GCC helps veterans transition from military life to the academic environment

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Providing a one stop shop for service men and women who have served our country honorably is one of the reasons why Glendale Community College is ranked eighth among veteran friendly two-year colleges in the nation.

The Veteran Service Center at GCC is a place where veterans pursuing an education can go to choose and register for classes. The VSC also helps with planning degrees, completing financial aid forms, guidance on tuition and deferment options and provides career counseling and job search tools for veterans and their family members.

"We are one of only two community colleges in Arizona that are rated a veteran supportive campus by the Arizona Department of Veteran Affairs," said Mr. Christopher Spicer, Veterans Service Center advocate for veteran successes.
Spicer has been with the VSC for four years and is GCC alumni.

"We serve approximately 1,000 veterans a semester and sometimes up to 1,500 or more a semester," said Spicer.
GCC along with the City of Glendale Mayor's office and the VSC also set up events like the 'Stand Up for Veterans' event scheduled for September 26 at GCC from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At the event, veterans will be able to apply for education benefits and college, employers will be interviewing and hiring on the spot, and local social services and free legal assistance will be available.

Free haircuts and lunch will also be provided. This is one of several events the VSC organizes throughout the year.

"I look forward to events the VSC offers because it gives me a chance to practice my interview skills," said Staff Sgt. Lausanne Kinder, 944th Fighter Wing public affairs and Maricopa County Community Colleges District student. "It also gives me a chance to network with other veterans and connect with people with similar backgrounds and experiences."

According to the Glendale Community College Veterans Services Center web page the VSC can help veterans transition from military life to the academic environment, get academic support and move into a civilian career. The advisors are veterans themselves and can help plan academic path's, identify federal and state benefit options and connect with veteran services both on campus and in the surrounding communities.

For more information on the Veterans Service Center or events organized by them please visit the Glendale Community College website at http://www2.gccaz.edu/ and go to Veterans Services. You can also email the VSC at gccva@gccaz.edu or call at 623-845-3362.

Furthermore, for more information and to learn more about the VA benefits you may be eligible for please visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website at www.va.gov/ or call toll free1-800-827-1000. They have representatives standing by ready to answer questions or concerns.