Force Chinese cryptologic linguist, and facing multiple government shutdowns that derailed her plans, leading her to academia and eventually SVA. She discusses her research interests in linguistics and pragmatics, explaining how language shapes veteran identity and policy. Kinch critiques the umbrella term 'military-connected' for erasing unique experiences of different groups like student veterans, active duty, caregivers, and survivors. The conversation shifts to SVA's ongoing basic needs survey, which examines food insecurity, childcare, transportation, and social transition wealth. Kinch shares shocking preliminary data showing high food insecurity among respondents. A co-host shares his personal transition story after being medically discharged from Fallujah with minimal support. Kinch explains how SVA uses data to drive federal policy, equip chapters, and create predictive models for student veteran success. She introduces Veteran Critical Theory as a framework to challenge stereotypes. The episode concludes with 'scuttlebutt' segments on Distinguished Service Cross recipients and actor Gene Hackman's Marine Corps service and death.

As heard by us

Abby Kinch links student veteran research with practical support for making the transition after service less precarious.

Student veteran transition is framed here as a health issue as much as an education one: what happens when a plan for school runs into food insecurity, chronic stress, or the difficult return from service?

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want the human cost of a college plan when food insecurity can arrive after a smart decision.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Tango Alpha Lima Podcast