Cal State East Bay hosts dozens of veterans that are assisted by many organizations on-and-off. campus.

The transition from the military to life as a college student can be difficult, according to Deborah Dorffi Hansana, Veterans Affairs Coordinator.

“I came to CSUEB and first met Deborah and she helped me from beginning to end, because I didn’t think I could even get into school,” said Gerald Hyman, a veteran.

Many veterans are not aware of the benefits which are available to help them attend school or start a new career, according to Cpt. Larry Bullock of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

Veterans leave the military with benefits included in the GI Bill, which is a system designed to cover school expenses and assist with some housing costs.

After leaving the Navy, Hyman was told by a superior in Texas that there is a new type of educational benefit, called the Post 9/11 GI Bill. “After he told me that, I pretty much got right on it,” said Hyman.

However, the crisis in the economy and budget cuts made the choices of schools limited. “CSU East Bay accepted me, but I really wanted to go to San Jose State. But I’m glad I got into East Bay,” said Hyman.

There are many organizations that assist veterans and educate them about the benefits they are entitled to. Here on campus, the Student Veterans Organization creates a mentor program for veterans new to CSUEB and hosts an annual event on Veteran’s Day.

“It’s a way for us to introduce services to veterans,” said Hansana. This year’s gathering is called Veterans Welcome Reception, and will be held at 4 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the New University Union, according to Hansana.

There are approximately 200 veterans and approximately 100 dependents of veterans currently attending CSUEB, according to Hansana.