Club Advisor Feature: Survivor and Veteran Experiences (SAVE)

Daniel Miller, Arrowhead Social Studies teacher, has been a co-advisor of SAVE (Survivor and Veteran Experiences) since 2016.  The club began about 10 years ago by incoming freshmen who created the club as a project for middle school.  They came to Mrs. Morgan (the current co-advisor and Miller’s current coworker) with the idea and were able to continue it as a club.

As a SAVE club advisor, Miller works with Morgan and the executive board (which consists of students) to plan events, meetings, set up interviews with veterans, and address any issues that may come up along the way.

A typical SAVE club meeting focuses on brainstorming for upcoming events, and is usually accompanied by an educational opportunity of some sort, such as a student presentation.  In the past, students have brought in genuine and replica artifacts and shared information on war-related subjects they are passionate and knowledgeable about.

Throughout his experience with the club, Miller has had the opportunity to learn and socialize with veterans from Iwo Jima, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Vietnam War.  He states that the most life-changing experience he has had with the club is being able to socialize with and hear about veterans’ experiences.  He says that this can be “part of the healing process (as well as) a learning opportunity for students.”

SAVE works with multiple organizations and charities to collect toiletries and clothing for the Milwaukee Veterans Associations.  They also fundraise for veterans to participate in the Honor Flight, a program in which veterans can fly to Washington DC to see the memorials for the war they fought in.

This coming year, the club plans to continue interviewing veterans and would like to be able to host some type of social gathering, such as a coffee event.  

Miller has also expressed an interest in a “possible spaghetti dinner to raise money for the honor flight,” like they have in years past.

Any current Arrowhead students interested in joining should contact Morgan, Miller, or Max Rebella (the club’s President).