News Releases

Cerro Coso Campus

Veterans Awareness Day

November 2, 2010

On November 10, 2010, Cerro Coso Community College will celebrate Veterans Day by recognizing student veterans and sharing the many services the College and valley have to offer veterans, active duty military, and their families. "Veterans Awareness Day" will begin with refreshments at 8:30 a.m. in the College Lecture Center and will conclude around 12 noon.

Guest speakers for the event will include:

• Gwendolyn Thornton, Cal Vet's Representative. "Our goal is to assist our veterans and make sure they receive all the benefits they are entitled to," said Thornton.
• Mike Penny, Veterans Program Specialist, Kern County Veteran Service Department, specializes in assisting veterans with completing and expediting service-connecting disability, pension benefits, and providing referrals for educational and employment benefits.
• Yesenia Thomas with the Disabled American Veterans: "It's important to make our Veterans aware that we do have these services and organizations out there to help them out" stated Thomas.
• Andy Lara, Information and Relocation Specialist with NAWS local Fleet and Family Services. Andy is responsible for distributing welcome aboard packages to those who relocated to the area and briefing INDOC.
• Penny Talley, Director of Special Services at the college will talk about the College's Disable Student Program and Services (DSPS) that supports students with disabilities.

Presenters will also be available after the event to answer questions.

A panel discussion comprised of student veterans will answer questions aimed at making the transition to post secondary education more seamless for veterans. "We are here to assist our veterans and active duty military in securing their Veteran educational benefits as well as provide any additional support they may need to be successful at Cerro Coso Community College," stated Dave Cornell, Event Coordinator and Director of Veteran Affairs at the College.

The public is invited to participate and learn more about what the college and community have to offer veterans, active military, and their families. "We want to recognize the important contributions of our veterans and active duty military and the tireless work they carry out on our behalf", said Cornell. With a host of participants veterans and their families will be able to discover and receive support available from the various agencies.

For more information on "Veterans Awareness Day" at Cerro Coso Community College call 760-384-6291.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260

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