Veterans Association

The Massachusetts School of Law Veterans Association is a chapter of the Student Veterans of America. Our mission is to bring all former and current military students together for academic and moral support, community involvement, and a companionship all military members share.

The Massachusetts School of Law Veterans Association started in the fall of 2011 when a group of first-year law students teamed up to support the men and women that serve our country. The organization was intially led by President Deanna Deveney and Vice President Hadler Charles. The organization started with a mission to raise enough money to erect a large flagpole and dedication monument in front of the school. The organization sold t-shirts, had fundraisers at local restaurants, and sold baked goods at the school until they finally raised enough money to complete their mission.

On May 4th, 2013, the organization raised the flag for the first time to honor all of the men and women who serve our country. MSLAW continues this tradition by observing and celebrating Veterans Day with a small ceremony each year at the flag with the entire MSLAW community.

Since its inception, Professor Paula Colby-Clements has served as the faculty advisor to the MSLAW Student Veteran’s Association. MSLAW has a strong veteran population as well as many family members of servicemen and women. Joshua Leard (3L) is the current president of the organization and is helping to organize the team for this years Run for The Troops 5K. MSLAW has been involved with this 501c(3) charitable organization since its creation 10 years ago. This organization was initially formed to help the national Homes For Our Troops organization build and donate specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans.

Each year, there is a 5K Walk/Run and a community Dinner & Silent Auction to honor our nations veterans. In addition to funds, these events raise awareness of the needs of our soldiers.  The public often forgets the hard human cost for a few to maintain freedom for us all. In addition to raising funds to benefit Homes For Our Troops, the Run for The Troops 5K organizations’ mission has expanded to support veteran services provided by Ironstone Farm, and Homeland Heroes Foundation. MSLAW fields a team every year with this year’s team being 39 members strong. The team consists of current students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families.