Moorpark College shows their respect for the troops ahead of time for this Veterans Day.
Student veterans from Moorpark gathered at the Campus Center Conference room on Thursday for a luncheon to talk with each other and learn more about veteran services from counselors.
Giselle Ramirez, veterans counselor and organizer of the luncheon, explains what the luncheon provides for the veterans.
“[The veterans] don’t really have a place to come together, so we thought this would be a great way for them to get to know each other,” said Ramirez. “They’ve done so much for our country that it’s really the least we could do.”
Over 400 veterans populate the Moorpark College campus. Without a Veterans Service Center on campus, it can be difficult for them to receive the help and information that they need. This event, formally known as an Informational Luncheon, helps these students realize the benefits and services that they can receive as veterans.
Speakers at this event included representatives from the California Department of Veterans Affairs, Ventura County Veterans Center, Cal State Channel Islands, Cal State Northridge, and the County of Ventura Veterans Department.
Moorpark College Interim President Dr. Bernard Luskin opened the event with a short welcoming speech, which was immediately followed by a welcome from Executive Vice President Lori Bennett.
Before the event started, Luskin roamed around the room and spoke with some of the veterans that were present. He offered respect for their services and discussed their history and experiences in the service.
“I would love to get to know you all better,” Luskin said in his speech.
Bennett stressed that every veteran should speak to their classmates and share their experiences. She then explained that students should know what these people have been through.
“As a member of the community, I really respect what you’ve all done,” said Bennett as she addressed the over 20 veterans that gathered within the conference room. “You should all share your history with your fellow students.”
Veterans counselors like Ramirez can assist any veteran that is in need of help.
“There are plenty of ways for veterans to get help on campus,” said Ramirez. “It would be great if we could make a Veterans Center.”
The Veteran Center Program was established by Congress in 1979 out of recognition that a significant number of Vietnam vets were still experiencing readjustment problems. These centers strive to assist veterans by providing a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services.
Most veterans are unaware of the benefits that they can receive for their services. These benefits can include free tuition for qualified veterans, as well as priority registration.
Veterans benefits specialists are housed in the Office of Registration & Records in the Administration Building. For information and forms regarding eligibility, application for benefits, enrollment verifications, and frequently asked questions, visit the Department of Veteran’s Affairs website at www.gibill.va.gov.
There is also a veteran center located in Ventura. For more information, call (805)585-1860, or visit www.vetcenter.va.gov.