At this year’s World Fest, I heard about a group on campus I had never seen before, the RWC Veterans Support Group. I wasn’t exactly sure what the group was all about, and comments from several other RWC students (veteran and civilian alike) made me realize that they didn’t either.So, with an invitation from one of the group’s facilitators, I sat in on their most recent meeting and discovered that (A) it is nothing like I thought it would be and (B) I am kind of disappointed that there is not a similar specialized group out there for me.
Officially, the group is comprised of students, faculty, and staff of UC Raymond Walters College who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Military. Their mission statement is to provide veterans with a non-formal group that meets monthly for camaraderie, networking, and college/academic information.
So, if you’re asking yourself, what, exactly, that means, the meeting I attended was very relaxed and laid back as members spoke freely about the different opportunities available to them, related not just to college and careers, but to all aspects of life.
Carly Dennis and Tresha Lewis from RWC Career Services delivered a great presentation designed specifically for the Veterans Group, detailing all of the different services they provide. Whether you are a veteran or not, Career Services has a lot to offer, and I encourage all students to check them out in Muntz 125.
Aside from offering different resources, the Veterans Group also acts as a great way to meet and recognize other veterans in the student body, as well as RWC faculty and Staff.
They would like to develop a better system with which to identify students who are veterans in order not only to make it easier for veterans to access the services and benefits available to them, but also to find out how many veterans attend RWC and whether other services might be needed. (If you are a veteran, please let either Chris Powers or Officer Jeff Polly know.)
So, if you are a veteran or active military personnel and are interested in learning about the many resources available to you, or are just interested in meeting a group of great people, I highly recommend attending the next RWC Veterans Support Group meeting.
For more information, contact Chris Powers (USAF) in the Onestop 745-5719 or Officer Jeff Polly (USMC) in Muntz Hall Room 134.