For Army and Texas National Guard veteran Hillary Ray Smith, ACC’s Veterans Appreciation and Open House provided the same sense of camaraderie he experienced during his 23 years of service.

“This was a great event,” says Smith, who is now an ACC student studying to become a social worker. “Veterans are used to relying on each other and supporting each other. We are like a big fraternity. It doesn’t matter where you served or with what branch. We are brothers and sisters in arms.” 

Hundreds attended the May 15 event, which gave veterans and their families a chance to learn about the services and programs available to them, at ACC and throughout the community. This was the second Veterans Appreciation and Open House; ACC plans to make it an annual event. 

“It’s our mission to help vets make a smooth transition into college,” says Mervin Jones, an ACC counselor who served more than two decades in the Army. “It’s not always easy. They face many challenges acclimating to civilian life, and it can be difficult to have a full understanding of the wide array of benefits they’ve earned.” 

During the Open House at Riverside Campus, veterans met with ACC representatives from Student Services, Veterans Affairs, the Office for Students with Disabilities, and Financial Aid. The Veterans Appreciation also connected vets to dozens of community resources, including Operation Honor Our Heroes, Texas Hearing and Service Dogs, the Texas National Guard, the Travis County Veterans Service Office, and Austin Vet Center. 

“One very special aspect of this event was that it took place on Armed Forces Day, which celebrates the shared values and service of all members of the military,” says Jones. 

Dr. Kathleen Christensen, vice president for Student Support & Success Systems, holds the flag flown in ACC's honor in Iraq.

During the event, a veteran student presented ACC a flag that flew in the college’s honor in Iraq, at the request of Texas Army National Guard Major Sharon Frederick – who also happens to be ACC’s director of Student Learning Services. 

“We are able to have a flag flown on a designated day to honor the special people in our lives,” explained Major Frederick via Facebook. “I chose ACC for two reasons. The first is that the college is such a supportive employer, full of friends and colleagues who keep me uplifted with emails, care packages, and prayers. The second reason is that ACC strives to instill in our students the values of leadership, civic duty, responsibility, and giving back to the community. I hope this gesture from me to ACC will symbolize that.” 

Major Sharon Frederick, Texas Army National Guard & ACC's director of Student Learning Services

 This spring, more than 1,700 vets enrolled at ACC. Of course, ACC’s appreciation for them extends beyond the Open House event. 

“We have a commitment to going the extra mile for our students who have served in the military,” says Jones. “They put their lives on the line so that we can be free. They deserve our full support and gratitude, each and every day.” 

Veterans in need of assistance with benefits, advising, and counseling should contact ACC’s Veterans Affairs office ([email protected]).