Joshua RodriguezA Veteran For All Challenges

Well, it’s been almost two years since our program started in January of 2008, and Delta College celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. While the College reflects on 75 years of serving students and our communities, Troops to College pauses to reflect on our achievements over the last two years. Our book loan program has been instrumental in ensuring that veteran students had books to start school with while waiting for their benefits to kick in. This is particularly important because of the delay in Post 9/11 benefit payments.

The computer loan program, still in its infancy, is available to veteran students who need the loan of a computer to do schoolwork. And our tutoring program, with the support of a great tutor, Tony Fettig, is going strong. Tony tutors in math and science on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Veteran Student Alliance has also been moving forward. After raising over $2,000 last year, they purchased equipment to make the color guard a regular activity. In June they hosted an end-of-the-year barbecue for veterans and their families, and a great float was entered in this year’s Fourth of July parade representing Delta College veterans.

For Goodness Sake honored graduating veterans at Delta College and at University of the Pacific with the veteran sashes. One of our veteran faculty members also requested one to wear at graduation! Over 20 boxes of books were mailed to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan; the Blanket Brigade provided blankets to Soldier’s Angels, Fisher House, and the Stand Down for Veterans. A local girl scout troop donated cases of cookies that were mailed to our troops.

This year, our focus is on getting dedicated space to create a Veterans Center. Jay Arellano, VSA President, is working hard on this project. And For Goodness Sake is planning the first annual Veterans Fun Run to raise money for scholarships. The Vet Fun Run is the brainchild of Jason Denny, one of our vets who graduated last year and transferred to University of the Pacific. Jason has been instrumental in building relations with UOP and chairing the Fun Run Committee. We are hopeful that this event will become an annual fundraiser that allows us to give scholarships to many deserving veteran students.

As California’s economy continues to deteriorate, the mission of our program becomes increasingly important. With fewer classes, more students, and dwindling resources, the services provided by Troops to College, VSA and For Goodness Sake will become even more important to our veteran students in the months to come.

We are very fortunate to have the continued support of Dr. Raul Rodriguez, our President. He continues to support our program and activities, and is working hard to help us establish a Veteran Center. I am hopeful we will celebrate this milestone very soon.

Caerin MneyTroops To College Coordinator

A sincere thank you to all our amazing administrators, staff, students, and volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts to helping our veteran students transition from combat to college.

photo courtsey of Stan Rapada

Honoring Our Nations HeroesNovember 2009

The Troops to College Program provides active and former members of the armed services a support team that increases the likelihood of achievement of educational goals by addressing their specialized needs in a College setting. This Program provides information, resources, and support services to “advantage” the active and former members of the armed services in any way possible from the time of admission through graduation or transfer.

For the second year in a row, the citizens of the County of San Joaquin came together in a united effort to provide

services to our homeless veterans. Although this was the second year this event took place, this was the first time for our Troops To College Program, Veteran Student Alliance, and For Goodness Sake organizations were invited to participate. This grass roots, community-based program was designed to help our homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets, while giving volunteers the opportunity to “stand down” from their everyday activities to help those in need. Stand Down is a term used during war to describe the practice of removing combat troops from the field and taking care of their basic needs in a safe area.

This year’s Homeless Veterans Stand Down event took place on January 30, 2009 at the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless property adjacent to the St. Mary’s Interfaith Community Services. Volunteers pitched military tents outside on the property to provide booths for the forty plus service providers. In addition, the dining room at St. Mary’s also provided services to the veterans that attended the event.

The event began at 8:00 AM with an invocation and welcome remarks by special guest Congressman Jerry McNerney. Following the scheduled ceremonial activities, both providers and veterans headed over to the designated areas of services. A total of 158 homeless veterans attended the resource fair to receive services ranging from full medical, dental eye exams, showers, and a clothes closet. Other services such as legal help, employment referrals, housing, mental health services, substance abuse counseling, Veterans Affairs, DMV services and hot meals were also provided free of charge.

The collaborative effort of the community helped to achieve the major goal of the Stand Down which was to provide services to the homeless veterans to assist in breaking the cycle of homelessness by encouraging veteran integration back into mainstream society.

The Troops to College Program had an informational booth along with our Financial Aid & Veterans Services office for San Joaquin Delta College. We were able to give attendees informational fliers and brochures about the services that Delta offers for our veteran population. Many of the veterans that stopped by the booth were under the misconception that college was not something that they were able to attend or even afford since they were no longer eligible for their educational benefits.

Giving Back To Those Whom Defended Our

FreedomBy Susan Rodriguez

Photo Right: Table full of blankets made and donated by For Goodness Sake for the Homeless Veteran Stand Down.

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The Veteran Student Alliance (VSA) members that volunteered were busy assisting veterans through the process, ensuring they did not get lost along the way. As the VSA members ushered the veterans from service to service, they had the opportunity to listen to these veterans’ life stories and gain a better understanding of their life on the street. In addition to helping their fellow veterans, the VSA was able to confirm that their community outreach and involvement in a veteran community is needed for former and active military members.

Once again, the For Goodness Sake, the community organization component of the Troops To College Program, was busy making blankets for this event. For Goodness Sake made over 150 blankets for the event. Every veteran that visited the For Goodness Sake booth was able to receive one these warm blankets in addition to the sleeping bag bundle given out. At the end of the day, the members of For Goodness Sake were satisfied with the knowledge that our veterans would be warm where ever they may be.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the next Homeless Veteran Stand Down Event

Friday, October 22, 2010Scheduled to be held at Work Net in Stockton

(Except for medical and dental)

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William Shakespeare, Henry V

“We few, we Band of Brothers. For he who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”

San Joaquin Delta College Graduation On Thursday, May 21, 2009, San Joaquin Delta College’s 74th Annual Commencement was held in the Stockton Arena home of the Stockton Lighting, Stockton Thunder, and Stockton Cougars. Holding the graduation in this new venue allowed an unlimited number of family and friends to attend this year’s ceremony. Over 6,000 – family members, friends, faculty, volunteers, and staff waited for the celebration of the graduates’ hard work and dedication.

It was almost 6:00 p.m. and nearly 600 graduates anxiously awaited in the long winding hallways. In a couple of minutes, the ceremony would start and their long awaited walk across the stage would take place. At the end of the line, stood 11 of the 41 graduating Veteran students participating in this years commencement.Getting to graduation day is never an easy thing and can sometimes be more of a challenge for Veteran students. Sitting in a class with much younger students can be awkward. Most veterans are over 24 at the time of enrollment compared to the average age of new incoming student. Many veterans after their high school graduation enlisted with no plans for college. Upon discharge and enrollment in college, they find themselves sitting in a sea of young students whose maturity level is far different from their own. In addition, learning to navigate through the bureaucracy of the VA system is enough to make them want to throw their hands up in the air and give up. That is why programs such as the Troops to College are vital to the educational environment. The primary goal of the Troops to College program is to help the veteran student navigate through the enrollment process and proactive work to ensure that veterans graduate. With the help of the Veteran Student Alliance, the Troops to College Program, is able to place calls to veteran students at different times the semester to determine if veterans need any type of assistance. Advocating for the veteran student to see the appropriate support staff member helps ensure that services is vital to their success are provided. By engaging in continued communication with the veteran students, we are able to determine whether they are on the track to graduation. As the number of incoming veteran students increases, we are confident that number of graduating veterans will also increase. It is a good prediction that the For Goodness Sake members will be busily making a lot more

sashes for the participating graduates in the years to come.

The 2009 graduating Veteran students stood out from the others in their black caps and gowns and Veteran sashes provided by For Goodness Sake to honor their services to our nation.

By Susan Rodriguez

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Class of 2009

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Nobody is stronger, nobody

is weaker than someone who came

back.”

- Elie Wiesel

Makes Military Friendly School List in 2010 Guide

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San Joaquin Delta College 8

Based on years of research, survey result compilation, and analysis of related data, G.I. Jobs magazine has named San Joaquin Delta College, a Military Friendly School for 2010. The college will be included in the magazine’s Guide to Military Friendly Schools list that honors the 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools, which are doing the most to embrace America’s veteran as students.

In making the announcement, Rich McCormack, Publisher of G.I. Jobs, noted that, “This honor ranks San Joaquin Delta College in the top 15% of all colleges, universities and trade schools in the country. You should take great pride in receiving this honor. It clearly demonstrates your support of military students and I urge you to continue your already stellar efforts. On behalf of the 8-million military members and veterans seeking a school, I thank you for your commitment to educating our nation’s most deserving heroes.”

“This list is especially important now because the recently enacted Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school,” said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs publisher. “Veterans can now enroll in any school, provided they’re academically qualified. So schools are clamoring for them like never before. Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military Friendly Schools list is that trusted friend.”

Our goal was simply to help those whom have fought and defended our freedom by providing them a community where they could seek answers to their questions, by helping veterans transition from military life to civilian life. In addition to helping them navigate through the red tape of the bureaucracy of Veterans Affairs (VA). In addition, Delta College was fortunate, to have two veterans, Brandon Biegert and Jay Arellano, who volunteered their services to help create a welcoming environment for all veterans. Having dealt with VA issues and the matriculation process themselves, they believed that sharing their experiences would benefit others whom were probably dealing with similar issues. Their dedication to helping fellow veterans led to them founding the Veteran Student Alliance (VSA) organization.

Delta College strives continuously to offer extensive aid to all veterans to meet the unique needs of our nation’s military professionals. To be recognized in this effort by G.I. Jobs magazine is both gratifying and immensely humbling. It reinforces our determination to develop additional friendly military policies. Ideally providing the assistance to our veterans was our only goal, never did we imagine we would receive such recognition.

The schools on the Military Friendly Schools list offer many additional benefits to student veterans’ on-campus. At Delta College our veteran students in addition to having a support team, have first day registration, and veteran-to-veteran assistance provided by our VSA student organization. The list was compiled through exhaustive research starting last May during which G.I. Jobs surveyed more than 7,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Committee (AAC) consisting of educators and administrators from Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Toledo, Duquesne University, Coastline Community College

and Lincoln Technical Institute.

By Susan Rodriguez

By Jaime Netzer

Soldiers’ Keepers: Dogs of War

Sgt. Stubby, in full uniform with medals

For almost as long as man has been waging war, dogs have stood at soldiers’ sides. Whether serving as sentries, messengers or search dogs, these loyal hounds share a unique ability: they can simultaneously save troops’ lives and destroy enemies.

No one can be certain what exactly happened when Chips, a mixed-breed German shepherd, husky and collie, entered a small grass-covered hut on Sicily, July 10, 1943.

At about 4:30 a.m., while working inland after the 30th Inf. Regt., 3rd Div., executed an amphibious landing near Licata on the southern coast of the Italian island, a machine gun opened fire from the hut—which was actually a camouflaged pillbox.

Suddenly, Chips broke free of his handler, Pvt. John P. Rowell, and ran into the pillbox. Moments later, the machine-gun fire stopped, and an Italian soldier appeared, Chips attacking his arms and throat. Three other soldiers followed, arms raised in surrender.

Chips suffered powder burns and a scalp wound, indicating the soldiers had attempted to shoot him with a revolver. But only the Italians taken prisoner (and Chips) know how he was able to bring about their immediate surrender all on his own.

Although Chips might be one of the most celebrated war dog heroes of U.S. military working dog history (he even has a Disney movie, Chips the War Dog, to maintain his legend), he is just one of countless canines that have served alongside GIs over the years. War dogs have helped buttress our armed forces officially and effectively since WWII. Despite shifts in duties and breeds, dog-handler relationships—usually close, unyielding bonds—remain largely unchanged.

Patriotic PupsDogs have a long history as mascots—and morale boosters—in U.S. war efforts.

In WWI, a homeless dog dubbed “Stubby” was plucked from the Yale University campus in New Haven, Conn., and adopted by the 26th Infantry Division, which was training there. A white and brindle dog that looked like a pit bull and got his name from the nub of his tail, Stubby went everywhere with the men as they completed training. He was even snuck on the ship with them as they headed for France.

Stubby went on to serve in 17 battles, meet three presidents, and was decorated after the war by Gen. of the Armies John J. Pershing. However, Stubby was not a trained war dog, but a mascot, and an unofficial one at that.

It was WWII that marked the first official use of military working dogs (MWDs) in the U.S. armed forces.

The initial MWD training was limited to basic obedience. Dogs served as sentries or messengers, especially early on in the war. When troops landed in the Solomon Islands, their radio batteries couldn’t withstand the heat and humidity; dogs were often the only means of communication.

In May of 1942, the U.S. Army received its first nine sentry dogs from Dogs for Defense, Inc., an organization created to volunteer dogs for the war effort. From these donated dogs the U.S. Army Canine (K-9) Corps was established.

By December of that year, more than 125,000 dogs had been volunteered for the war effort, though only about 20,000 actually entered the military. About half of those dogs were used to guard beaches, factories and bases. The rest went abroad to fight.

Many breeds were accepted at the inception of the K-9 Corps, including Belgian and German shepherds, Dalma¬tians, rottweilers, standard poodles, bull mastiffs, huskies, and even mixed breeds.

As training developed, MWDs were taught to tolerate gunfire, not to bark at any time, and to improve their ability to hear and smell the enemy. Eventually, dogs also parachuted to aid wounded fliers, conducted search and rescue missions, laid telephone wire and searched for mines.

MWDs also served in the Marine Corps

in WWII, forming several war dog platoons. Most Dobermans that fought in the war served with the Marines in the Pacific.

Though the mine detection dogs (M-dogs) proved basically unreliable during WWII, later analysis revealed faulty training methods as the culprit. In subsequent conflicts, M-dogs affirmed their value. MWDs in WWII carried supplies, too—Siberian huskies could carry a tremendous amount of weight (for example, a .30-caliber machine gun).

As the war drew to a close, the Army took on an ambitious plan to return military dogs to civilian life. It recognized those war dogs that hadn’t died in the line of duty by issuing a discharge certificate upon their return home. However, this process was riddled with problems and was eventually discontinued.

Since 1945, canine recruitment has meant servitude for life, and dogs have been technically classified as “equipment.”

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‘Yankee—Take Your Dog and Go Home!’After the war, military dog programs disappeared and scout dog platoons were disbanded. By the time the Korean War began in 1950, only one active scout dog platoon (26th Infantry Platoon, Scout Dog) existed.

The first squad to ship to Korea, comprising seven handlers and six dogs, arrived in June of 1951 and was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division.

In Korea, for the first time, dogs began participating in night patrols. Handlers were usually given 24 to 48 hours notice, allowing them time to prime the dog for the mission. Under cover of night, handlers and dogs relied on other GIs on patrol for gunfire cover. In return, the patrol was privy to the dog’s keen senses and its handler’s ability to read the MWD’s body language.

Some 1,500 dogs served in Korea. The enemy was clearly intimidated by their presence. According to War Dogs, by Vietnam dog handler Michael G. Lemish, handlers found that in close-quarter fighting, the North Koreans or Chinese would try to kill the dogs immediately.

“Sometimes the Communists attempted to unnerve the American soldiers by setting up loudspeakers and making short propaganda broadcasts during the night,” Lemish wrote. “On at least one occasion the loudspeakers blared forth, ‘Yankee—take your dog and go home!’ ”

‘I Got All of My Confidence from That Dog’Indeed, communication between dog and handler has saved countless lives through the years. In Vietnam, veteran David Adams, who served with the 388th Security Police Squadron, K-9 Section, from October 1969-October 1970, knew his relationships with his dogs were vital to his own safety.

“Dogs’ relationships with their handlers are so critical to them working well,” Adams said. “That’s common from WWII all the way to Iraq. The K-9 program has always been on a strict voluntary basis, so you had to really want to work with dogs.”

Adams, who was bitten by a German shepherd as a child, quickly swallowed his fear when faced with a choice: work with bombs, security police or dogs. For him, the choice was easy. The first dog Adams worked with in Vietnam was named Rex, and Adams says Rex was an “alpha dog.”

“When I first picked him up, I could tell right away it would take a while for us to get used to each other,” Adams said. “The most memorable

night was my first night on post.”

Adams said he felt extremely nervous. “I reached down and petted the dog,” he said. “He had been working for about a year before I got there, and he gave me this look like ‘What are we waiting for?’ I got all of my confidence that night from that dog.”

American war dogs logged tens of thousands of missions in Vietnam. Some 325 died in the line of duty along with 261 handlers. The Vietnam Dog Handlers Association estimates that dogs saved 10,000 soldiers’ lives during the war.

Unfortunately, fewer than 200 of the 4,000 dogs that served in Vietnam ever came home. To the men who served, the dogs were like fellow comrades. But to the Pentagon, they were classified as equipment, and euthanized.

‘They Trusted the Dog’s Nose with Their Lives’Adams says that though the bond between dog and handler has never really changed, training and support are radically different today in Afghanistan and Iraq than when he served.

Adams says the military now places much greater emphasis on the duration a handler is paired with a dog. “The longer you’re with one dog, the better the bonding is,” Adams said. “A handler and his dog will go to Iraq or Afghani¬stan, and then that same team comes back to the base they left from.”

He also added that the training is much more extensive. “They’re trained primarily for drug detection or explosive detection, depending on which the dog responds best to,” he said.

Lackland Air Force Base in Texas is home to the military’s Specialized Search Dog (SSD) Program, created to help thwart IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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“We take soldiers’ lives out of danger, in a sense,” says dog handler Charles Shepker, “because instead of sending them out there searching out IEDs, we can use the dogs to do it.”

Shepker, a sergeant first class who served with Combined Joint Task Force 76 in Afghanistan from November 2005 to November 2006, says SSDs are an asset. “Our dogs can do things a lot faster than it would take humans to do them, and their senses of smell, sight, and hearing are far better than those of humans,” he explained.

“Plus, I always trusted my dogs with my life,” he said. “The other guys I was working with trusted the dogs’ noses with their lives. Downrange or overseas, most people feel a lot safer when they have MWDs with them.”Dogs offer such comfort that in December 2007, the military began placing therapy dogs in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The dogs will be able to serve as an icebreaker and a communication link,” Mike Sargeant, chief training officer for the non-profit America’s VetDogs, told USA Today. He says therapy dogs offer affection without regard to “gender, race, disability or injury.”

Since the start of the Iraq and Afghan¬i¬stan wars, more than 1,000 dogs have passed through the combat zones. To date, at least three have been killed.

Sidebar: Did You Know?• Many WWII Doberman pinschers, the breed of choice for Marines, saw their first action on Iwo Jima. More than 100 dogs died there in service to their country.

• Early on in WWII, dogs were especially valuable as messengers. The most famous of them, Caesar, was said to have once run 15 missions from command post to the front lines and back in just 48 hours—collapsing from exhaustion after the final run.

• Lex, a German shepherd, is the first active duty military working dog (MWD) to be retired so that members of his handler’s family could adopt him. He was wounded March 21, 2007, during his second tour in Iraq, in a mortar attack that also killed his Marine handler, Cpl. Dustin J. Lee. With the help of an online petition and widespread media pressure, the Marine Corps relented. He was adopted on Dec. 21, 2007, setting a new precedent for MWD adoption in the event of a handler’s death.

In 2000, Congress passed a law allowing dogs declared “excess” by the Defense Department to be adopted by law-enforcement agencies, prior military handlers and the general public. But lots of people—

vets and non-vets alike—are still unaware they can adopt retired military working dogs (MWDs).

Adopt a Military Worker’s Dog

Kandoll says her long-range plan is twofold. She wants to make the public aware of the possibility of adopting MWDs. She also hopes to facilitate the process. With this aim in mind, she created a Web site, www.militaryworking dogadoptions.com. It includes phone numbers for 125 MWD facilities.

To adopt an MWD, prospective owners fill out a basic application answering questions about their experience with dogs, other pets in the household, yard size, fencing and children in the household.

Once a match for a prospective adoption is made, an agreement is signed for the transfer of ownership, releasing the Defense Department from liability.

The dogs are free, but the new owners must pay all costs, including transportation.

“MWD adoption is veterans helping veterans,” Kandoll says. “Veterans know all about pushing through adversity, whether it’s physical, mental or emotional. These dogs are the same way.”

These days, Benny is thriving and his mobility is improved. Kandoll says she is grateful for the chance to care for him. “He’s an incredible dog, and has so much to give,” she says. “That’s why I started the Web site.”

‘We Are Grateful’: War Dog MemorialsThere are dozens of memorials dedicated to four-legged heroes around the country and as far away as Guam. Here is a partial list:

West Coast Dog MemorialMarch Field Air MuseumRiverside, Calif.

Military War Dog MonumentEisenhower ParkLong Island, N.Y.

War Dog MemorialBristol Township Municipal BuildingBristol Township, Penn.

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War Dog MemorialPettis County CourthouseSedalia, Mo.

Doberman War Dog MemorialGuam

Sidebar: ResourcesHave your ears been perked to military working dog history? Sniff out more information from the following sources:

Web sites:The United States War Dogs Associationwww.uswardogs.org(609) 747-9340

Vietnam Dog Handler Associationwww.vdha.usMike Lemish, Historian(508) 366-4692

Books:Lemish, Michael G. War Dogs: Canines in Combat. Brassey’s, Inc., 1996.White, Joseph. Ebony & White: The Story of the K-9 Corps. Wilsonville, Oregon: Doral Publishing,

Making Educational Goals A RealityGiving To Those Whom Given To Us

relatives or use whatever resources they may have available in order to obtain their supplies. Unlike the normal student who waits for their funds to become available, the discipline veterans learned in the military prevents them from waiting patiently for their money. If the veteran student does not have

the necessary supplies for their classes they see it as a for sure failure of the course. ”If you want to succeed in a class you need your books for your school work,” said Roberto Hernandez, Vietnam veteran student.

As this issue became more familiar, the Troops to College Program decided to find alternate ways to ensure veterans would have their books by the beginning of the semester. The ideas of a book loan or rental program were discussed; unfortunately, neither of these ideas

flourished. The lack of resources predominately lack of funds prevents ideas such as these to become a reality. The only other option was to begin a fund where a veteran student, that demonstrates need, could apply for a scholarship. This would ensure the veteran student would have the funds for books regardless of whether they had their claim processed in time.

With the increasing number of Veteran students enrolling, it is easy to predict that many of them will be waiting for their benefit checks in the coming semesters. If you would like to show your support and help a Veteran student in need, you may buy a bumper sticker for $5.00, or donate to the Boots to Books Scholarship Fund. If you would like to drop off

The Troops to College Program has realized that, as veterans are discharged and enrolling in college many are waiting to receive their educational benefits to pay for their books. According to the Veteran Administration (VA) more than 275,000 claims for benefits have been filed so far, which has put the whole system a minimum of two to three weeks behind on paperwork. Not only has the VA seen an increase in claims filed, there also been an increase in veteran students seeking help at the schools financial aid & veteran services and counseling offices. Additionally, there are a number of veteran students who have exhausted their benefits or who have been disqualified, due to not paying into the G.I. Bill or not having enough service time on their record.

With such a high number of veteran students enrolling it is has become a problem to try to issue their checks prior to the start of the semester. “It is difficult to begin the school semester and not have the books and supplies needed for your classes. You have to try to find alternate funds to try to buy you supplies, but sometimes they are not available.” stated Jay Arellano, veteran student. Many veteran students borrow from

By Susan Rodriguez

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We are grateful and thankful to all those who have adonated to our Boots To Books scholarship fund. Below is a list of our major donors and supporters of our Boots To Books Scholarship Fund.

your donation in person you may do so at the Admissions & Records Office located in the DeRicco Student Services Building. Or if you would like to mail your check or money order, please so to the following address:

As always, your donations are tax deductible. Your support will help a Veteran student achieve his or her educational goal.

San Joaquin Delta CollegeBoots To Books Scholarship Fund

Admissions & Records Office5151 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95207

Boots To Books Donor ListAileen SegariniBlair J. UlringCalifornia School Employees Association-CSEAChinese Cultural Society of Stockton (CCSS)DCA - Derivi Construction & ArchitectureDiede Construction Inc.Elizabeth BlanchardGail HixonJoan BuchananKathy HartLarry RuhstallerMartha J. Anderson

Mary Ann Cox-MartinThelma StewartValley Builders ExchangeVeterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Luneta Post No. 52 Inc

Bumper Stickers for sale:$5.00

They may be purchased in the Admissions & Records office.

Help a Veteran student achieve his or her educational goal.

Highest Rank Held:Age: 25Chronological Résumé2008- PresentStudent at San Joaquin Delta Col-lege

2001-2008U.S. Marine CorpsStationed in Camp Pendleton, San Diego, Ca. Deployed a total of five tours: three times to Iraq, and twice to Afghanistan.

Why he wants to help vets...“I want to help the vets coming back because there is nothing like a vet who understands a vet. ...They say that to un-derstand you have to walk a mile in there shoes, well I have walked more than a mile in their shoes.”

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While most 17 year olds are getting ready for the start of their senior year in high school, Joshua Rodriguez was getting ready to be sent to boot camp. Rodriguez knew he would always join the Marine Corps to serve his country. “The Marine Corps have the best uniform,” joked Rodriguez, as he sat down to talk to me about his educational and personal goals.

Rodriguez a Stockton native graduated from Lincoln high school in 2002. Not really knowing what to expect decided to join the United States Marine Corps because he thought it did not make sense to have one less person fighting. “Well since Graduating High School I passed on College and joined America’s Finest Fighting Force the United States Marine Corps, as a Parachute Rigger thinking that I would be sent to a base to help deploy people. Well I ended up being deploying fresh out of MOS school in the end of 2002. I spent a good chunk of 2003 traveling in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since then I have changed units and seen the world and I am currently getting ready to end my Enlistment in the next 2 months.

Veteran SpotlightA Veteran For All Challenges

Joshua Rodriguez

Having served and survived five tours overseas U.S. Marine Corp Sgt. Rodriguez, military career ended. The injuries incurred while on tour prevented him from continuing to serve his country. Even though college was not in his plans now seemed like the only option for Rodriguez. Having to undergo extensive therapy to re-learn simple tasks as walking

It takes a Vet to understand a Vet

and talking was what prompted Rodriguez to major in Speech Pathology. “There is nothing like a vet helping a vet. I know how hard it is for a grown man to say the simple words like ball or cat.” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez knows firsthand the intensity and determination required to regain motor skills after an injury. His fifth deployment came after Rodriguez had already suffered a roadside bomb explosion in 2003. “It knocked me unconscious,” said Rodriguez, “Then they put me on the back of a truck and got me out of there.” The bomb injured his hand but did not render him unfit for service. For his next tour, Rodriguez deployed in 2006, this time to Iraq.

Soon after arriving in Iraq for the last time, a tire explosion caused the vehicle Rodriguez was riding to crash. The accident aggravated previous injuries and left Rodriguez with a traumatic brain injury making walking and talking difficult. Rodriguez knows that his accidents and experiences will help him in reaching out and treating returning vets to deal with the same type of injuries. He knows and understands the frustrations and confusion felt when having to deal with a life changing injury. “It’s so much easier when a guy has been there and knows where you’re coming from,” he said. “For vets, it’s much easier to accept help from someone like you.”

Rodriguez is currently completing the Speech Pathology certification at San Joaquin Delta College, with the intention of transferring to the University of the Pacific, where he will earn his Bachelors and Masters in Speech Pathology.

Veteran cyclists took part in a charity fund raising ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles with hope others will take notice and help raise money to help rehabilitate injured veterans.The Ride 2 Recovery Golden State Challenge is raising money for spinning and outdoor cycling programs at military and Veterans Administration locations across the nation. About 150 cyclists, most of them injured veterans, took part in the ride, which began Sunday October 4, 2009, in San Francisco and will end Saturday October 10, 2009, at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration center.The group rode daily making scheduled stops in certain cities and bases. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, or Knights of Columbus organizations received the cyclists at each designated stop. In addition, if the cyclists were riding by schools, teachers stopped their classes

The Ride Toward Recovery

Looking Toward the FutureToday Rodriguez looks forward towards the future by staying active and engaging in team-related activities. One-step closer toward achieving the kind of normal life he desires. “It’s become my goal to forget about the past and move forward, I just want to be normal.” Rodriguez, said just before he left for the airport. Rodriguez will be participating in a 26-mile marathon with the Semper Fidelis Team in Washington DC. For this recently turned 25 year old Vet helping his fellow Veterans is not only a duty but rather a commitment. “Never saying die, comes with being a Marine. Besides I’m hitting the quarter of a century why not do it in style, riding from San Francisco to Los Angeles and now running the Marine Corp Marathon in DC,” he said.

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and came out to receive them with flags and shaking hands with the kids who were telling them to ride good.Joshua Rodriguez from Stockton, CA is took part in this ride for the first time.Rodriguez left the military in 2006 after suffering his second injury; a tire explosion caused the vehicle Rodriguez was riding to crash ejecting him. His new injury aggravated his prior injuries causing a traumatic brain injury,

making simple motor skills such as speaking and walking difficult. Rodriguez was sent to the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. and Veterans Association Hospital in Palo Alto for recovery before returning home. He is a currently a full time student at San Joaquin Delta College.Rodriguez said taking part in the Ride 2 Recovery program offers a chance to spend time with people he admires. The same people who have sacrificed so much for their country.John Wordin of Calabasas started Ride 2 Recovery in 2008. He runs the nonprofit Fitness Challenge Foundation, which promotes cycling as a tool for the physical and mental rehabilitation of injured veterans.“Cycling is an activity that 95 percent of wounded warriors can participate in whether they have physical or mental challenges,” he said, “and in that sense, it’s a unique activity.” Rodriguez stated that he decided to ride because

cycling is a lot more than just riding. Even if you are injured, riding a bike works your core muscles it helps your leg or arm injuries aiding the physical rehabilitation process. But it is more than just the physical, the mental rehabilitation is also needed. Vets tend to look for the same military bond shared in the service. It is the bond that makes injured vets recover faster. “In the military when one man is down, everyone helps you out.” So when you ride it is a mental and physical test, doing it all together. More than just a race it is a challenge and we do it together.”

DELTA COLLEGE SUPPORT STAFFFinancial Aid contact:

Stan RapadaFinancial Aid Liaison

srapada@deltacollege.edu

A&R contact:Edna Takahashi

Troops to College Liaisonetakahashi@deltacollege.edu

Evaluations contact:David Bayne

Troops to College Evaluatordbayne@deltacollege.edu

ADMISSIONS & RECORDSFINANCIAL AID

TRANSFER CENTER Pearl Chu

Transfer Center Liaisonpchu@deltacollege.edu

DISABILITY SUPPORT PROGRAMS & SERVICES (DSP&S)

DSPS contact:Bruce Eigbrett

DSPS Troops to College Counselorbeigbrett@deltacollege.edu

WORKNETYour Worknet

contact:Sherry Young

Center Manager(209) 870-7000

CAMPUS POLICEPolice Department contact:

Sgt. Mario VasquezCampus Police Officer

mvasquez@deltacollege.edu

TEXTBOOK LOAN PROGRAMThe Textbook Loan Program is aimed at assisting students

unable to purchase textbooks because of financial hardships. This program is to provide a short-term safety net to assist

those who might otherwise drop out of classes.

Circulation/Reserve Book/Audio-Visual Desk (209) 954-5143

Visit us in the New DeRicco Student Services BuildingYour support staff located in one convenient location

EXTENDED OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS & SERVICES

(EOPS)EOPS contact:Jazmin Amen

EOPS Troops to College Liaisonjamen@deltacollege.edu

GOLEMAN LIBRARY41 W. Yokuts Ave

Reference/Information Desk(209) 954-5145

Administrative Office(209) 954-5139

ELECTRONIC ENROLLMENT SERVICES LABYour E-lab contact:Michael TakahashiE-Services Liaison

eesl@deltacollege.edu

GUIDANCE & COUNSELINGGuidance and Counseling contact:

Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong Troops to College Counselor

cxiong@deltacollege.edu

We, the members of For Goodness Sake, are proud Americans who gather together to find and fill needs, show support, and share love and gratitude for our Active Military, Reservists, and Veterans and others in need.

For goodness sake

From left to right: Claudia Mackey, Sharla Perry, and Mary ChisholmAll members of For Goodness Sake put together one of the many gift baskets that were raffled to raise funds for the Veterans Boots to Books Scholarship Fund.

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In the fall of 2007, I was looking for something to keep me busy. My son had just been deployed to Iraq for his second fifteen-month tour, I knew I wanted something else to help occupy my time and mind. That is when I read in the Lincoln Chronicle about the “Blan-ket Brigade” a group at Delta College making blankets for the Vet-erans at Livermore Hospital. Perfect I can make blankets!

I could have never anticipated how this one thing could add so much to my life. Now the Blanket Brigade is part of “For Good-ness Sake” I cannot believe the great things I have been able to take part in. I got to help make and deliver blankets to Livermore Vet-erans hospital, Fisher House, and Soldiers Angles to be sent to our deployed men and woman in Iraq and Afghanistan. For Goodness Sake not only makes blankets but does so much more.Helping out when the Vietnam Moving Wall came to town is some-thing that touched my heart. The stories and tears shared and the feeling of love, appreciation, healing, closure, and a “Welcome Home” to the Vietnam Veterans brought me into contact with people I will never forget.

Volunteering at the “Welcome Home Heroes” event touched me. The fly over was breath taking. The Ripon JROTC were incredible. The ceremony was great--especially the way they had the pilots and the VSA Veterans

Mary Chisholm aka Sgt. Schneider’s

Perfect I Can Make Blankets

Mary Chisholm - Member of For Goodness Sake

Since 2007

The Blanket Brigade

walk in together as he said “side by side” as Vince Nastro introduced them. The display was so well done honoring the local soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Seeing some of the mothers that had lost their sons, I could not imagine their pain. My son was still over there. He had lost one of his friends and his name was on the display so I took a picture of it and the whole thing to share with him. When my husband and I when to Fort Campbell, KY to welcome him back from Iraq, I showed him the photos and told him all about the things I had been doing. He down loaded a bunch of photos onto his computer. One of the days we were there, one of his buddies came over to visit, and my son was showing the pictures and telling him about them. You could tell it meant a lot to them that the people back home were thinking of them. It made me feel good. The most remarkable part if this experience was when my son came home on leave for Christmas. I noticed that he had one of the photos from the event as his wallpaper on his computer. I felt proud that something I helped with was that important to him. It made me remember why I had started helping out with For Goodness Sake in the first place and why they are stuck with me.

Right: A picture of the Welcome Home Heroes Memorial Wall.

Below: Mary holds up one of the many embroi-dered blankets she made for the blanket brigade.

The message on this blanket reads:

“Thank you for the risks you have taken and the sacrifice you have made in the service of our nation.”

Do you love Girl Scout Cookies? Have you ever consider purchasing Girl Scout Cookies to donate to the troops serving in the Military?

Sometimes a small simple gesture as bestowing a box of cookies will make those serving far away from their homes happy. One box of cookies can bring a smile to our troops serving tour of duty halfway around the world. “Everyone deserves a treat sometimes, and they really deserve it because they are fighting for our country,” she said.

Girl Scout cookies are a great symbol of America. In fact, Girl Scout Cookies continue to be one of the most requested items by Soldiers.

Therefore, this year the For Goodness Sake members decided join Jackie Schwegel’s daughter in collecting donated Girl Scout cookies to send to the troops. Jackie’s daughter, Sara, is a first-time Brownie this year “so we decided to dip our toes into the cookie sales mayhem” stated Jackie in the campus wide email-requesting cookie donations.

Even though selling cookies this year was no piece of cake with the economy being what it is, people do not want to buy as many cookies as they did in previous years. However, Jackie’s request generated numerous donations, which proved once again that

when it comes to our troops Delta is willing to stretch their dollars to make sure the troops received a box of cookies. The For Goodness Sake members packed and mailed several cases of cookies for the troops to enjoy.

A Soldier serving in Iraq wrote:“The 988th Military Police Company Headquarters platoon out of Fort Benning, Georgia, would like to Thank You for the Girl Scout Cookies. We have enjoyed getting a Taste of Home. Our platoon enjoys the cookies on our down time after work or for a snack during our long days. When we receive these gifts, we are grateful that people think about us and share with us the pleasures of the simple things, such as Girl Scout Cookies. We appreciate your support. It is a wonderful moral boost when you take care of us. The platoon has enjoyed the cookies and we all thank you for all your support.”

This was the first time the For Goodness Sake members sent Girl Scout cookie care packages; however, they are looking forward to the next cookie sales mayhem to send our troops a sweet treat.

So if you have never considered buying a box of Girl Scout Cookies to donate to our troops, next time you see the cookie sales you just might. After all a box of cookies is nice way to say “Thank You!”

Operation: Patriotism-Packaged in Girl Scout Cookies

Care Packages for the Mind Books for the Troops

Got Books? What do you do with them after you have read them? The For Goodness Sake organization will be more than happy to find new uses for your used books. The organization has dedicated to re-circulating your old books to the troops serving overseas.

The purpose of this endeavor is to provide soldiers with engaging and high-quality books to read while stationed overseas. The For Goodness Sake members handpicked the books, ensuring that every book was appropriate and enjoyable to its recipient. The books were typically small paperbacks, which are lighter and easier to carry.

In the last book drive, the organization was able to send several packages of about 50 books to each participating soldier. This meant there were plenty of books to share with friends in their unit. The For Goodness Sake members enclosed hand written cards in each package wishing recipients luck during their service and thanking the troops for all that, they do for us. “I think there’s a greater appreciation now for what our men and women in uniform are doing for this nation, this is a very small token of saying thank you” stated Thomas Wilkins as he helped pack books for the troops.

The For Goodness Sake organization hopes that this program will continue to grow and possibly include CDs and DVDs as well. With the support and help from the community, the For Goodness Sake organization will help to

send the troops overseas care packages for the mind.

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www.veteransfunrun.com

A Cause Worth Running For28

Right now in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, American soldiers are standing to post day in and day out for more than a year at a time, thousands of miles from their homes and families. Their pride drives them forward and their sense of honor sustains them as they make countless sacrifices for our country.

One challenge they should never have to face when returning to their civilian lives is how to take advantage of a college education. At San Joaquin Delta College, the Troops to College program works to help returning veterans take full advantage educational opportunities available to them. Beginning with the G.I. Bill in 1944, and extending through a variety of efforts today, education has been the cornerstone of national efforts to reward our soldiers for their service in a very meaningful and life altering way.

For this reason, the For Goodness Sake committee decided to help sponsor and give everyone the opportunity to thank our returning veterans by supporting the first annual Veterans Fun Run on Saturday, November 14, 2009. Community members can help in a variety of ways. We are seeking monetary donations to cover the expenses, or items or services needed to make this a successful event. A list of our Sponsorship Levels is attached along with our “wish list” for goods and services.

Supporting this event is a wonderful way to demonstrate to our soldiers, sailors, and marines that they are valued and that their sacrifices are both recognized and appreciated. It also provides a way to have your business recognized as “vet friendly.”

We sent them to war, now let’s send them to college. Your support of the first annual Veterans Fun Run event will be sincerely appreciated, recognized, and remembered.

A Warm Token of Appreciation From the Temple Israel Youth Group

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Temple Israel was founded in 1850 as Congregation Rhyim Ahoovim (Beloved Friends), affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, the umbrella organization of Reform Judaism. Temple Israel prides itself on being a warm and welcoming community with a diverse population. The membership includes Jews-by-birth and Jews-by-choice. Non-Jewish spouses and children are encouraged to be an active part of the Temple Israel community by joining to continue the rich heritage rooted in Torah.

The Temple Youth group performs community service at least once a month, called “Outreaches”. Outreaches provide a chance for our young people to help others, which helps them to improve their self-esteem. This also gives the community a chance to see a group of young

people doing something positive. The fact that they have planned Outreaches shows that there are young people who are willing to give up some of their time, usually on a weekend, to help others. Besides helping others, the Outreaches provide an opportunity for youth group members to learn how to work together in order to accomplish a goal.

When the Temple Youth heard about the blanket brigade and its work in the community, they invited the For Goodness Sake organization to teach them to make blankets to donate to the Fischer home in Livermore.

The For Goodness Sake organization spent an afternoon teaching the youth group making blankets. Being invited to teach the group goes far beyond just a community service. It helps them learn the art of giving. Giving requires more than putting a few coins in a cup and walking away. Even writing a check may give them a sense of satisfaction that they are donating to a cause. But the art of giving goes a further. It is not until they themselves sacrifice something like their own time to help them appreciate what the troops are doing and have done for our country. A blanket may seem like such a small gesture to many of us, but to a veteran laying in a recovery ward somewhere will it means much more.

The heart behind making these outreaches is that the group would make a connection with the community outside of a small group setting and realize that their investment goes beyond the walls of the church. The For Goodness Sake organization is thankful that the group decided to take up the cause of making sure the recovering veterans received a blanket as a small token of appreciation for their service.

“Rebuilding Wounded Lives”Goal: To Support the Families of Our Returning Service Members who were Injured in Iraq and Afghanistan

For Goodness Sake Meeting held

every 1st Wednesday of the monthEffective December 2009

FGS will meet every Thursday of the month

forgoodnesssake@deltacollege.eduor contact us via email at:

Visit us at:http://www.deltacollege.edu/dept/troops/forgoodnesssake.html

Alabama War Dogs MemorialUSS Alabama Battleship Memorial ParkMobile, Ala.

We are veteran students who have come together both to support our fellow veteran students and advocate for changes in the school and VA systems which put us at a disadvantage compared to other students, firmly believing in the concept of veterans helping veterans to succeed. We are a non-partisan group, which deals with politicians exclusively on issues affecting veteran students. We strive to ease the transition from military service to student life. We work hard to help the veteran student navigate the jungles of red tape that stands between them and their educational benefits. We also provide support for those veteran students who want to start veteran student organizations at their schools to further cause and support their fellow veterans.

photo courtsey of Stan Rapada

A Moving Wall Memorial - Honoring those Who Served

Photo Courtesy of Stan Rapada, Troops to College Support Staff Member & Official Event Photographer.

audience and safely landed their planes on the tarmac. The San Joaquin Delta College Veteran Student Alliance (VSA) was asked to participate by volunteering to escort the F/A 18 Hornet pilots to their designated areas on the tarmac. The excited participating members from the VSA were Vince Martinez, Jocelyn Wilson, Dezyrie Furhman, and Jose Jauregui.

The ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem followed by Mr. Nastro’s introduction of the keynote speaker Adjutant Two Star General Wade from the National Guard. Adjutant Two Star General Wade leads the largest tasked National Guard force in the United States.

As part of the celebratory program the Ripon High School JROTC was invited to perform for the event. The JROTC’s show of skills

and support for our troops was incredible. The drill team’s precision marching and weapons handling captivated the entire audience.

The program of speakers and demonstrations concluded with

Jay Arellano

It was an overcast and wet Saturday, November 8th of 2008, when an o v e r w h e l m i n g crowd composed of veterans, their families, and supporters gathered to view and pay their respects at the Iraq and Afghanistan Moving Wall Memorial organized by the Welcome Home Hero’s o r g a n i z a t i o n , in honor and recognition of the fallen heroes of the ongoing war against terrorism. These heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom that we so strongly believe in.

Master of ceremonies, Mr. Vince Nastro, helped coordinate the all-day event. With the permission of the Navy and his son’s squadron, he organized an incredible fly over for the memorial event.

The squadron flew their F/A 18 Hornets above the

33

the F/A 18 squadron’s pilots formal introduction to the all the guests. Guests were also encouraged to visit and pay their respects at the memorial display.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Moving Wall Memorial was located in the center of the grassy area south of the airport terminal exit covered with a large awning. The eight memorial panels stand about five feet tall, placed in an octagon shape so that family members and visitors may pay their respect and honor our fallen heroes. Each panel cost about $1,200 dollars to make so they are handled very carefully when set into place.

A second display located inside the airport was the large nine foot replica of the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. A car show on the south eastern end of the tarmac included a static showing of exotic cars and old WW2 planes and Coast Guard rescue crafts.

The event went off without any hitches and the weather was favorable through the conclusion of the event. After the memorial event ended members of the VSA, Kevin Walker and Jay Arellano, and other fellow veterans gave a hand to disassemble the memorial display.

Along with the Iraq and Afghanistan moving wall was a display of pictures of all the son’s and daughter’s of Northern California killed in action. Families of the fallen were invited to attend. The event provided an opportunity for community members to offer condolences to the families and loved ones.

Left: Ripon High School JROTCBelow: VSA members that volunteered to greet the F/A 18 Hornets--from left to right: Jose Jauregui, Dezyrie Furhman, Male 1, Male 2, Vince Martinez, and Jocelyn Wilson.

Left: Dezyrie Furhman poses for a quick photo with the F/A 18 Hornet Pilots.

All photos courtsey of Stan Rapada.

“Regard your soldiers as your chil-dren, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys. Look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death!”

Sun Tzu, The Art of War

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” Elmer Davis

Honoin O Loca Fe Heroes

“The sacrifices made by our veterans will never be perilous as long as we continue to honor our heroes.” S. Monroe

Photos Courtesy of Stan Rapada

The Delta College Veteran Student Alliance has been developing a veteran-specific tutoring program since last year, and the effort is paying off.

The veteran tutoring program now has three tutors that offer their services, free of charge, to fellow veterans in subjects including Math, English, History and Computer Science. All of the tutors are either veterans or family members of veterans.

The veteran-to-veteran contact is important because many returning vets have often been out of school for a while and find it easier to work with those who have shared similar experiences. The tutors benefit from an opportunity to serve their community and note their involvement on a transfer application and job resumes.

Currently, tutoring takes place in various classrooms when they are not in use. There is currently a proposal before the Facilities Committee to create a veterans center on campus which would, among other things, permanently house the veterans tutoring services.

As the VSA grows, the tutoring services will likely grow as well. Currently, approximately a dozen veteran students take advantage of the program.

Combined with the Veteran Computer Loan Program, the tutoring program is a great example of how, by working together, veteran students can ensure they have the resources and assistance necessary to be successful in their college careers.

Working Together Ensures Veteran Student SuccessBrandon Biegert

Veteran Computer Loan ProgramVeteran Tutor Program

Visit the troops to college site:http://troops.deltacollege.edu

Or contact us by email: troopstocollege@deltacollege.edu

Need a Tutor?

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On February 30th members of the Delta College Veteran Student Alliance performed as a color guard in the Chinese New Year Parade in downtown

Stockton. Leading the second group of floats, they did a terrific job presenting the colors and representing Delta College.

That was the second event at which they performed as a Color Guard, the first being last semester’s homecoming football game. While they previously borrowed the necessary equipment from various sources, the VSA has recently purchased a set for their own use, including flags, rifles, harnesses and guidon poles from monies earned through fund-raising activities.

The invitation for the Delta VSA to participate in community the event reflects the effort the VSA has put into strengthening ties between veteran students and the community at large. Participation in various community events has a reputation in within the greater veteran community reflecting VSA’s willingness to help wherever they are needed.

With the new equipment on the way, plans are in the works to put together a permanent color guard team to perform at various Delta College and community events. Activities like this provide vets an opportunity to work together and raise awareness for the organization, its cause, and veteran issues.

Gung Hay Fat Choy-Year of the Ox 2009VSA Color Guard Performs for the Chinese Community Annual Parade

VSA Color Guard Members--left to right: Brandon Biegert, K.C. Cazares, Luke Wilson, & Dezyrie Furhman.

Brandon Biegert

First Day Registration for all Veteran Students

Bring in your DD214 to the Admissions & Records Office to receive this benefit. If you pre-viously turned in your form there is no need to resubmit. Just check when registration times are assigned. If your registration time is other than the first day, contact the Troops to College Program. For a faster response call them at 209-954-5151 extension. Still have questions just send us an email: troopstocollege@deltacollege.edu.

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As the Veteran Student Alliance (VSA) continues to grow, the VSA has been able to incorporate more activities for our members. This summer the VSA hosted the very first barbecue for the veteran students at Delta College. Veterans on campus were encouraged to get together with their families and enjoy a day full fun and food. The barbecue was held at Oak Park, Stockton California on June 6, 2009. Emails were sent and fliers were distributed on campus encouraging all of the fellow veteran

Eat, Meet, & GreetA Fun Filled Day With Fellow Veterans

Jay Arellano

students to attend.The day was sunny and beautiful--great for a get together. Our active VSA members arrived early to clean and set up the area of operation. As guests began to arrive, they found that the food was hot and ready to

eat, and the drinks were cold. With the help of Mike Spence, a fellow veteran, VSA was able to cook all the delicious hot dogs and hamburgers on his barbecue pit.As the day progressed several free items including gifts such as a 49er team and a Raider team blankets. Thomas Wilkins, VSA member, dispersed the water balloons and started going to town with the kids in the area. Pretty soon he had kids from all over the park throwing balloons at him.All in all the first barbecue proved to be a fun filled day full of food, sunshine, and fellow veterans. The VSA is looking forward to being able to hosting another barbecue next summer.

Not a member yet? Want to become a VSA member? Come into the Admissions & Records Office and ask to speak to a fellow veteran. You may also join by coming to the monthly meetings. Check your student email account for dates, times, and locations of the meetings. Have suggestions or ideas you may email the

Become a VSA Member

The 2009 Fourth of July parade marked the second year that VSA provided volunteers for the annual parade. But this year, Delta College entered a float in the parade representing the Troops to College Program and the Veteran Student Alliance from San Joaquin Delta College.

With help from For Goodness Sake an impressive float was the result. This year’s Parade theme was to celebrate our heroes’ homecoming from the war. Our float’s theme was “We sent them to war, now let’s send them to college”.

The three organizations Troops to College, Veteran Student Alliance, and For Goodness Sake are grateful

for Tino Adame’s, Karl Ross Post #16 Commander from Stockton California, invitation to participate in the event. This yearly function was fun and extremely rewarding for

all of the members.

Dezyrie Furhman and Josh Rodriguez walked along-side the float handing out pamphlets to the crowd.Warmest heartfelt thanks is extended to Mr. Pete Arellano Sr., for the use of his truck and trailer. Without his contribution to our this event participation in the parade would not

have been possible. We are looking forward to next year’s parade.

Jay Arellano

We Sent Them to War, Now Let’s Send Them To College

Independence Day More Than Just Celebrating

Our Nations Birth

Top Right: VSA and For Goodness Sake members affix the banners to the side of the truck. Bottom Left: Catherine Mooney and Mary Chislom work on the float. Middle Photo: Ryan Dinkel and Jay Arellano help attach the Troops To College Banner. Bottom Right: The complete Float and all its participating volunteer minutes before the start of the parade.

One of the primary goals of the Veteran Student Alliance (VSA) is to ensure that fellow veterans are on the right track to achieving their career goals. For the second time the VSA was able to host its annual veteran student orientation. The orientation was held Wednesday August 2, 2009 at 3:00 PM in Locke 123.Veteran students who attended the orientation were able to get information about the programs and resources available to them on campus.The current President of the VSA, Jay Arellano, provided a brief power point presentation about the VSA and its vital role in helping fellow student veterans. The presentation also included a brief description of the origin and need for the VSA. Some of the highlights in Arellano’s presentation included community service and other veteran organizations from the local area.The orientation included members from the Troops to College Support Staff such as Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong from counseling, Lakahani Saini from the financial aid office, Roy Juarez from DSP&S and Catherine Mooney director of the Troops to College program. Each support team member gave a brief explanation of what services were provided from their department and how a veteran student would be able to benefit from these services.Following the VSA and the Support Staff presentations, Arellano bestowed several recognition awards to the VSA members who have volunteered and helped make the VSA a successful organization. Each honoree was given a brief moment to explain their involvement and the VSA helped them in furthering their career goals. At the conclusion of the award presentation the guest veterans were given the opportunity to speak with the support staff and have their specific questions answered. By providing these types of activities our student veterans will benefit through networking and connecting to a supportive community environment such as they experienced as part of their military career. “We hope that as the veteran student population begins to grow with every semester and that the information about the Troops to College Program will spread amongst the veterans, helping to create a more powerful and influential group.” stated Arellano.“On behalf of the VSA”,

Jay Arellano

VSA Helps Fellow Veterans to Get on the Right Track to Success

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On September 11th 2009, Stockton’s Annual Disabilities Awareness Fair was rolling at full force. This year the event began at 9 am and concluded at 3 PM. The event was held at Weber Point Event Center in commemoration of our local Veterans and those who lost their lives that day 8 years ago.The Disabilities Fair events included singing, music and dancing. Food was provided and a free raffle that included prizes from golf bags, umbrellas and event t-shirts. Hawaiian Shaved Ice was provided at no charge for all the patrons and attendees to provide relief from the hot sun.Members of the Troops to College Program and the Veterans Student Alliance attended the ceremonies, to

Disabilities Awareness Fair Honors the Fallen Heroes of September 11

Albert RevivesCommunity Outreach Representative

provide information about the services the organization provides. Members included Jay Arellano Sr., Albert Revives, Mike Cravens, Ryan Dinkel and Patrick Hall. The Delta College booth was conveniently located at the front entrance beside the Karl Ross Post #16 booth. This prime location ensured that everyone entering the fair was able to ask questions and walk away with information about our programs.Along with the fun and activities of the fair, the Troops to College and Veterans Student Alliance was there to inform prospective students and families about the services we can provide. Having a support team for active and former military members of the armed forces, increases the chances of graduation or transfer, which is why the VSA has made this one of their primary goals.

Pho

to C

ourt

esy

of S

tan

Rap

ada

“The hero is commonly the simplest and obscurest of men.”

--Henry David Thoreau

“You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy.”--Colin Powell

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Up-Coming Events

Veteran Fun RunSaturday November 14th, 2009

Opening Ceremony 7:45 AM, Starting Time 8:00 AM

Veterans Fun Run includes a Half Marathon, 5K, Music & More.

Jessie’s Grove Winery(Located in Lodi, CA)

For more information please visit:

www.veteransfunrun.com

For other activities and resources visit our website at:

http://troops.deltacollege.edu/vsa.htmlFall 2009 VSA Meetings

1st and 2nd Wednesday of the monthDelta College Veteran Students check your

student email accounts for future benefit and upcoming events notifications.

Next Issue:Support Staff Spotlight

Stan RapadaFinancial Aid Liaison

& Official Troops To College Photographer

photo courtsey of Stan Rapada

photo courtsey of Stan Rapada

The mission of San Joaquin Delta College is providing excellent post-secondary education that serves the needs of students, the College District and the community through continuing, transfer, career and technical education, and economic development. To achieve this objective, the faculty and staff are committed to providing comprehensive instructional programs, student services, and public services that are high quality.In fulfilling its mission, San Joaquin Delta College acts upon the following principles:· Commitment to excellence requires effective collaboration, respect for cultural diversity, appreciation of historical perspective,

open communication, high academic standards, a vital connection to the arts and cultures of the community, and competitive athletics.

· Student success and equity are founded on a well-coordinated and institutionally-integrated developmental education program.· Educational resources are available to all students regardless of age, disability, gender, or ethnicity.· Institutional renewal must include continuous improvements through new and revised curricula; the use of student learning

outcomes to enhance student performance; new and effective technologies, and ongoing faculty and staff professional development.

· All aspects of the College encourage good citizenship, responsible leadership, ethical behavior, and the appreciation of lifelong learning.

San Joaquin Delta Community College District reserves the right to discontinue, postpone, combine courses, change instructors, and correct errors and omissions. Courses, course content, class times and units are subject to change depending upon enrollment and the requirements of the district. All enrollment fees are subject to change.

Mailing Address: Admissions & Records

DeRicco Student Services Building5151 PACIFIC AVENUESTOCKTON CA 95207

(209) 954-5151

Troops To College Program:http://troops.deltacollege.edu/

For Goodness Sake:http://troops.deltacollege.edu/forgoodnesssake.html

Veteran Student Alliance:http://www.ca.vsa.org

Mission Statement