UD / Roundup
The sizzling meat sent a deep aroma wafting through the air along the Pierce College Mall, but the real buzz came from the grills as the re-established Student Veterans Organization (SVO) flipped burgers and hotdogs during their first event Wednesday.
Set up strategically near the centrally-located Great Hall, SVO members struggled to keep up with the unexpected outpouring of campus support for their cause. Originally scheduled from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the support (and hunger) of passing students forced club members to extend the “burger burn” for another hour.
If one measures success purely by turn-out, the SVO’s first public event was a shining success. If one measures with a slightly different standard, however, the event was a monumental victory for both Pierce College and its resident veterans.
After only a few hours, the SVO’s money box was $750 heavier, and the message was out: The Student Veterans Organization is moving at full steam. The almost 800 veterans here at Pierce College finally have a voice, and it is a voice that will not be silenced or marginalized. In a climate somewhat oppressive for veterans, this club offers a helping hand, an understanding ear, and real representation.
Veterans face many hurdles on their journey to a successful civilian life. Unfortunately, many veterans fall through the cracks because there is no direct line between an individual veteran and the agencies that can help. It’s like putting together a puzzle without the box top- it can be done, but it takes more time and opens one up to making many mistakes along the way.
Pierce veterans are fortunate to have a club that caters to the specific needs of today’s vet. Veterans have earned support. The SVO wants each member of the college to understand this.
“We’re just getting something started,” said 28-year-old agriculture major Jesse Orozco. The U.S. Navy veteran added, “We’re trying to reach out; veterans helping veterans.”
Reach out they did. Within the first 60 minutes, the club sold roughly 300 burgers and 150 hot dogs donated by the U.S. armed services and local stores. Three hours and two food runs later, members of the SVO finally pulled the plug on the barbecue because there was simply nothing left. Not sure if anyone would show up,
SVO President Juan Sirri was thrilled when club members had to go off-campus for more meat and supplies.
“It’s phenomenal,” said Sirri, United States Marine and Iraq veteran. “It was amazing; I can’t believe we had such a huge turnout.”
Still, the 23-year-old Sirri has only begun to reach out across the campus. With events and fundraisers already in pre-production for next semester, the SVO wants it known that they are here to stay, and here to help.
“We decided very early on to stay an additional hour,” said Sirri. “But we got cleaned out; there was nothing left!”
By the time the final burger had been flipped, there weren’t even any condiments available. Students were clearly pleased with the $2 and $3 food items.
The original SVO was founded in 1947 for vets returning from World War II. The latest incarnation aims to continue that strong tradition.
Today’s proceeds will act as “start-up” funds for a joint scholarship through the Pierce College Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded to one male and one female veteran, easing the financial burdens incurred by most vets in school.
“Even with today’s event, we have things in the works that will blow this one out of the water.” Sirri said. “It’s only going to get better.”
Next semester’s “static display” of military helicopters is already in the works, with several aircraft staging landings in the campus soccer field known as the Pit in February 2011. Events like these coincides with the club’s objective to bring the civilian and veteran populations at Pierce College together.
Pierce College student Jesse Herrera agrees.
“I like that they’re actually doing something to help the veterans. Not many people do this stuff,” said Herrera. The undecided major had been walking to class when he wandered upon the barbecue.
Herrera is correct, but that can change with a combination of education and support. After the sacrifices these men and women have made, the student community in a position extend a welcome into the Pierce family. The Student Veterans Organization will continue to spread awareness for their cause, and call upon all veterans to stand up and be counted.
For more information on the SVO, or how to help support Pierce veterans, visit the Associated Student Organization’s website or walk into the Veterans Office in the Student Services Building.
—