Montco Community College Salutes Veterans, Service Members

POTTSTOWN, PA — Montgomery County Community College created a special Veterans Day video tribute to recognize, honor, and remember veterans and service members both at the College and throughout the nation today.

The tribute includes photographs of and information about veterans and service men and women, as well as reflections and words of appreciation from college leaders and veterans. More than 200 veterans presently study at MCCC.

As part of the tribute, MCCC President Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez shared her thanks and appreciation.

"On behalf of the entire Montco Family, I want to express my deep gratitude to all of our students, trustees, employees, and alumni who have served our country in one of our military branches. I appreciate your self-sacrifice to protect our nation’s freedom," said Bastecki-Perez, whose late father Victor Bastecki served in the Army Reserves.

"Montco values veterans and honors your military service. We are here to support our veterans and their families as your journey continues for the completion of a degree, certificate or credential," Bastecki-Perez said in the video tribute. "Our Veterans Resource Centers stand ready at our Blue Bell and Pottstown Campuses, and I look forward to growing our resources to support our brave women and men who have served our country."

Frank Custer, Chair of the MCCC Board of Trustees and a U.S. Navy veteran also shared his appreciation. "I would like to thank all my fellow veterans on Veterans Day and, frankly, throughout the whole year," said Custer in the video tribute.

"There are over 200 veterans studying here at the College, and they are so important because they add additional layers of talent, experience, and maturity to our diverse student body. Here at Montco, we appreciate our veterans, and we have been recognized nationally for the programs we have," Custer added.

Sean Kilkenny, Montgomery County Sheriff and MCCC Board of Trustee member, comes from a family of veterans, including his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

"Veterans Day is a sacred day in my family," said Kilkenny, who served in the U.S. Army and spoke about the adjustment veterans experience when they return to civilian life. "I know our folks at Montgomery County Community College work to make returning veterans feel safe and welcomed and make sure they receive the education they deserve through their G.I. Bill benefits and others."

Watch the Veterans Day video here.

MCCC has been recognized several times as a military-friendly school by G.I. Jobs magazine for its support of students who are veterans and service members. In 2019, MCCC earned the PNGAS Guard-Friendly School designation by the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations.

MCCC has designated Veterans Resource Centers to assist students with their VA benefits and help them transition to campus life. The College has an active Student Veterans Organization where they can connect with other veteran-students through weekly meetings and activities. Through Prior Learning Assessment, MCCC also offers credit for eligible military experience and training, according to a news statement. For more information, go here.

For more than 56 years, Montgomery County Community College has grown with the community to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College's curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College's thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, at the Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale, and online.

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