The voice of De Anza since 1967.

La Voz News

Advertisement
The voice of De Anza since 1967.

La Voz News

The voice of De Anza since 1967.

La Voz News

    Veterans club

    ***I left a space at the end of the article for a quote from Victor. (He was at the conference in LA when the story was due.) He is also going to submit pictures from the club***

    “If you’re not pro veteran, what are you?” asked newly elected Student Veteran Association President Victor Arredondo. Arredondo and the club’s officers are determined to see the club reach its full potential. This year, the club is headed in a new direction of becoming self-sustained. The Veterans club has been developing for the past year. The clubs first president, John Hoang, a former squad leader in the Marines, was instrumental is establishing a constitution and working to get the club up and running. “We want to help returning veterans transition back to academic standings” said Hoang. There are now over 45 members and the club meets every third Friday. The club has an open membership. They are a neutral club with no political affiliation. They have no “don’t ask, don’t tell policy” and are strongly encouraging all veterans and their friends and families to join. “We are not pro war, said Arredondo, “we are pro veteran.” The emphasis of the club is personal growth through mentorship and community development. Their focus is working with the homeless, helping in care shelters, and supporting other veterans. The Veteran’s club works to provide resources to veterans through local organizations. They work closely with the San Jose Vet Center, the Department of Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Clinic, and Oakland Veteran Affairs. Arredondo explained that one of the main objectives is to create a sense of cultural sensitivity that will help make people more aware of the fact that some of the events and protests that happen on campus can actually trigger a veterans post traumatic stress disorder. “There’s a big stigma that follows us,” said Arredondo, “But were regular people- just trying to adjust to things we weren’t used to before.” One of the clubs biggest goals is expansion. They are working on connections with other community college and universities so that transfer students will have a stable support system follow them wherever they go. Current vice president and former Communications Chief for a reconnaissance platoon, Allan Caguit, has been focusing on getting the club’s information out there. By creating a website and Facebook page, they hope to provide the necessary information about benefits, internships and veteran housing. “Right now not too many vets know about the club,” sad Caguit, “It’s important to inform other vets.” While serving in the military, club president, Arredondo was a sergeant in the Marines. Arredondo even served with two members of the De Anza Veteran’s club. “I went to boot camp with one of them,” said Arredondo, “the other was a Non Commission Officer that I really looked up to.”

    Over Memorial Day weekend, the club officers traveled to Los Angeles to attend a <<<<<>>>>. The conference was the first of its kind and offered a chance for people to connect and collaberate on current issues such as student veteran’s benefits, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other disabilities concerning vets. <<<>>>>> The club hopes to produce enough funding and gain enough support so that they can give back to the ICC. “We’re all about servitude,” said Arredondo, “We served before and we’ll serve again.”

    Story continues below advertisement
    Leave a Comment
    More to Discover

    Comments (0)

    La Voz Weekly intends this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments should be respectful and constructive. We do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks or language that might be interpreted as defamatory. La Voz does not allow anonymous comments, and requires a valid name and email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comment.
    All La Voz News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest