Veterans make up about 3% of the Pierce College student body, and their challenges of readapting to civilian life are often not understood by those who haven’t served.
That’s why the Veterans Resource Center hosted a resource fair on the courtyard in front of the Library Learning Crossroads on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Veterans Club Vice President Jonathan Block helped organize the event to spread awareness for the veterans who don’t know about local resources.
“There are around 600 veterans at this school that I’m aware of, and not many people know about any of the 25 plus veteran resources that are local to us,” Block said. “I wanted to be sure that veterans who are struggling, going through hard times transitioning out of the military. We’re in a safe and comfortable place here at Pierce.”
Block adds that the event has resources that will help the veterans with their struggle in life or educational benefits by enrolling in Pierce.
US Marine veteran Oscar Rodriguez believes Pierce helps veterans feel a sense of belonging after transitioning out of the military.
“The support that Pierce College gives to veterans, it’s very humbling to feel a sense of belonging,” Rodriguez said. “Especially here because like most veterans you’re out of the military so you don’t have a sense of purpose, but here, at least they help.”
Veterans Center Coordinator Curtis Smith wants veterans on campus to know about the resources around them.
“Resources like this are invaluable to our veterans,” Smith said. “A lot of our veterans don’t even know that there’s resources in the area. Our dean Will Marmario and Vice president Jason Cifra really want to grow our veteran population and make sure that we have the resources to help them and get them what they need.”
Some of the resource booths that attended the veterans resource fair was the VA Chatsworth Vet Center and Path which is an open mental health organization that helps vets with PTSD and also the CVJP (Community Veteran Justice Project), according to Block.
Nursing major Ursula Centurion who attended the event believes it’s important to engage with the resource fair and veterans.
“I feel like even though you’re not a veteran, it would be nice for you to come. Engage with this and to get somewhat of understanding what it is,” Centurion said.
Veteran Clubs Media Manager Julissa Gomez wants the resource fair to help veterans realize they are not alone.
“I hope that they get to know that they’re not alone when they’re out here in the civilian world, and that they can find the support they need within the school,” Gomez said.