Veterans group forming at Harper

Some were seeking camaraderie, some guidance to navigate the system. Others wanted to alternate service projects with a friendly game of paintball.

Whatever their motivation, nearly 15 former military men and women found time Thursday between classes at Harper College to take part in the school's inaugural veterans association meeting.

"There's no one outside these doors who can understand what we went through other than us," said Zachary Edelstein, a 23-year-old Arlington Heights man who served in the U.S. Marines. "I think it's important we have this network of people."

The number of Illinois veterans attending the Palatine community college jumped to 194 students in the fall 2009 semester, up 22 percent from the prior year.

Among the growing ranks of veterans-turned-college students is Michael James Tumilty, who served six years in the U.S. Air Force before enrolling in Harper's nursing program. He's helping to lead the new organization, which is open to all Harper students, along with associate political science professor Bobby Summers and Thomas Warfield, who works in the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

"With the number of veterans starting to come back from overseas, this really is just the beginning," said Tumilty, who heard from nearly 40 veterans interested in joining, including some women.

During the first meeting, the priority was to discuss what members wanted the club's purpose to be. One common theme to emerge was frustration with securing government benefits and dealing with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

"Making claims, now that's a pain," Dominic Rossi, 24, of Rosemont, said to a chorus of applause. "They need proof of this, proof of that. I could use help figuring out how to work the system."

Summers said the group could bring in a series of speakers to mentor the veterans on paperwork, jobs and acceptance into four-year schools. Students also discussed studying together and serving as a resource for those interested in enlisting.

Earl Dowling, a former U.S. Army lieutenant and current director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance, stopped by and said the organization will serve to support veterans to make the most of their college experience.

"Each of you should consider yourselves pioneers," Dowling said. "You'll have moved on to the next stage of your life when this club really pays off."