Veterans University returns to the desert
The second annual Veterans University is back in the desert. The event hosted by Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz aims to connect veterans, their families and the community with resources available to them.
Joe Aviles and Jason Ward stood proud after being honored with medals they deserved but hadn’t received until now. Aviles who survived Iwo Jima said it’s a special day for him.
“Since I belong to the VFW in Beaumont I do honor guard and I have a uniform. And it will be nice to have all my ribbons on it,” Aviles said.
Jason Ward said he’s happy to see Dr. Ruiz working to make the Coachella Valley a veteran friendly community. And he’s happy to finally recieve his the combat action badge.
“It took a while. Honestly, I had forgotten about it, I had written it off. But to finally get it and recieve it means a lot for me. It validates my time overseas,” Ward said.
The annual event growing since its beginning, needing more space to meet demand.
“We now have 100 more veterans than last year. We learned from last year, it’s only one day. We have breakout sessions so vets can go to sessions they’re interested in and it’s only going to grow,” Ruiz said.
More than 130,000 veterans live in Riverside County and, in some cases, vets may not be aware of all available resources.
“We need to get down to the real practical things that can help vetans and empower them with schools, educational training and knowledge about resources that are out there. So they can get those resources,” Ruiz said.
The congressman says he hopes veterans learn more about mental health services available to them.
“If there’s a veteran who feels they don’t have a reason to live anymore or that they’re very depressed and anxious and don’t know why and they just can’t hold a job and their family is not doing well, because of that, then I want them to know that there is help,” Ruiz said.
Veterans gathered around him, thanking him and asking for advice. Many said they’re grateful for his efforts in the community.
