In order to increase the help available to student veterans, Veterans Counselor Giselle Ramirez, and the only two student veteran workers at Moorpark, are attempting to construct a Veterans Resource Center on campus.

There are around 400 student veterans at Moorpark College, but the resources and help that are provided for them on campus are currently very limited. The only source of help for student veterans was the veterans counter in the Registration & Records Office, which had student veteran workers Aaron McMindes and Robert Felix ready to answer any questions. Unfortunately, since the recent move of the Registration & Records Office into Fountain Hall, that counter no longer exists.

“Other than processing their benefits and having two student veteran workers, we don’t offer a whole lot,” said Ramirez. “I wouldn’t say we are successful in providing for student veterans at this time.”

Ramirez works in the Counseling Office to make sure that all veterans who are using their G.I. Bill (military benefits) have an academic educational plan on file. She is passionate about making sure that veterans get all of the help that they need, stating that it is the least they can do for them.

All student veterans can receive priority registration. If they qualify for educational benefits, they can also receive housing allowance and book stipends.

President Obama announced back in Summer 2013 that community colleges have pledged to help veterans in college transition from military life back to civilian life.

The President then announced the “8 Keys to Success”, with the fourth key stating the following, “Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space (even if limited in size).”

By following the fourth key in the President’s “8 Keys to Success,” Ramirez and the veteran student workers wish to create a Veterans Resource Center on campus. They believe that this center will help veterans transition into college life by building a sense of community among them, as well as helping them realize the full extent of the benefits that they can receive.

“Transitioning from military to civilian life is extremely difficult for some veterans,” said Ramirez. “The Veteran’s Resource Center would provide a place for them to feel comfortable.”

Oxnard College is currently the only campus out of the three Ventura County Community Colleges to have an active established Vet Club and Veterans Resource Center. Unfortunately, Ramirez states that Moorpark doesn’t seem to be making this a priority.

According to Ramirez, the new student workers are attempting to find outside funding for a resource center, so that they won’t impact the college’s budget. Unfortunately, the attempts have so far been unsuccessful.

“All we’re asking for is a place for Veterans to meet, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of college life,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez also explained that due to the many vacant buildings that remain after the move into Fountain Hall, now is the perfect time to start constructing a resource center on campus.

McMindes, 25, kinesiology major, has been involved in the conversation for the construction of the Veterans Resource Center for about a month and a half now.

McMindes’ service began in 2007 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, and ended in late 2010. As a student veteran worker, McMindes’ job involves filing G.I. Bill enrollment certificates, general veteran file maintenance, general reception coverage at the veteran’s information desk, coordination with Ramirez, and as well as with the certifying officials for G.I. Bill benefits.

He believes that the sense of community that will come from a dedicated resource center for veterans will not only help veterans to adjust to school life, but also to succeed academically.

“I believe for the academic successful of student veterans it is crucial to have a place where we can meet and gather with each other,” said McMindes. “In the military we rely on and thrive through camaraderie, but as we adapt back into society as a civilian, it makes it incredibly difficult for us to seek and identify a fellow veteran.”

McMindes also acknowledged the importance of events that are held for veterans, like the annual Veterans’ Day Luncheon in the fall, and believes that more of these events should be held year-round.

As a veteran himself, Interim President Dr. Bernard Luskin is also becoming involved in the discussion for creating this resource center.

Luskin has taken a great interest in the difficulties that student veterans must face. Last semester, Luskin attended the Veterans’ Day Luncheon and personally spoke to many of the attending veterans. Along with this, Luskin has had recent meetings with the veteran workers to discuss the creation of the resource center.

“Veterans are all around us at this school,” said Luskin. “They are a big part of this community.”

Moorpark College has yet to prioritize the development of this center, but Ramirez believes that these continued efforts could put the plans into place

For more information, or for veterans that are seeking any assistance, contact Ramirez at [email protected] or visit her in the Counseling Office now located in Fountain Hall.