California State University, Stanislaus held its fifth annual Thank-A-Veteran event  Nov. 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the quad. The CSU Stanislaus Veterans Affairs Office invited veterans and the general public to this event and expressed appreciation to former service members for their service and sacrifice.
CSU Stanislaus Veterans Affairs has worked to build and maintain a community for students, staff, faculty and alumni who have served in the U.S. military. They advocate for a seamless transition from military life to civilian college life and provide support for continued growth in mind, body and spirit.
The office encourages veterans to take the pride and confidence established in the military into their college experience, as well as into their future careers as veteran alumni.
Thank-a-Veteran is an event for the campus and community to show recognition and gratitude to local veterans. The event brought awareness to civilians, but also allowed veterans to start conversations with fellow veterans as well as civilian students.
“Our veteran students take advantage of the organizations in attendance to learn about their services,” Nadine Kent, Veterans Affairs coordinator, said.
U.S. Representative Jeff Denham, who served 16 years in the U.S. Air Force during Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, attended the event.
According to Denham, the event is important because veterans are returning home and looking for a better education, and the CSU Stanislaus Troops to College program is giving them that opportunity.
CSU Stanislaus students Army Reservist Jaime Kulik and Marine Reservist David Contreras saluted during the commemoration of the Veterans Day ceremony.
“It’s hard to juggle both worlds of being in the reserve and a student, but it is rewarding to have a B.A.,” Contreras said at the event.
Kulik expressed that she made the right decision to be a part of the Army reserve.
“It’s been a good experience, I am very glad I did it,” Kulik said.
“It’s been a great commitment to finish school at the same time.”
CSU Stanislaus earned recognition as a Military Friendly School and the Veterans Affairs Office is working diligently to continuously improve education experiences for veteran students.
“It’s an honor for CSU Stanislaus to be nationally recognized as a Military Friendly School,” Kent said.
“This event brings together all generations of veterans and long-lasting bonds are formed and new friendships are made.”
Veterans from around the region, along with CSU Stanislaus alumni, return every year to enjoy the event.
For more information or dates for upcoming veteran events, visit CSU Stanislaus Veterans Affairs Office located in the Mary Stuart Rogers Building, Enrollment Services Office MSR 120 or call the office at 209-667-3081.