They are the men and women who, every day, sign a blank check payable to the United States government. For their trust and willingness to do the government’s bidding—as airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines—they are rewarded with the G.I. Bill, a means for them to complete their education as well as qualify for home loans, medical care and other benefits.
In Pueblo, a growing population of veterans is using the G.I. Bill to attend Colorado State University-Pueblo. The university is also doing its part to ensure a smooth transition for these men and women, some of whom have returned from combat or deployments to hostile environments.
“Our office is the point of contact,” said Laura Barela, Director of the CSU-Pueblo Military and Veterans Success Center. Barela has been part of the uni- versity’s veterans program for fifteen years. “It’s a one-stop shop,” she said. Veterans enrolled in the school can drop in to get answers for everything from finding out where to get medical or mental health issues addressed to solving the sometimes difficult to negotiate VA bureaucracy. Its website promises a helping hand from “transition to graduation.”
Separation from the military and transitioning into a civilian world is not always simple or seamless. Veterans are often older, have dramatically different life experiences and sometimes are burdened with experiences that linger and manifest themselves in ways far different than traditional students. Unemployment, homelessness and mental health issues are often daily realities among veteran populations.
Nationally, suicide among veterans remains one of the most vexing challenges. While the VA reports that veteran suicides declined in 2021, the numbers of veterans taking their own lives remains high. In 2017, the number of veterans taking their own lives was the highest of the 21st century when 6,139 deaths were reported.
A report from America’s Warrior Partnership said 17 veterans die of suicide each day, a rate double the civilian suicide rates. Drug overdose is the most frequent cause of death among this group. Veteran suicide is also four times as high as the number of civilian suicides.
The university has a health center that provides coun- selling and has a veterans service officer “who comes in once a week,” and meets with veterans to address any issues they may need to learn about.
CSU-Pueblo’s office, the MVSC, has three full- time staff on duty to answer nearly every question a student-veteran may have. Its website (csupueblo.edu/military-and-veteran-success-center//promises.
CSU-Pueblo’s Military and Veterans Center’s has been honored as a Purple Heart Designated Institution for its work. Barela said the school was recognized for its comprehensive outreach to veterans, spouses and dependents. Its efforts, she said, extend well beyond the classroom.
The office regularly brings veterans together for social activities including designating a week each school year dedicated to veterans. The campus also has a veterans lounge where those who have worn the uniform can study, watch television or simply meet to rest between classes.
The mission of the center, said Barela, has evolved with the times. “My job has changed,” she said. When she began, the focus was on “the educational piece” of college. Today, a veteran can visit the office and get help writing a resume. Barela says it’s not always the easiest thing translating military duties into things that would translate to the civilian world. “We continue to grow.”
Overall, CSU-Pueblo’s effort to serve veterans has blos- somed into one of the state’s premier examples of serving those who’ve served the nation. It is open to all veterans, spouses and dependents. It’s also open to service dogs who, she said, are welcome any time. “We have vets who come in al the time and bring their support dogs. It’s amazing the positivity they bring.”
