El Paso Community College (EPCC) recently hosted a Military-Affiliated New Student Orientation, welcoming veterans and military-connected students as a part of their Spring Semester 2026 kickoff. The event, specifically designed for students related to military service, including veterans, active-duty members, and their dependents, aimed to support their transition into academic life. According to a report by EPCC News, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at the college provided attendees with essential information about the services and opportunities available to them, such as the Student Veterans of America and the Student Government Association.
"Events like this are critical for veterans because they create a sense of belonging and support from day one," EPCC Veterans Resource Specialist Juan Vallejo told the EPCC News. The orientation also featured an initiative called Stories of Service, where participants shared experiences from military texts in relation to their personal journeys. This activity was designed to encourage conversations on themes of war, service, and the intricacies of rejoining civilian life.
Cassandra Salas, a military spouse and discussion leader at the event, emphasized the importance of community for service members and their families. "Isn't that what we're trying to do, is to find the people that are in the same boat as us, not feeling alone, feeling like we have a community, and that's so important," Salas said during the event, as per EPCC News, highlighting the shared experiences and common challenges faced by military families. The early intervention by the EPCC, through hosting the orientation, aims to mitigate potential issues related to benefits certification and academic planning that could hinder the success of military-affiliated students.
