SUNY New Paltz’s Office of Veteran & Military Services hires ROTC cadet as first intern through SUNY program

SUNY New Paltz’s Office of Veteran & Military Services (OVMS) has appointed Derek Mendez ’26 (Computer Science) as a 2024-25 intern through a new SUNY-wide internship program which gives veteran students an opportunity to directly support military-affiliated students on campus. 

Mendez is working towards a bachelor’s degree in computer science as an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadet. He enrolled in SUNY New Paltz in fall 2023 and will be taking classes while undergoing military training through New Paltz’s partnerships with Marist and Fordham Universities, which host trainings for cadets from across New York state. 

In his internship with OVMS, Mendez will focus on engagement opportunities for his more than 300 veteran and military-affiliated peers.  

“My entire purpose in this capacity is to find ways of strengthening that connection between OVMS and my fellow students,” said Mendez.  

The Veterans Enrollment and Support Internship Program is part of an initiative in 23 SUNY institutions launched by SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. with a specific focus on the recruitment and support of veteran students through the Office of Enrollment Management and veteran offices at select SUNY campuses. 

“This is a unique opportunity to use SUNY funds to grow and support our community of veterans, actively serving members and their families,” said Assistant Director of the Office of Veteran & Military Services Donnie Martin. “We believe Derek’s experience in the National Guard and ROTC will allow him to assist prospective and current students as they work to achieve their educational goals.” 

Mendez’s appointment cements New Paltz’s and the Office of Veterans & Military Services’ decade-long commitment to supporting veteran and military-affiliated students, which has garnered recognition for the University. The University recently ranked No. 7 among Northeast institutions on the Best Colleges for Veterans list from the 2025 U.S. News & World Report best colleges rankings. 

Click here to learn more about the Office of Veteran & Military Services at SUNY New Paltz.