UCF Graduate Student and Navy Veteran Advocates for Veteran Support at the White House

As a Navy veteran, Michael Richardson is acutely aware of the issues that persist upon returning home from active deployment and reintegrating into society. Such a drastic change can be jarring, but he aims to help make the transition process more manageable for other veterans in his position.

Richardson is deeply engaged in the veteran community at UCF, serving as President of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) UCF Chapter, and dedicating much of his time to forging a supportive community for his military brothers and sisters. The History MA student is also involved with the UCF Community Veterans History Project and the Florida-France Soldiers Stories project. As someone who has experienced the struggles faced by those in the military firsthand, he is passionate about uplifting veterans’ voices and cementing them as part of our nation’s history.

Recently, Richardson was selected through a highly competitive application process to attend the SVA Leadership Institute in Washington D.C. Last month, he traveled to the capitol and visited the White House where he developed valuable skills and connections that will allow him to better advocate for his peers.

“The Leadership Institute situated me with the nation’s best and brightest student veterans,” Richarson says. “I made lifelong friends in Washington; people I know I can always count on. I found my community.”

By participating in such experiences, he hopes to show fellow veterans that anything is possible and to inspire them to pursue their dreams.

“I truly care and am committed to excellence for not only myself but my community and those around me in whatever capacity I am capable of contributing,” Richardson says. “The core Navy values are honor, courage, and commitment, qualities instilled in basic training that I hold near and dear to my heart.” He continues to uphold these values in all aspects of his life.

Currently, Richardson is working on his master’s thesis. His research intends to uncover how much of the content that society consumes is accurate to the historical record or manipulated by media producers to make a profit and how it impacts our collective and historical memory. Through this project, he aims to ensure that veterans’ stories are portrayed accurately, and that history is preserved with integrity.

Despite his success, the journey wasn’t easy. Richardson has faced challenges in managing post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by his military service while balancing his life as a graduate student posed a significant challenge. He credits his daughter for her patience and his wife for unwavering support, saying, “[My wife] is my rock. I wouldn’t be here without my family and my community.”

Richardson says he is also grateful for the support he has received from the faculty in his program. He shares how his professors are understanding and accommodating of his struggles, working with him to ensure his success and well-being.

“The faculty of this department have been instrumental in my assimilation into society.” He is also grateful to his thesis advisor, Barbara Gannon, for allowing him the freedom to pursue his passion and helping him produce the best work possible.

Once he graduates, Richardson plans to work in the federal government before returning to school to pursue a doctoral degree.