On Friday, Oct. 23, the Veterans Network held the grand opening of the Veterans Lounge. The lounge is located in Old Main room 323.

There was a ribbon cutting ceremony for all student veterans and community members to attend.

Leo Reid Jr., director of WTAMU Veterans Services, and Kristen Randal, president of the Veterans Network on campus, cut the ribbon for the grand opening. The Home Depot Foundation for Veterans of America gave a grant to West Texas A&M University’s Student Veterans Lounge for $10,000.

“This grant made the remodel possible,” said Reid.  “It is wonderful to have the opportunity to purchase new things, and our students will be happy.”

“The Veterans Lounge is a good way to connect with other veterans on campus,” said Jeremiah Johnson, a senior History major. “The best part about the lounge is the atmosphere. We all understand each other and it’s a very accepting environment.”

The Veterans Network holds a military veterans ball, which will be Saturday, Nov. 14. This third annual ball is a community celebration of service and scholarship. At the ball two scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded to two veterans.

“Scholarships are definitely not something that is just given away. We work hard and put in a lot of hours to help the veteran network,” said Randal. “Students who go the extra mile and are actively trying to better the network are usually the participants who are rewarded the scholarship.”

With Veterans Day approaching on Nov. 11, the Veterans Network will be putting a table together in the JBK with a board of pictures of all staff, faculty and students in uniform and will also host a reception at the president’s house.

“Creating a safe environment and being a strong support group to all veterans is one of the Veterans Network’s main goals,” said Reid.