My Experience as a Veteran College Student

I always had a feeling that I wanted to serve my country. My initial high school sent many students to Westpoint. I had aspirations at the time, but changed trajectory when I changed schools. I remember being angry in community college, lacking motivation, and acting out. Through those times I yearned to have a higher purpose. So I decided to lean into my desire to serve, and joined the United States Army. 

Serving in the United States Army became one of the most memorable adventures I have ever experienced. Basic Training became the breeding ground for individuals from all different backgrounds to become an armed service member. We experienced battle tactics such as react to ambush, which meant if one team received enemy fire, then they immediately returned fire, while the second team initiated suppressive fire to overpower the enemy. Additionally, I learned to communicate with my peers through radios to coordinate offense and defense. With battle applications and communications, I became a soldier ready to shoot, move, and communicate. I used my newfound knowledge to attempt to become a Green Beret, but fell short, and instead served in the prestigious 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy. 

During my time in the 173rd, we became activated to jump into Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland to deter Russian aggression for Operation Atlantic Resolve. This meant that we conducted joint operations with our Baltic allies to perform training exercises in a simulated environment. I learned how to detonate explosives, breach houses, and lead a fourteen vehicle convoy into the simulated battlefield while maintaining communication with our allies. Throughout our operational deployment, we successfully accomplished the biggest live fire mission in all of Europe to showcase our commitment to our Baltic allies. 

After I became honorably discharged, I met a competent group of veterans with ambitions to support other veterans. Prior to my success, and with no roadmap, I faced trials and tribulations. I dropped out of college for a fourth time. I did not have a direction so I worked odd jobs as a waffle cook, a warehouse worker, and a sushi waiter. Nothing felt right. When the electrical union accepted me as an inside wireman apprentice, I heard the Lord tell me I needed to go to college. I politely declined, and never looked back. God guided me to Pepperdine. At Pepperdine, I found Christianity and community. My relationship with Jesus strengthened, my presence in the church strengthened, and my life revolves around serving. I work alongside my boss Eric Leshinsky, who began the quest to raise veteran awareness within Pepperdine. He began a monthly veteran newsletter, spanning across all five schools and diligently used his resources to raise funds to send veterans to study abroad and help with any additional financial obligations. 

Pepperdine makes a concerted effort to support veterans like myself, despite many of them not being veterans themselves. The overwhelming support I receive here impresses me. Many veterans do not know that they have resources in college. Instead, many of them struggle to apply for their GI Bill benefits, struggle financially, and do not have familial support. The fact that Pepperdine houses a community space for veterans means so much to me. I recognize and appreciate the effort Pepperdine University invests into the veteran cause, and I know other veterans do as well. 

Pepperdine students can support veterans by making an authentic attempt to befriend them. Many veterans, including myself, exist outside of the college standard. We enter college at a later age and possess a background that few have. If the student body gradually becomes aware of veterans, something as simple as saying hello and being curious about them as people goes a long way. I truly believe making an authentic attempt to befriend a veteran holds the most significance.