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In the quiet halls of East Tennessee State University this summer, an important initiative took shape with a powerful mission – to better support ETSU’s nearly 1,000 military-affiliated students as they navigate their higher education journey.  

The inaugural Green Zone Training, led by Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis M.Ed. graduate Cody Morelock, aims to equip faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills to create a welcoming and supportive environment for student veterans and military-affiliated individuals.  

Morelock, an academic adviser in ETSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, developed the training as part of his master’s capstone project. His vision: to create a “Green Zone” across campus where military-affiliated students can find faculty and staff who understand their unique experiences and challenges.   

“Creating Green Zone Training at ETSU has been incredibly rewarding,” said Morelock, who also serves as vice president of Staff Senate. “Our military-affiliated students bring unique strengths to our campus, while also facing unique challenges. My goal is to ensure they feel understood and supported here. This training is a way for our campus community to show our commitment to this population, helping them thrive both academically and personally.”  

The inaugural session, held at the Academic Advisement Council meeting earlier this semester, trained 24 staff members, each earning a Green Zone Military Friendly Area of Operation decal for their offices. An additional training was held during the sixth annual Equity and Inclusion Conference in September, allowing for the training of 12 additional members of the ETSU community. 

“This initiative speaks volumes about ETSU’s commitment to serving our veterans and military families,” said retired Col. Dan Bishop, director of Military and Veteran Services. “Green Zone Training is another step in ensuring that our military-affiliated students feel understood and supported on campus, creating a true sense of community.”  

Such dedicated efforts have helped ETSU earn the prestigious Military Friendly School designation for the 14th consecutive year, securing a silver status as one of the top institutions in the nation for veteran support. The university offers priority class registration, exclusive study spaces, financial assistance and memberships in organizations like the Student Veterans of America — all designed to help military-affiliated students succeed.  

Green Zone Training builds on this foundation, reinforcing ETSU’s mission to foster an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for those who serve.