Edison State Welcomes Military Veterans

Miami County Foundation Helps to Support Lounge

Pictured left to right in the recently upgraded Veterans Lounge: James Harter, former Edison State student and U.S. Marine Corporal veteran from Sidney; Cheryl Stiffel-Francis, Executive Director of the Miami County Foundation; and Craig O’Meara, current Edison State student and U.S. Air Force veteran from Sidney.

On the dry erase board in Edison State Community College’s Veterans Lounge reads a heartfelt message from United States Marine Corporal veteran, Troy Flenar. “I’ve recently discovered the Veterans Lounge. It is beyond words how much I appreciate a quiet place to read before class. Thank you for setting this up for veterans to use!”

The same gratifying remarks are echoed across campus from veterans of all United States military branches. “When separating from the armed forces, it becomes exceptionally difficult finding the appropriate amount of time required to become familiar with the benefits and entitlements available post separation,” said Craig O’Meara, Edison student and U.S. Air Force veteran.

“Edison’s staff was able to quickly identify and educate me on my individual benefits, taking the burden almost completely off my shoulders,” added O’Meara. “Their dedication to meeting the needs of military veterans and their ability to do so puts them on par with any military education office I've had the pleasure of working with.”

Established on Veteran’s Day of 2010, Edison State’s Veterans Lounge serves as a retreat for veterans to congregate and study. The area has recently seen upgrades thanks to the Miami County Foundation, including a new microwave, refrigerator, and a collection of professional student-veteran photographs displayed on the wall.

Hundreds of books have also been added to the Lounge ranging in topic from war and history to crime novels and literature. Additionally, the Lounge is now equipped with a new coffee pot and high-definition television.

In addition to supporting the Lounge, the Miami County Foundation has also contributed to numerous veteran programs that have been put on throughout the year, including the most recent event that paid tribute to seven Miami Valley World War II veterans.

Edison State Community College recognizes the tremendous contribution that veterans and reservists make as citizens and students and is proud of the level of diversity, experience, and academic excellence that they bring to campus.

The Office of Veterans Services at Edison State provides a single point of contact for military veterans and their families. In addition to providing academic, referral, and personal support services to help ease access to higher education, the office also networks with area veteran organizations to provide support services to veterans on campus.

For additional information about the services and amenities available to veterans at Edison State, visit www.edisonohio.edu/veterans.