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| Soldier's Cross |
May 25, 2011 marks the date for the LBCC Memorial Day Vigil, as planned by the Veteran’s Club. Their regular club meetings are on Thursdays in the LBCC Fireside Room, but this is their big annual event, which will be held in the LBCC courtyard.
"It’s not just a club.” While there is no official mission statement or club motto, this sentiment was repeated several times from all of the club members.
Club members experienced difficulty in arranging to have a traditional Soldier’s Cross at the Memorial Day event. This is because a firearm is the main part of the centerpiece and there are laws against viable firearms on campus. School officials granted permission in this circumstance, to include the Soldier’s Cross, along with the American flag, and the various service flags (Army, Marines, Navy, etc.). Various military service facts will be posted around the courtyard, along with comparison of combat and humanitarian efforts, discussion of the stigma often affiliated with veterans and the military, and the importance of observing the holiday beyond the excuse for a weekend barbeque.
The student president of the club, David Mayotte, says the unofficial club mission statement is “To help with the transition from military to civilian life, and create a community.” As many veterans know, this sense of community is strengthened when the military branch or even specialty are shared.
Mayotte states that the group meets the invaluable need to breach the red tape that veterans experience, especially regarding school issues, and to connect veterans with useful contacts already known to the group. Raising the awareness of veterans on campus is Mayotte’s main focus, to help avoid the sense of alienation that is often inevitable.
The club has been asked to help train faculty on specific interaction with veterans, with a range of specific needs. A current club goal is to add to new student orientation, about the club and the help available. As the club grows, some possible goals include: veterans tutoring other veterans, organizing a veteran’s textbook sale/trade, and open discussion on other helpful school-related issues.
Bill Stanley, the Veteran’s Club vice president, says that can be difficult to find new club candidates. Many prospective members act receptive, but rarely follow through, or have specific reasons for lack of club interest. Many veterans seem “done with it,” in regards to their military experience and affiliation. Stanley says that anyone with ANY military experience, whether it be personal, family, or close friend, is welcomed. Even the Corvallis military surplus store is supportive of the club, and has made donations.
Bill felt he had great difficulty finding a “niche” here, after his separation from the military. The club had many solutions for this issue, for Bill, and for his brother Dave. He notes that the camaraderie in the military is difficult to replace, once returning to the civilian world. Finding other veterans helps.
Jeb Oliver is the original co-founder (along with Maria Ballard, who is no longer in the club), over a year ago. Since his military involvement, it is personally rewarding for him to be able to help others. He discusses needs veterans have, for “someone to talk to,” and “to relate to others.” He refers to family members with military experience (including his father’s career choice), and that by itself, is enough to be welcomed into the club with open arms. Most important to him is that the club members “take care of each other. It’s a good thing.”
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| Honoring a fallen serviceman. |
At a Glance:
What: LBCC Veterans Memorial Vigil
When: May 25
Where: LBCC courtyard
Club officers: David Mayotte - student president; Bill Stanley - vice president; Jeb Oliver - co-founder
Faculty advisor: Lewis Franklin (also head of LBCC Graphic Arts department)
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