Livermore's Las Positas College Holds Fall Semester Veterans Orientation Program

From Las Positas College:

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College's "Veterans First" program launched its fall semester orientation program for veterans with the code name "Operation Gateway." Approximately 46 veterans from all branches of the military, except the U.S. Coast Guard, attended the program.

At the orientation, there was a wide range of presentations and workshops, from veterans receiving assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to a group presentation on academic planning from a dedicated veterans counselor. Other presenters from outside the college included a Palo Alto VA Health Care representative who assisted veterans with signing up for their entitled VA healthcare benefits and a representative from Cal Vet who spoke about the services and programs provided to veterans by the state of California.

"Our veterans program continues to grow and provide support to these men and women who have served their country," said LPC President Barry Russell. "Working with our district partners such as the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, we have been able to create academic programs and internships that are leading to employment. This is why community colleges are so vital to our state and our veteran population."
The agenda included remarks by district chancellor Dr. Jannett Jackson, a former U.S. Army colonel who served two tours in Iraq and Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) who finished the "22-Day Push-Up Challenge" with LPC student veterans joining him for his 22nd push up. The "22-Day Push-Up Challenge" is sweeping the nation via social media. It is designed to bring awareness to veteran suicides in the United States.

"Operation Gateway 8" was developed ten years ago from the collaboration of LPC student veterans and staff as a signature link and title to help veterans transition from their military lives to the academic world. The goal was to create a bridge in terminology that the veterans were more familiar with especially coming from tours of duty in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom).

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, California is home to approximately 1.8 million veterans. The California Community Colleges are one of the easiest transitions points for veterans as they return to civilian life. The Las Positas College Veterans Center provides students with services such as counseling, tutoring and a dedicated computer lab.

Image via Shutterstock.