Centralia College is working on a new center aimed at making the transition from the military to higher education easier for students.
Rodney Saarela, the college’s veterans-corps coordinator who is leading the project, said he hopes to have a new veterans center in Washington Hall open by Jan. 2 for the start of the winter quarter.
“When I was a student here, there was no place vets could go and talk freely without being judged,” the retired Marine said. “Sometimes you’re talking about your combat experiences. When people overhear, they stop and look at you funny.”
The Iraq War veteran said he wants veterans who are students to have a “safe zone” in the case of any Post Traumatic Stress Disorder episodes of if they just want to hold conversations with others who can relate with their experiences.
Saarela said he personally had negative experiences as a Centralia College student while trying to talk with other veterans. They often felt judged by non-veteran students, he said.
The college currently has 97 veterans enrolled, a number which Saarela expects to increase next quarter.
The college is asking area businesses to support the project with donations as the center still needs supplies and furniture.
Additionally, Saarela will have medallions for veteran students similar to the challenge coins in the military. Coin holders can challenge others to show their coin. If the person fails to produce the coin, they owe the challenger a snack or beverage. But if the person has the coin, the challenger buys the treat.
“It builds a little camaraderie and makes them get to know each other better,” Saarela said.
The college is also organizing a veterans club. All veteran students are welcome to attend the initial meeting on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. in the Tech Building.
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Amy Nile: (360) 807-8235
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