Not your average VFW: ECC military group aims to bridge gap

As an Elgin Community College student and eight-year member of the U.S. Army, Bethanie Block longed to connect to other students who had also served in the military.

She also longed for more.

Block, of Hanover Park, along with fellow student and Marine Sgt. Leslie Vasquez of Elgin, this fall founded a student group called Military Branches United.

The group, which meets weekly, acts as a support system for other veterans returning to school. It also aims to serve as a support group for military families and those contemplating enlisting. "Our motto is 'Bridging the Gap from Military to Civilian,'" Block said Tuesday at a celebration of the 234th anniversary of the Marines at ECC's Jobe Lounge.

"We wanted to be here for spouses, supporters, anybody who might want to join the military, and talk to people who have been through this," she said. "Sometimes I think going to recruiting offices can be like talking to a used-car salesman ... they only tell you about the good things."

Since forming this fall, Military Branches United has grown to include about 15 members.

The vast majority, like Marine Sgt. Wes Farber, of Schaumburg, are between 20 and 30 years old and recently returned from a tour of duty.

Farber served in Iraq in 2006 and 2007, and enrolled at ECC for the first time this fall. He's hoping to study structural engineering.

Knowing others who are going through similar transitions has helped him these past few months, Farber said.

Tuesday's ceremony featured a presentation of colors and address by Marine Major Vincent Garcia of Lake in the Hills.

Longtime college trustee Robert Getz, an Army veteran, was the celebration's "guest of honor."

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a Marines' birthday cake prepared by the college's culinary arts students.

The group will also hold a ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the flagpole behind ECC's library in honor of Veterans Day.