[MUSIC PLAYING]
ALBERT RODRIGUEZ: So here at the Chaffey College Veterans
Resource Center-- or how students referred to it--
the VRC, we want to make sure we provide
enough resources for students to feel
supported so that their academic goals become a success.
So here are some of the things that you
can expect when you come to our Veterans Resource Center.
You can expect to meet within our veterans
counselors to make sure you're on the right academic path.
You can meet with our certifying official
to make sure that your classes and all your paperwork
and documentation are in order.
You can also go through the admissions process with us
here, so we can support you in the application process.
So we're really a one-stop shop.
You can come in just knowing what your benefits are, what
you're eligible and entitled to through the VA to being
enrolled.
I think the students that come to the Veterans Resource Center
are really in search of community.
There's a different camaraderie that they have built in
through having served.
JENNIFER FELIPE: Having a veteran community here
at Chaffey has been really helpful,
and that I don't feel so alone.
I've had the opportunity to connect with other people
as a student worker.
We have our prior service in the military.
We're able to relax and make jokes with each other
that we understand.
And I'm very grateful for it.
ALBERT RODRIGUEZ: That's what makes it special.
I think the fact that we care so much.
A student can come in here and have
some of their homework printed out if they need to.
They can grab a quick bite to eat within the VRC
if they're hungry.
They can reheat their food in the VRC if they're hungry,
or they can just stop by and spend some time
in between classes in the VRC and catch up on some studying
or get some rest.
So it's a very unique space on campus
in that it provides all those components for a student
to be successful.
But in order to receive benefits from the VA,
veterans must have had honorable discharge
or be active reservist.
But within the VRC, military and non-military affiliated folks
are welcomed.
So it's open to anybody, and I think it's because of the vibe
that the students themselves have created.
JENNIFER FELIPE: For the veteran students
that are thinking about coming here,
I would like to tell them that there's a community here.
Please reach out to the Veterans Center.
Come to our workshops.
Come to the events that they offer
and have someone to lean on when you need it.
ALBERT RODRIGUEZ: So if you're a veteran or military-affiliated
student looking to come to Chaffey,
check out the resources on our website or just come by the VRC
if you're in the neighborhood, and we'd be happy to help you.