Veterans find community, support at Lone Star College System

HOUSTON, TX -- George McMillon, one of more than 4,700 veteran students across Lone Star College System, enrolled at LSC-Kingwood after getting laid off from a job that lasted just six months.

After navigating the difficult transition from military work to the civilian workplace, he came to LSC-Kingwood because it provided a space where veterans can feel at home.

“I needed to buckle down and get a job that would bring stability because I was just bouncing from job to job trying to figure out what I was going to do,” McMillon said. “A lot of colleges didn’t really have a good place for veterans, but Lone Star had dedicated advisors for veterans, and we had our own space where we didn’t feel out of place. It was nice to feel comfortable with people who basically went through the same things I did. Everybody can understand each other.”

Most of his time in the U.S. Marine Corps was spent in an office environment, and he enjoyed giving his peers tools they would need to succeed after the military. McMillon plans to graduate with an associate degree in human resources this December and has already started putting those skills to use as president of LSC-Kingwood’s Student Veterans Association. In this role, he guides students as they plan their classes, helps his peers navigate benefits and represents the organization throughout the campus.

The college experience has not always been easy, and McMillon has had to overcome family issues and financial concerns at times. But he has always had access to helpful resources, such as emergency financial assistance amid a natural disaster, and a community consistently encouraging him to work toward his goals.

“Lone Star College System’s Veteran Services team is dedicated to building bridges of prosperity for our veteran students and helping them reach their next phase of life successfully,” said LSCS Chief Veterans Officer and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. David J. Yebra. “On Veterans Day and every day, we applaud the sacrifice and courage of the men and women who have served our country.”

To celebrate Veterans Day, LSCS campuses are holding events throughout the week of Nov. 9:

• Nov. 9: Represent your branch by wearing branch gear, colors, shirts, hats or other branch-related items.
• Nov. 10: Veteran students can enjoy a grab-and-go brunch/lunch.
• Nov. 11: Wear camo to show support for our veterans. Veterans may also wear their military uniform if they choose.
• Nov. 12-13: Veterans can mark where they served on a map, giving students and staff a chance to see the different locations represented in our veteran community.
• Nov. 14: LSC-North Harris hosts the annual Rally Up 5K Run to honor those who have served.

Visit LoneStar.edu/Veterans to learn more.