Dear Citrus College Community,
I am a member of the Veterans Advisory committee.
Today I learned that as of June 30, 2015 there will be no more funding for the Veterans Center. Monica Christianson, the outstanding Director of the Center will also be out of a job. I have worked in the Veterans Center tutoring math for a few years and was able to see first hand what an asset it was for veterans transitioning back to civilian life. This can be quite difficult depending on a number of factors.
Many of our veterans have seen extensive amounts of combat and have PTSD. During my time as a tutor, I developed friendships with some of our veterans while working at the center and through our time together they became quite candid with me about their experiences.
I felt honored that to have earned their trust and feel I should repay it by bringing this issue that effects their ability to continue to thrive in our college community.
The Veterans Center is a safe haven for many of our veterans who have seen things that we cannot imagine. Many bear the physical and mental scars of war. Having a place where veterans feel comfortable, where there is no judgment is an important bridge in their transition back to civilian life. The Veterans Center opened in 2009. Since then 2,052 of our veterans have been served by the center. U.S. Congresswoman Grace Napolitano has visited the Veterans Center and said “Citrus College continues to lead the way in addressing the needs of our region’s student veterans.” Citrus College is projected to have a 17 percent reserve next year. Let’s hope Citrus College can find the money to pay for the Veterans Center.
Thank you,
Paul Swatzel
Faculty Member
