On Nov. 6, LPC held a ceremony at the Mertes Center for the Arts to honor military veterans. Students, faculty and community members gathered for the event, which included a presentation of colors, a historical address by Dr. Harold Strunk and recognition of partnerships that support student veterans.
Strunk’s speech addressed America’s military history — from its founding wars to recent deployments — and the experience of those who served. Speakers also recognized student veterans. Dr. Patricia Wheeler, a supporter of the Veterans First program, was recognized for her scholarship and work with therapy dog services. She died on Oct. 9.
The event also announced winners of an essay contest with the theme, “My story, reflections of service, sacrifice and resilience.” According to Veterans First program supervisor Evelyn Andrews, the essays will be published on the LPC website this month.
“These veterans wrote essays reflecting on their military experience and their journey into college and civilian life,” Andrews said.
DR. HAROLD STRUNK delivers a speech on America’s wartime history at LPC’s Veterans Day event on Nov.6. Strunks speech adressed America’s military history and the experience of those who served. (Photo by Milo Jones/The Express)
Community partners who work with veterans at Las Positas participated in the ceremony. Representatives from the Quilts of Valor Foundation presented handmade quilts to several veterans.
“The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war, both on the front lines and behind the scenes, with comforting and healing quilts of valor,” said Michelle McCumber, a representative of the organization. “Each quilt is an expression of gratitude meant to thank and comfort you.”
Edgar Reyes, a Marine Corps veteran and outreach specialist for the Veterans First program, also spoke. He said he joined the military out of pride, necessity and a desire to challenge himself while seeking tuition support. Reyes served two deployments as a field radio operator. After returning home, he described the transition to civilian and academic life as isolating and overwhelming at times.
“Put on an 80-pound pack and hike 10 miles? No problem,” Reyes said. “But the moment I opened a textbook and saw the alphabet in math, I panicked.”
Reyes said the Veterans First program makes the transition easier. It offers a space where veterans can get support, learn about benefits, receive counseling and connect with others who understand their experiences.
“Everything is centrally located here,” he said. “We have our certifying official, our counselor, they’re all veterans. It gives you a sense of comfort. Some students even come from as far away as Sacramento because they know they’ll have support.”
Las Positas continues to expand resources for veterans, and the celebration marked the college’s annual recognition of Veterans Day.
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TOP PHOTO: Veterans Dennis McReynolds, John Gomez, Jason Sanchez, Steven Alvarez and Donald McIntyre with their Quilts of Valor on Nov. 6. The Mertes Center for the Arts hosted a ceremony to honor military veterans. (Photo by Milo Jones/The Express)
Kian Amininejad is the News Editor of The Express. Follow him on X, @Kian_Amininejad.
