Showing solidarity for veterans and giving back to those who have given so much for their country is something we can all get behind.
The Veterans Services program at Salt Lake Community College is dedicated to helping veterans of all ages re-enter the workforce with degrees in many fields. Their main purpose is to aid vets in their transition back to school and to make that experience as successful as possible.
Helping veterans start anew
According to specialist Matthew Butcher, many of the veterans they assist have been “out [of] school anywhere from five to 10 years or more.”
Mickey Kugler is a 21-year veteran of the United States Armed Forces who returned to college after 35 years away from the classroom. When she moved from Washington two years ago, she learned that a degree was required to continue her chosen profession in Utah. As a result, she decided to pursue a higher education to better her life.
Kugler now receives assistance thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides veterans with financial support for education if they have accrued more than 30 days of military service any time after Sept. 10, 2001. It’s one of the many VA bills and benefits that Veterans Services staff can assist with.
A safe space for student veterans
Veterans Services is ready to guide veterans on their journey through college.
Student veterans can get specialized tutoring on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the Veterans Center at Taylorsville Redwood Campus. There is also a computer lab and lounge area.
The new veterans office at South City Campus also features a lounge and study area for student veterans. The areas serve as a welcome refuge for those who want to escape the rush of campus.
Butcher says the center offers “a nice, quiet space for vets to go study, where they can relax.” He is a part of the outreach program for the West Valley Center and hopes to expand services to other campuses in the future.
Additional support services
In addition to student assistance, Veterans Services offers counseling for vets in many different areas.
Vocational rehabilitation counselor Dr. Mike Foster is available to answer questions about medical benefits, stress and crisis counseling and career counseling. Resident psychologist Dr. Aaron Ahern acts as the health care liaison for Veterans Services. Ahern is able to provide peer mentorship and assistance in enrollment to the VA Health Care System.
Events and activities
Veterans Services organizes veteran-friendly events throughout the academic year. One event that involves the SLCC community is the flag raising ceremony on Veterans Day. The ceremony is held simultaneously at the Taylorsville Redwood, South City, Meadowbrook and Jordan campuses.
Veterans Services also celebrates the “birthday” of each branch of the military among other events to make veterans feel appreciated.
Any veteran or family member who wants more information about SLCC Veterans Services can go online or stop by their office at the Taylorsville Redwood or South City campuses.
