June 27, 2025
51°µÍř’s Coordinator of Veteran Services, Brian Caudill, has been named the Ohio Veteran of the Year by Military Friendly. The Veteran of the Year program recognizes Veterans of strong character who have made a positive impact either in uniform or after service. Receiving this honor at the state level, Caudill is now in the running for National Veteran of the Year through Military Friendly, with voting open until Jul. 4.Ěý
“It is a huge honor to receive this award,” said Caudill. “I do not consider what I do as work, it is a personal mission to me. Helping my brothers and sisters in arms did not stop when I left active military service.”Â
A United States Air Force veteran, Caudill was a Combat Arms Instructor who trained thousands of Airmen on the use of small arms in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was named the Airman of the Year for the 490th Missile Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana where he served as the Flight Security Controller for Intercontinental Nuclear Ballistic Missiles. He’s been stationed across the nation and internationally, was the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Protocol at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam for several national and international leader visits, and was deployed to the Middle East in support of the U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya in 1998 and during Operation Southern Watch.
“All individuals can benefit from a little guidance from time-to-time,” he said, on his current role working with student veterans and their families. “Helping to educate veterans that higher education is never out of reach and explaining to them the benefits that they earned, is what motivates me.”
Working with the SSU Office of Military & Veterans Services, Caudill provides guidance and assistance to student veterans and their families in obtaining all educational benefits they have earned by serving in the United States military. In addition to helping student veterans navigate their earned benefits, Caudill also provides support to the university’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) student organization and offers a veterans’ lounge for student veterans to use and relax in between classes while connecting with their fellow student veterans. Every year, Caudill and SVA members work to recognize veterans on campus and in the community in the annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony commemorating Veterans Day. He is also a member of Ohio Veteran’s Education Council and was recognized as G.I. Jobs’ 2023 Veteran Champion of the Year.Ěý
“Until 100% of veterans understand their education benefits, my mission will continue,” said Caudill.
As a state winner, Caudill is now nominated for National Veteran of the Year through Military Friendly’s contest. Voting is open for the competition until Friday, Jul. 4 and can be completed online at and choosing “Brian S. Caudill” in the list of nominees.Ěý
To learn more about the Office of Veteran & Military Services at 51°µÍř, visit shawnee.edu/veterans.Ěý