On October 2, the Student Veterans Organization presented to the Associated Student Government, proposing they support the building of a Veterans Resource Center. The SVO plans for the VRC to not only be a place for veterans to network and aware them of their eligible benefits, but to also be an exclusive, confidential space where veterans can open up to share past experiences.
According to the SVO’s survey question, (“On what activities or priorities would you like […us] to focus in the future?”) A few quoted responses they received were: “[Areas to aware veterans of their] benefits, the how’s, do’s, and don’ts and the fine print.” “Maybe meet and greets […] it’s easier to relate to someone who is or has been in your shoes before.” These universal responses are calling for a “[…] dedicated autonomous veterans service office”.
Speaking on behalf of the veterans here at Mesa College was the president of the SVO, David Donoso, “[SVO…] had its up and downs, […but] its been growing,” which in fact is true. From Fall of 08 to Fall of 2012, the number of active veterans here at Mesa College increased by a staggering amount of 67%. Additionally, in comparison to Miramar and City College, Mesa holds the highest number of active military and veteran students, with the amount totaling to 3,021.
The student veterans hope to find solace in the VRC, with one of the reasons being the lack of services specifically geared toward veterans. Unknown to many, are the underlying sacrifices made by the veterans. “I have hearing loss” said Donoso, who has served for 5 years as armed infantry. In the VRC, the veterans “[…] want a space where we could ‘close’ the door.” In other words, an exclusive space, where there is an assurance of confidentiality, for veterans to speak of their experiences that wrecked havoc on their mental or physical health. As of October 1, 2013, there has been 5,315 of the armed forces killed in action and a ghastly amount of 22 suicides per day (by year 2010). The SVO plans the VRC to provide better mental services and outreach programs in order to better accommodate their needs, and to especially prevent further deaths by suicide.
In specifics, the SVO proposed the VRC will offer: assistance on pinpointing eligibility on benefits and services, veteran specific tutors, mental health services (including counseling and advising), and a rehabilitation center. The provided services would help the veterans readapt to society and overall be a well deserved (although overdue) present from Mesa College.
