How FIU is helping a new generation of veterans find success after military life
Derek Auguste’s father was drafted during the Vietnam War, but he rarely spoke about his service. The extent of his advice to Auguste, especially during high school, was, “Don’t go into the Army. Go to college.”
At first, Auguste took that advice. He attempted to go to college but rekindled a friendship with a former middle school friend, Kelly. They became a couple, and she became pregnant, leaving Auguste at 19 facing fatherhood and an uncertain future.
Auguste tried working in corporate America but felt he lacked discipline, perseverance and resilience; whenever things got difficult, he would quit and move on rather than sticking it out. The military appeared to be the right choice for him.
So at 22, Auguste joined the Army as a young father trying to figure out his path.
Auguste, 43, is now the program director of Florida International University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. His office works to connect military-affiliated students with the resources they need — whether mental health resources, financial support or housing — so they can succeed and set themselves up for life after school.
Auguste was deployed to Iraq from 2007 to 2009, leaving behind his 1-year-old son. Iraq was a challenging experience, especially the “uncomfortable relationship with mortality” that came with being in a combat zone.
Returning from deployment created a distance between Auguste and his family. For years, he said he didn’t realize he was struggling emotionally. He believed he was simply “angry and upset,” which he attributed to military life.
His wife first recognized his symptoms after reading a PTSD questionnaire he brought home, realizing they matched his behavior. Auguste is still in the midst of treatment and receives counseling for PTSD and attends retreats.
When he eventually left the military, transitioning was difficult on many levels, though the GI Bill helped him support his family while he figured out his next steps. Through connections with other veterans, Auguste also found access to resources in the VA and the Wounded Warrior Project, providing much-needed support.
Joining The Mission Continues, a nonprofit empowering veterans to serve their communities, became a pivotal experience.
Working on service projects with other veterans helped Auguste reconnect with his purpose and allowed his family to share in meaningful activities — like building a soccer field or creating a mural — that brought them closer. Auguste said the organization made such an impact on his family that his wife began working at The Mission Continues and is now a senior manager.
When a position opened at FIU for program director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs in January 2023, Auguste applied, driven by his community work rather than experience in higher education.
Although transitioning to higher ed presented a learning curve, he finds the work rewarding. His office provides military-affiliated students with comprehensive support, not just academically, but also for life’s challenges. FIU also has a “Veteran Success on Campus” counselor who is dedicated to supporting the entire military community.
Auguste said that while the GI Bill is a great benefit, it doesn’t address all the challenges veterans face. Veterans must take a full class load to maximize their benefits, which can be difficult if they have financial or transportation issues.
“I had one veteran who worked night shifts to make enough money to live,” Auguste said. “And they would leave their night shift at 6:30 in the morning, and they had their first class at 8 a.m.”
Auguste acknowledges that more resources are still needed. However, he emphasizes that the university’s commitment, from President Kenneth Jessell down through all levels, has been unwavering.
“It’s refreshing when everyone’s on the same page to acknowledge that this population of students has a special place in everyone’s heart,” Auguste said.
