ECC hosts week of events for veterans

Veterans returning to college in the United States face a unique set of challenges.

That's why the Military Branches United club at Elgin Community College is reaching out to veterans on campus this week with a series of events to mark Veterans Day (celebrated on Thursday).

Friday's events, which include a seminar on veterans' benefits, a traffic safety program and information on emotional and psychological support for veterans, are geared toward helping soldiers readjust to civilian life.

“The mission is to bridge the gap between civilian and military life,” said Jake Zimmerman, president of the ECC chapter of Military Branches United. “You're not alone here on campus. We're here to help each other out along the way.”

ECC students started the club last year, when they marked Veterans Day with a ceremony on the actual holiday. This year, the club is expanding Veterans Day events to reach more of the estimated 230 veterans on the Elgin campus.

• The series starts Wednesday with a celebration of the Marine Corps' 235th birthday, held at 11 a.m. in the Student Resource Center's Jobe Lounge, 1700 Spartan Drive. The celebration includes cake cut by the Corps' ceremonial sword and remarks from Marines who served in the Second World War and Korea.

• The official Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, also in the Jobe Lounge. Sen. Michael Noland of Elgin, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, will speak at the event.

• A Veterans' Benefits Expo will be held at 12:15 p.m. Friday in the Advanced Technology Center auditorium.

For more information on Military Branches United or Veterans Day events, contact the Office of Student Life at (847) 214-7370.