Jake Kokowicz

Following Boot Camp, and School of Infantry (SOI), Corporal Kokowicz’s first assignment was Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Kings Bay, GA. While with Alpha 2/2 MCSFBn, he served as a 240B Machine Gunner, Security Guard Marine, and Team Leader. Following his motorcycle accident, Corporal Kokowicz was attached to the Wounded Warrior Battalion East at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). He counseled Marines and other branch service members on amputation. While actively pursuing recovery program requirements at WRNMMC, Corporal Kokowicz spoke to patients, primary caregivers, and families about traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) to help set and manage expectations by better understanding possible conditions, treatment, and recuperation.

After being medically retired in 2018, Mr. Kokowicz enrolled in Saginaw Valley State University’s (SVSU) Social Work program in Saginaw, Michigan where he earned his bachelor’s degree (BSW, 2022) and his master’s degree (MSW, 2023). While attending SVSU, Mr. Kokowicz assisted other military-connected students by working for their Military Student Affairs office and participating in their Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, which he became President of from September 2019 – May 2023. While President of SVSU’s SVA Chapter, Mr. Kokowicz was selected and invited to SVA’s Leadership Institute where he attended an immersive leadership experience where he further developed his core values and honed his leadership skills. Upon graduation of his master’s degree in May of 2023, Mr. Kokowicz applied to multiple social work positions at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center (VAMC) where he just recently accepted a position as a limited licensed master social worker for their Caregiver Support Program. Shortly after accepting a social work position at the Battle Creek VAMC, Mr. Kokowicz was invited back to SVA’s Leadership Institute as an SVA Leadership Institute Mentor that takes place October 18– 22, 2023 in Washington DC.