My name is Peter Latorre, a Marine Corps Infantry Veteran, professional boxer, and Graduate Student at Hofstra University. I proudly serve as the President of the Hofstra Student Veterans Association (HSVA), a student-led organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting veterans as they transition into academic and civilian life.

This January, we have been given the incredible opportunity to attend the Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference in Colorado Springs, CO — the largest gathering of student veterans, advocates, and leaders in the country. The conference provides training, networking, and resources that directly help us improve our chapter, strengthen veteran advocacy on campus, and build leadership skills we’ll carry into our future careers.

Unfortunately, funding for student veterans to attend is limited, and we need your help. Our goal is to raise $2,000 to cover travel, lodging, and registration costs so that HSVA can have a voice at the national level. By attending, we’ll bring back new tools and opportunities to Hofstra — helping us create stronger support systems for student veterans in areas like mental health, career readiness, and academic success.

To show my dedication, I will be running 1 mile for every $5 donated between September and December. That means if we reach our goal, I’ll run 400 miles in honor of everyone who supports our mission. Each step I take represents the resilience and determination of veterans continuing their journey after service.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to this goal and ensures that student veterans at Hofstra are seen, heard, and supported on a national stage.

From myself and the entire HSVA team, thank you for supporting those who served. Your generosity directly invests in the growth, leadership, and success of Hofstra’s veteran community.