From Humvee to ACC: Annual Event Appreciates, Supports Veterans

This event occurred on Sept. 29, 2011 at ACC Round Rock. Read a brief recap and view photos from the event below:

Constable Maria Canchola’s passionate speech about the transition process of military veterans was just one of many heartfelt moments at the veterans appreciation event at the Round Rock Campus, Sept. 29.

Joining Canchola was Dr. Sharon Frederick who spoke about the U.S. Army’s Seven Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Frederick not only expressed how those values relate to the military community, but how they should translate to ACC faculty and staff in their relation to student veterans.

Representatives from various organizations such as the Texas Vet Center and Texas Veteran Leadership Program, along with ACC’s Office of Veteran’s Affairs, spoke to students and their family members about benefits or assistance that is available to them. Attendees of the event were also given the opportunity to see a display by “Operation Honor Our Heroes” of over 500 flags that represent Texas service members killed in action since the Sept. 11, 2001.

For more about the event or services to ACC student veterans, please call Mervin Jones at 223.0041.

Original story:

Jason Prochilo knows the transition from the battlefield to the classroom isn’t always easy. Before the 27-year-old Marine Corps veteran landed at ACC, he tried two colleges in another state.

Student Jason Prochilo served in Iraq.

“They just didn’t come off as very veteran-friendly – it was almost like you had to fend for yourself,” recalls Prochilo, who served in Iraq and has been stationed around the world. “I found ACC more suited to my lifestyle. It is much more welcoming for veterans, because there are so many other veterans in similar situations and places to go for help.”

ACC’s Veterans Affairs staff is dedicated to ensuring all veterans have a positive experience.

“Our veterans have given so much to this country,” says Mark Harden, manager of Veterans Affairs and an Army veteran. “It is our job to help them take advantage of the benefits they’ve earned and make sure they know about the assistance available to them.”

That’s why the college will host a veterans appreciation and open house Thursday, September 29, at Round Rock Campus (4400 College Park Dr., Building 2000 courtyard). “From Humvee to ACC” will run 10:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. and give veterans a chance to learn about their education benefits, meet with college staff, and find out about community resources. The event will feature food, entertainment, and activities for adults and children.

“It provides a great opportunity for both the local community as well as returning veterans and their families to meet and see what services are out there,” says Prochilo.

Representatives from ACC’s offices of Veterans Affairs, Student Services, Financial Aid, and Disability Services will be on hand to provide information. The group Operation Honor Our Heroes will display flags in honor of the more than 500 Texas troops who have died in the years since 9/11; the Texas National Guard, Austin Vet Center, Hope for Heroes, Williamson County Veterans Service Office, and a number of other organizations will be in attendance as well.

“Come and ask questions,” says Prochilo. “Some people are quick to transition, while for others it takes some time. We have veterans here at ACC to help other veterans.”

That sense of understanding paved a path for Prochilo, who is now an engineering major and a Veterans Affairs student worker. He plans to transfer to a university and study aerospace engineering, with hopes of eventually working for a defense contractor.

Mervin Jones, an ACC counselor, says education has a powerful transformative effect for veterans.

“Veterans need to know they can achieve a college degree and succeed – and they’re not alone,” says Jones, an Army veteran who created From Humvee to ACC three years ago. “We owe them our gratitude and are committed to doing everything we can to help.”

For more information on services for veterans at ACC, visit austincc.edu/support/veterans or call 223.7574.

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