Veteran Center Helps Those on UofA Campus

By Steven Erbacher

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— This Veterans Day was the 100th time the country has celebrated this holiday.

On the University of Arkansas’ campus, there is a place that caters to the students who have served.

“I think it’s important to help these guys, because they have done so much for our country,” said Mike Belcher, who is a 10-year Army veteran, helping others who have served.

Belcher works at the Veterans Resource and Information Center (VRIC) on campus. He said being able to help student veterans is very rewarding.

“This is part of their benefits,” he said. “I think they deserve to get every break they can get.”

Veterans have the opportunity for many benefits and scholarships in college, and the VRIC helps make sure students stay on track to get all of help they can.

The building also gives students access to a lounge to hang out in, and also has a computer lab for people to study.

“With all the noise on campus, it’s important to give students a safe space where they can get their work done.” said Fernando Rodriguez, the associate director for the VRIC. He said that working with veterans is something he’s always wanted to do.

“This is just the perfect fit for me,” he said. Rodriguez has worked at the VRIC for just over a year now.

Belcher has been working there for four months now. As he reflects on his time in the Army, and being able to give a helping hand to student veterans today, he is happy where he is at.

“Makes me proud,” he said. “Makes me feel good. I helped.”

The Veterans Resource and Information Center is open from 8 am to 5 pm Mondays through Fridays.