From Service to Scholarship: Military Community Keeps the Mission Going

May is Military Appreciation Month, and CSN has plenty to celebrate.

Right now, more than 812 veterans are enrolled and using their VA education benefits at CSN. Add in 817 military dependents, and that’s more than 1,600 service-connected students building their futures through higher education. Women make up nearly a quarter of that veteran population, with 199 female veterans currently enrolled, reflecting the growing and vital role women play across all branches.

Those numbers tell a story, and so do the people behind them.

Antonio Ramos is an Army veteran who served three tours overseas, to Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. After nearly a year of hospitalization following his service, returning to anything that looked like normal life wasn’t easy. Coming to CSN was a choice, and the VETS Center made it possible.

“Every question, concern, degree audit, phone call, email,” Ramos said. “Nowadays I truly just start with, ‘I am so sorry it’s me again…’ but the team here never misses a beat and gets me squared away.”

His message to other veterans thinking about college? Simple: “Put your hand up and ask for help.”

That sentiment runs through nearly every story shared by CSN’s military community this month. Deina Edwards, a military-connected student, described the journey as one of continuing to serve, just in a different way.

“Education is a powerful tool for transformation, and this next chapter is your opportunity to continue serving,” Edwards said, “this time by investing in yourself and your future.”

Chelsea Snoey, who was medically retired from the military, said CSN gave her something she didn’t expect.

“College has helped give me a better sense of purpose since being medically retired from the service and has helped me find a newfound love for a job that will nourish my spirit,” she said. “Don’t let your GI Bill or other benefits go to waste.”

For Jesse Beltran, CSN was the right first step, with transfer-friendly coursework, multiple campuses across the valley, and a VETS Center that knows how to navigate the administrative maze of VA benefits.

“If you are lost in what you want to do or don’t have a clear pathway, CSN is excellent to dip your toes,” Beltran said.

And for Monica Hedrick, it was about becoming something more. She completed CSN’s Student Leadership Academy and joined the National Society of Leadership and Success, discovering along the way what kind of leader she wants to be.

“These opportunities not only shaped my academic journey,” Hedrick said, “but also prepared me to contribute meaningfully to both professional and community spaces.”

The Office of Veterans Education and Transition Services, known on campus as the VETS Center, supports students like these every day, helping them access their benefits, connect with academic advisors, and find their footing in civilian academic life.

To the 812 veterans and 817 military dependents enrolled at CSN right now: thank you for your service, and welcome to your next chapter.