Vets march on towards successful semester

By Miguel Saucedo, March 2010
World News Editor

The Veterans Association at Paradise Valley Community College is reaching out further to all veterans this year by welcoming those vets in need of camaraderie and fellowship.

The association is hosting many new programs and events such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) meetings, veteran scholarships, Packages from Home and also, camping and picnic outings, which will be sponsored with federal grant money, Toys for Tots, marathons and Jamba Juice.

Nate Terani, past president of the association, set the tone to make the association a ‘lasting legacy’ for future veterans and will serve only as an adviser to the club. Richard Imhoff is the new association president.

“There is a place in the Veterans Association where a veteran can find ‘serenity,’” says Imhoff. “It is important to let all veterans know there is a place they can come too if they are having difficulty with campus life or any other problems they may have. We are here for them.”

Terani has also previously stated that a student does not have to be a veteran to be a member of the club. He hopes that this policy gives those that have never served militarily the opportunity to serve right along with brave men and women veterans through the association.

Imhoff says the PTSD meetings are an important part of post war veteran care, and he is happy they are finally here on campus. The meetings will be held in KSC-185 on Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. All veterans and their families are encouraged to attend. The facilitator will be Fred Wieck.

A new student veteran can also see Cheryl Moore in the admissions office for addition assistance.

“Mrs. Moore has been extremely helpful in helping the veterans get situated at PVCC. She has a heart of gold,” says Imhoff.

Michele Marion is the club adviser and has been instrumental in assisting the association with the new programs and events scheduled throughout the year.

Jamba Juice will be on campus selling refreshments on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with proceeds going to the Veterans Association and the Veterans Scholarship Fund. In addition, Phi Theta Kappa donated all proceeds from flag sales to the association.

For more information, please contact Richard (Ricky) Imhoff president of the Veterans Association at 602-540-7877 or richardco18@yahoo.com or obtain additional information at http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/clubs/veterans.