Veterans invited to open house

Military service members who served and are still serving our nation, had the opportunity to find more educational benefits at the Humvee to ACC event held on Sept. 29 at Round Rock Campus.

The transition from the battlefield to the classroom is not always easy. For this reason, this Veterans Appreciation and Open House event met Austin Community College student services staff, Veterans Affairs specialists, Financial Aid staff and the Disability Services with students who have prior military service and are looking for the next step in their careers.

"Some people think that we are just killers. Our mission is to protect our country, protect the rights and the American citizens," said Biology major and Army veteran Oreatha Easley. "I am here to continue my education. This is an excellent opportunity for Veterans. ACC just today show that they care about us."

Former Army Scout and Engineering major Joshua Geeslin chose to servce his nation first and said that he is now glad to return to school after ten years.

"[Returning to college is like reactivating my education," Geeslin said. "Some academic advisers and teachers told me weeks in advance about this, and I am here because some Non Commissioned Officers told me that with a degree I will be stronger."

The appreciation even provided veterans new to the college and returning veterans with the opportunity to see what services are available for them at ACC and mascot R.B. was in attendance also to congratulate and thank visitors for their service. The group Operation Honor Our Heroes displayed flags in honor of the more than 500 Texas troops who have died in the years since 9/11.

The Texas National Guard, Austin Vet Center, Hope for Heroes, Texas State University, Southwestern University, Texans Veterans Commission, the Green Zone Resource Center, Goodwill Industries, The Samaritan center and the Travis County Office of the Constable Precinct 4 were among the organizations that attended the appreciation event held from 10.50 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. around the Building 2000 courtyard.

Although suicide is a serious issue in former military members, Maria Canchola, a Constable from the Travis County Office of Precinct 4, gave an emotional speech including solutions that are available particularly from the Veterans Affairs benefits. Canchola was not able to stop his tears when she said that Veterans are not forgotten.

The Humvee to ACC event was created by Mervin Jones, an ACC counselor and Army veteran, three years ago. Jones said at that time that many military veterans were unclear about their educational benefits. The first event was held on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at ACC's Riverside Campus.

Jones gave a speech during the recent event where he assured that Veterans fought for freedom, and it is not free.

"Veterans need to know they can achieve a college degree and succeed – and they're not alone," said Jones. "We owe them our gratitude and are committed to doing everything we can to help."