Did You Know That RCC Has A Terrific Veteran Affairs Program ?

From Jonathan Barnwell

I’m currently the Coordinator of Judicial and Veterans Affairs at Rockland Community College. I was appointed to this position in November 2010. I had wanted to work with veterans since my childhood spent on Army bases, (both parents were US Army, my father for 20 and my mom for 10).

Speaking of my parents, funny thing came to light since I’m involved with Rockland Homes for Heroes, the Supportive Apartment Program for homeless veterans created by John Murphy that is is located on property which was formerly Camp Shanks, the largest port of Embarkation in the world during WWII. Over 1.3 million GIs embarked for Europe to fight the nazi army from D-Day to V-Day

My mother was at Camp Shanks in 1944-1945 and shipped out on the very "Last Convoy" to leave the US in March 1945. She served overseas in France and Germany for 2 years and then returned stateside.

It been my goal to create a one-stop shop approach with the increasing number of student veterans at RCC, (enrollment up over 400% since November 2010).

I have noticed that student veterans are enjoyable to work with, both individually and collectively, as I find them extremely honest and genuine and truly a joy to work with, to mentor to advise and to assist.

Among the initiatives that I started here at RCC were a veterans discussion group, (to meet weekly just to talk and relax), I opened a veterans-only lounge, stocked with coffee, computers, printers, etc so that veterans can be with each other to bond and to study. One enduring problem with veterans in all campuses seems to be that they don’t feel they fit in, because they’re older and certainly because of their military service.

The longer I work with this population I notice the similarities between leaving the military and leaving a prison, or leaving a convent. The individuals are somewhat institutionalized and I notice that it’s harder for them to advocate for themselves. Advocating on behalf of veterans is a big component to my work, since anyone in the military is hesitant to speak up for themselves. I learned as a child on base that, “the nail that sticks out gets hammered”. ☺

Another initiative that I started at RCC was to open a chapter of SALUTE, the national veterans honor society, in 2013. Each year we induct new members into the RCC chapter. To date we have over 75 members, US Army has the most members with USMC # 2.

As I mentioned, my goal at RCC was to create a one-stop-shop. As soon as any military affiliated student comes to RCC, all roads lead to my office. At that time I give them information about the Gi Bill, (there are several different Gi educational benefits, depending on contract of military service, etc. The veteran usually applies for their Gi education benefits right in my office as it’s easy for them. I also give them information and the proper form to enroll in VA Healthcare). Once this paperwork is completed, the veteran and I discuss their plans for the future, the kinds of subjects they’d like to study (academic or vocational). At this time I usually give them a career skills survey which helps identify areas of interest.

I’ve been fortunate to remain in contact with a large number of veterans after they leave RCC and because of that I’ve been able to assist current RCC veterans with jobs and housing. I’ve noticed that this generation of veterans wants very much to help each other