V.E.T.S. CENTER EDITION
The Veterans Education & Transition Services (V.E.T.S.) Center supports CBC’s student veterans, active-duty service members, and their families by providing comprehensive, tailored guidance at every step of their college journey.
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Melda Velasquez, Chair Kadlec Regional Medical Center
Kyle Simmons, Vice Chair & Fund Development Chair
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Douglas Christensen, Board Development Chair HMIS
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Paige Wyatt
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
STAFF
Erin Fishburn
Executive Director
Devon Holze
Sarah Murphy
Timmy Song
HUB FOR CONNECTION & COMMUNITY Supporting Student Heroes
The Veterans Education & Transition Services (V.E.T.S.) Center at Columbia Basin College specializes in simplifying the often-complex transition from military to civilian and college life for Hawks and their families.
The V.E.T.S. Center assists military-affiliated students from their first day on campus through graduation. Staff help navigate VA education benefits, course enrollment and access to essential financial, academic and area resources.
“Our team offers personalized education mapping to help students create clear, achievable academic plans that align with their career aspirations,” said Floyd Eggers, CBC’s Director for Veterans Education & Transition Services.
The V.E.T.S. Center also fosters connection and community. Whether students need homework support, emergency financial aid or a space to study and build camaraderie, the V.E.T.S. Center promotes trust, belonging and success.
200 STUDENTS UTILIZING VA OR DOD BENEFITS
STUDENT CONTACTS 1,982
34 TEXTBOOKS PROVIDED
9 STUDENTS EMPLOYED THROUGH VA WORK-STUDY
MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS SERVED 647
DISCOVER MORE AT COLUMBIABASIN.EDU/VETERANS
After serving nearly a decade in the U.S. Army Reserve, including two tours in Iraq, James Fuller was unsure about returning to college in his 40s.
But at Columbia Basin College, he found his footing with fellow veterans, the Cyber Hawks Club and supportive instructors who encouraged him to teach.
Following graduation in 2023, James returned to CBC. He is now an assistant professor and Director of the Cyber Security Program.
“As a recent graduate, I know what our military students face,” James said. “Sometimes, they just need someone who understands to help them keep going.”
James credits CBC’s strong support for service members with helping him build a life and career he’s never imagined and hopes to pay it forward.
CBC VETS IN THE COMMUNITY Letters to Heroes
The Letters to Heroes initiative is one of the most meaningful ways CBC’s military-affiliated community expresses gratitude to local veterans for Veterans Day.
Each fall, students and staff collect handwritten letters of appreciation from across campus and the community, collaborating with Friends of Disabled Veterans and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tri-Cities. The letters are then personally delivered to veterans at care facilities, local veteran organizations and private residences.
Honoring the region’s veterans, this labor of love ensures their invaluable contributions are never forgotten. Growing annually, Letters to Heroes reflects CBC’s unwavering commitment to supporting veterans well beyond the classroom.
TO PARTICIPATE, WRITE LETTERS OR NOMINATE A HOMEBOUND VETERAN FOR AN IN-PERSON VISIT, CONTACT THE V.E.T.S. CENTER AT VETERANS@COLUMBIABASIN.EDU
COMING TOGETHER FOR GOOD
In addition to Letters to Heroes, the V.E.T.S. Center organizes additional projects and activities to bring CBC’s military community together to strengthen bonds, share experiences and make a difference.
Memorial Day Hike
to reflect, honor and remember the sacrifices of our fallen heroes
Photos with Santa
to provide CBC families with gifts, keepsake ornaments and memorable pictures
Food Drive
in coordination with Second Harvest to support veterans and other military-connected students with food and other necessities
Planetarium Night
to relax, learn and stargaze with other V.E.T.S. Center students and their families
“Individuals who serve in the military give so much and sometimes need just a little bit of help to complete their degree or certificate. That’s why we dedicate an annual CBC Foundation scholarship to support veterans. A scholarship helps ease the burden, fan the flame of the student’s success, and allows students to continue to give. It is so rewarding to be a part of that process!”
ASHLEY & LEE WILLIAMS
Amene Annual Scholarship
Graduation BBQ & Coin Presentation
to celebrate the academic accomplishments of graduating military-affiliated students
EMPOWERING
OUR STUDENT HEROES
CBC’s Student Emergency Fund provides critical financial aid when it’s needed most. Last year, donors contributed $21,000 in emergency assistance to CBC’s military-connected students.
BALANCING
DEPLOYMENTS & COLLEGE
A STUDENT SOLDIER’S JOURNEY
Joel joined the Washington Army National Guard at 17 and soon became the first in his family to attend college.
His academic journey at CBC has been interrupted multiple times. First, by COVID-era missions to support hospitals and food banks across the state, and more recently, by a yearlong deployment to Poland.
“Juggling the stress of college and military service is tough,” he said. “You have to be ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice.”
Despite the disruptions, Joel has persevered and remains committed to his education. He aims to work as an X-ray technician at a Veterans’ Administration Medical Center, providing specialized care and giving back to the military community.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the V.E.T.S. Center and other CBC resources,” he said. “They’ve backed me through every step and made me feel like I can accomplish anything.”
Joel is on track to graduate in 2027 with an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology – the same year his military service ends.
“You’re not alone at CBC,” he shared. “If you put in the effort, they’ll help you succeed even if life takes unexpected turns.”
