Veterans Center opens at San Bernardino Valley College

SAN BERNARDINO - Edward Montoya decided two years ago to enroll in college to become a physician's assistant after serving 15 years as an Army medic.

But after several long phone calls trying to obtain his GI Bill benefits, he realized it was going to be a rough road.

"It was all trial and error," he said.

Montoya, a 35-year-old Rialto resident, and other student veterans now have a place to go at San Bernardino Valley College for help transitioning from military to college life.

The college held a dedication ceremony for its new Veterans Resource Center on Friday and gave visitors a tour.

"The purpose of this center is to address transitional issues facing so many veterans coming from overseas,"

Victor Quezada speaking at the dedication ceremony. (LaFonzo Carter/Staff Photographer)

said Larry Buckley, the college's interim president.

Student veterans actually work at the center, helping other veterans obtain their benefits, tutoring them in classes or simply offering some camaraderie.

There are computers, military benefit pamphlets and job postings.

Steve Ramirez, who served seven years in the Army and did two tours in Iraq, works at the center while pursuing an associate's degree. He hopes to work eventually for the college's human services department.

Veterans used to handle benefits paperwork out of the administration building, but are now starting to congregate at the center, which is next to the bookstore.

"Once word spread around campus, more people started coming around here," Ramirez said.

About 230 students at San Bernardino Valley College are enrolled under the GI Bill, including 25 who are considered military dependents, said Pete Gonzales, an 11-year veteran of the Air Force and a student at the college.

An estimated 305 veterans are at the school.

"I'm sure there are veterans here who chose not to use their benefits or their benefits ran out," Gonzales said.

Veterans do face some red tape once they leave the military, said Kent Ambrose, a 21-year Army veteran. But having a site where veterans can talk to people who have already gone through the process will make the transition easier, he said.

"I think it's important for the veterans to have some place to go," he said.

Reach Melissa via email or call her at 909-386-3878.

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Source: http://www.sbsun.com/ci_21446081/veterans-center-opens-at-san-bernardino-valley-college?source=rss_emailed

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