(Photo by: Garrett Lovell)

JCCC students looking to learn more about war veterans and their stories will be able to gather in the Regnier Center, RC 101, on Monday, Feb. 23, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. for Service Stories: 80 years of service.

The Veteran and Military Resource Center is partnering with Valor Partner Foundation to host war veterans from World War II, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The event will feature cocktails, appetizers and a chance to meet the veterans at 4:30 p.m. Storytelling begins at 6 p.m. Students can buy tickets online before or at the event for $5.

This event will give students the chance to hear inspiring tales, connect with heroes and get a glimpse into the rich history of valor.

“It will be interesting to see the interaction between the veterans from the different time periods and see what they have in common,” Yassin Ali, Veteran Services Assistant, said. “As well as [being] able to track what has gotten better, what’s gotten worse, what the camaraderie differences are, the day-to-day and things that [have] changed.”

The event promises to be a hub of networking, allowing students to connect with veterans and to learn more about the Veteran and Military Student Resource Center.

The center not only provides networking opportunities for veteran students and other students, but also offers a student lounge for studying. Student ambassadors in the resource center can help veterans connect with and navigate the various campus organizations. Gerardo Ruiz, Veteran Services Coordinator, discussed what veterans can expect by coming to the resource center.

“The office helps with the camaraderie that you get from the military, especially with the programs,” Ruiz said. “Getting involved in the programs, JC Students of America and Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, helps veterans.”

JC Student Veterans of America promotes veteran and student involvement in public health-focused events. The group also organizes on-campus and community activities to support veteran well-being.

All students are welcome, regardless of veteran status.

“It’s about supporting student veterans. If they’re a non-veteran and they’re signed up for the JC SVA, technically, they’re signing up to support the veterans,” Greg Lorang, Veteran Student Ambassador, said.

For more information, connect with the JC Student Veterans of America on its Instagram and Facebook pages to see all current public events it is hosting.

Peer Advisors for Veteran Education connects new veterans and military-connected students with fellow peers on campus. This support program helps navigate college life and tackle the challenges encountered.

“PAVE is a program designed to help people using veteran education benefits, providing them a peer or a mentor, and that PAVE advisor is a student,” Gianni Trook, a Veteran Student Ambassador who assists veterans, said.

Valor Partner Foundation bridges the financial gap for underserved spouses and children of 100% disabled or deceased veterans by offering scholarships. JCCC is a partner school.

Questions? You can stop by the Veteran and Military Student Resource Center, COM 305, call 913-469-7618 during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., or contact them by email.