Veterans Appreciation Wall

Please join VMSS in celebrating Veterans Day by adding to our Veterans Appreciation Wall!

Bring a photo (copies are preferred, but we can also make them as needed) or just write something to honor a Veteran in your life, whether they are a friend, a student, a family member, or even yourself.

The Wall will be up in front of the Veterans Resource Center (FOSS 5225A) through the end of November.

Photos can be dropped off at the VRC or by email to militaryservices@shoreline.edu.

 Let’s fill the wall and show our student veterans we appreciate their service! Please reach out to VMSS at militaryservices@shoreline.edu if you have any questions.

Shoreline Community College Receives $697,300 Grant to Launch Veteran Success Through Education Program 

Shoreline Community College has been awarded a $697,300 grant through the Supporting Student Veterans and Their Families initiative, funded by the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy. In partnership with the nonprofit Operation Military Family, Shoreline will launch the Veteran Success Through Education program, a two-year pilot effort to provide holistic support for veterans and their families, particularly those from marginalized communities. 

The grant, which spans from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, will support culturally responsive case management, academic and financial assistance, and comprehensive wraparound services for eligible students. 

“This is an opportunity to serve veterans who may be navigating the complexities of higher education without access to, or who have exceeded traditional VA benefits,” said Derek Levy, Dean of Student Support & Success at Shoreline. “We’re excited to expand the services and supports we can offer to our veteran student community, both current and prospective, providing access and wraparound support in collaboration with Operation Military Family through the support of the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy.” 

The Veteran Success Through Education program will focus on serving veterans from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated veterans, and those who have exhausted or are not eligible for VA benefits. Operation Military Family will provide individualized case management, both remotely and on campus, and help connect Shoreline with veterans in need through an established network across the region. 

Funding from the grant will enable Shoreline to assist with tuition, incidental expenses, and housing assistance for eligible students based on need. Participants will also have full access to Shoreline’s robust student support services, including dedicated Veterans services and academic advising. 

“Through the Veteran Success Through Education program, we are honored to support those who have served our country, especially veterans from historically underserved communities, by providing the resources, guidance, and community they need to thrive in their academic and personal journeys,” said Ryan Aiello, Shoreline’s Vice President of Student Affairs. 

The grant builds on Shoreline’s growing efforts to provide inclusive, equitable access to education and serves as a bridge for those who may be seeking a new path after military service. 

Joshua Salois, Program Specialist II who works primarily with Shoreline’s Veterans population, had this to say about the grant.  “I’m excited for us to have the opportunity to support even more student Veterans and family members; especially folks coming from marginalized and often vulnerable populations. Even something seemingly small, like getting a professional certificate, can be so empowering and transformative, so for our program to have more ability to give that chance to those who may not have otherwise had it is just really amazing.”  

As a pilot program, Veteran Success Through Education will run through June 2027 with the potential to inform and expand future support for veteran students across King County. 

Veterans Appreciation Wall- Help Us Honor Our Veterans

Please join VMSS in celebrating Veterans Day by adding to our Veterans Appreciation Wall! Bring a picture (copies are preferred, but we can also make them as needed) or just write something to honor a veteran in your life, whether they are a friend, a family member, or even a shout out to your own service.

The Wall will be up in front of the Veterans Resource Center (FOSS 5225A) from October 24 through Veterans Day on November 11, 2024. Please reach out to VMSS at militaryservices@shoreline.edu if you have any questions.

Grand Re-Opening of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC)

Please join us for the Grand Re-Opening of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) – FOSS 5226 – Monday, October 3rd – Thursday, October 6th.

The introduction of Jim Armstrong!  Veteran & Military Student Services (VMSS) received an Innovation Grant this year and were lucky to hire Jim as our new Program Specialist II.

Jim is responsible for managing our Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and will focus on the student experience,  increasing on-campus student support, outreach, and retention.  Jim brings passion and immense experience to our team and we are thrilled to have him on board.

AND…If you haven’t yet met Morgan Davis, Shoreline’s fantastic on-campus Vet Corps Navigator, this is your opportunity!  Morgan is in her second year as Shoreline’s Navigator and is an integral part of student success.  Morgan will work with directly with Jim to provide increased student support, including access to off-campus resources and services.

It has been a while since we have all been together and there are so many new faces on campus, so we hope you will stop by for coffee, food, laughter, and connection!

Please join the Veterans’ Programs Office in Memorial Day events Tues., May 31 and Wed., June 1

Please join the Veterans’ Programs Office for the following events:

Tues., May 31
Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony
12:30–1 p.m. at the Flag Pole
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Tues., May 31
Town Hall with Sebastian Junger & Patricia Murphy
Homecoming and Belonging for Veterans
7:30pm – Town Hall (Doors open as 6:30)
Event Details | BUY TICKETS
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Many veterans have a hard time adjusting to normal life when they return from war. Post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts can plague their daily activities.

What makes this process particularly difficult is the “tribe-like” mentality of soldiers during war. They spend all of their time together, they work together, they feed together, and they hunt together. When they return to “individualist societies,” the support of their comrades is lost. Author Sebastian Junger (Tribe, War) will appear in conversation with KUOW military and veteran reporter Patricia Murphy for a discussion of this re-entry process, and how ordinary citizens can ease this transition. As Junger suggests, perhaps if everyone recognizes and embraces the distinct tribes or groups they’re affiliated with, it could shed light on the nation’s problems when it comes to feelings of belonging.

Wed., June 1
Movie Screening and Discussion
That Which I Love Destroys Me
2:30-4:30 p.m., Room 1402
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That Which I Love Destroys Me is a unique and powerful film by director Ric Roman Waugh. TWILDM is an uncensored look at the current epidemic of PTSD and severe mental trauma that create tremendous challenges for returning service members. A five-year labor of love, TWILDM followed two Special Operations Soldiers as they returned home after fighting in the longest combat campaign in American history only to face a new battle; the effects and stigma of PTSD and reintegration as a whole. But more importantly, the documentary addresses how they’re overcoming these issues.

Our sincere thanks for your continued support of our student veterans and our program.  We hope to see you there!