James Schmeling

I'm the Executive Vice President, Strategic Engagement for Student Veterans of America. Prior to this position, I co-founded the Institute for Veterans and Military families and helped grow it to over $7 million in annual funding, the third research institute I've helped to found or grow at a university. I'm an Air Force veteran, honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant. I was stationed in Colorado, California and Spain and worked with active duty and civil service employees and Spanish Air Force and National Geographic Institute staff while assigned to the Air Force Technical Applications Center as a seismic systems computer-electronics technician, responsible for repair logistics in the Atomic Energy Detection System. The best assignment I ever had was being stationed in Spain from 1991 to 1993 (think Olympics, World Expo, wine, Jamon Iberico!). I earned my law degree with distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law and a B.A. in political science with a minor in international studies (Latin America) from Iowa State University.