Salinas, CA — October 31, 2024 — Hartnell College Veterans Resource Center invites the community to celebrate Veterans Appreciation Week in honor of local veterans and families. The week-long celebration, taking place from November 4-11, is designed to highlight the contributions and experiences of veterans within the community. All events are free and open to the public, held at Hartnell College’s main campus, located at 411 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA. 

Throughout the week, attendees can participate in various activities, including breakfast and lunch with a veteran, a film screening, a community Veterans Day event, a “pan and cafecito” gathering with vets, and the annual Veterans Day parade in downtown Salinas. 

"Veterans Appreciation Week allows us to highlight our special student population and our Veterans Resource Center, showcasing the unique programs and resources we offer," says Gemma Uribe-Cruz, Hartnell College Veterans counselor. "We look forward to engaging our Hartnell community and building stronger relationships campus-wide. 

Events serve not only to honor veterans but also to increase awareness of unique Veteran experiences. “We are committed to bridging the gap between veteran and non-veteran students, faculty, and staff, creating an inclusive environment that values the diverse perspectives veterans bring to the college and community,” added Ligia E Polio, Veterans Program Specialist and Veterans Certifying Official. 

Veterans Week Schedule of Events: 

Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
Breakfast with a Veteran
8:00 a.m. at the Veterans Resource Center,
Hartnell College, Building C #138 

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
Community Veterans Day Event and Flag Raising
11:00 a.m. at the Hartnell College Roundabout, main campus 

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024
Film screening “By My Side”
4:00 p.m. at Steinbeck Hall 

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024
Lunch with a Veteran
11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Resource Center,
Hartnell College, Building C #138 

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024
Pan and Cafecito with a Veteran
8:00 a.m. at the Veterans Resource Center,
Hartnell College, Building C #138 

Monday, Nov. 11, 2024
Salinas Veterans Day Parade
2:00 p.m. downtown Salinas 

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About Hartnell College Veterans Resource Center 

Since September 2012, Hartnell's Veteran Resource Center has provided tailored support to student veterans and their families. The center has assisted over 1,000 individuals since its inception. It aims to ease the transition from military service to college by helping with VA educational benefits and fostering academic success. At Hartnell College, we value veterans' contributions and are committed to the educational achievements of our veterans and dependents. Our center also enhances campus awareness of veteran issues, advises the student veterans club, and promotes community and well-being for student veterans.