By Mark Mascetti |Staff Writer|
It is our job, I believe, to honor members of the armed forces who served this nation.
Let’s come together and show them our support.
This Wednesday, the Santos Manuel Student Union will host an Armed Forces Appreciation Day from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Gamers Lounge.
Student veterans be able to play free video games and receive free food.
What many students don’t realize is that CSUSB was rated as a top university by the Military Advancement Education program for its effort to work with our veterans.
“We have had over 200 people apply for the fall quarter that have acknowledged themselves as a veteran,” said Admissions Advisor and veteran’s liaison Juanita Olivo.
“These young men and women have made a choice to protect and defend this country and now they are trying to do online course work so they can transfer when they come out,” added Olivo.
One student veteran, James Glenn, served in the U.S. Navy that included two combat deployments to Iraq in which he patrolled rivers against insurgents and a tour at Diego Garcia as a rescue swimmer.
“Veterans are the reason why students have the opportunity to go to school and get an education,” said Glenn.
Many students do not recognize why veterans are so important in our country and the purpose that they serve.
“Serving in the military is a brotherhood that is recognized from different generations, branches, and veterans, but really doesn’t get as much recognition from the public as people think,” added Glenn.
In an online article titled “Stop Thanking Veterans For Their Service,” Ky Hunter explains why Americans shouldn’t just thank veterans, but tell them why they are grateful.
“The All Volunteer Force in place in the U.S. today relies on men and women to step up and volunteer,” said Hunter.
“Without volunteers, the system would cease to function and the U.S. would have to rely on a conscription service, denying young men and women the choice of whether or not they serve in the military,” added Hunter.
Before 1973, ordinary citizens would be drafted to serve in the armed forces.
If not for the young warriors who volunteer for the service, you could have been drafted to serve in the current wars.
Hunter suggested instead of repeating the words “Thank you for your service” to veterans, truly think about why you are thankful and tell them.
“Thank a veteran that you knew you would be present for the birth of all your children. Thank a veteran that you have pursued your educational goals safely and uninterrupted. Thank a veteran that you can sit home at nights and write. Thank a veteran that you have your weekend free,” stated Hunter.
And most importantly, Hunter said to thank a veteran that you don’t have to be one.
Let’s come together and recognize our student veterans and give them the recognition they deserve this Wednesday.
Leave a Reply