A student visits the booth hosted by Veterans’ Resource Center workers Kelvin Borchardt and Jeremy Wolfsteller during NCC’s Kick-Off Day. Borchardt and Wolfsteller are both students and veterans. They also serve as senior officers of the Veterans and Friends Club at NCC.

NCC supports returnees with vets’ resource center, assistance

By Melanie Martin

While walking through NCC’s main entrance, students are greeted by a large banner welcoming home our returning veterans. NCC is a veteran-friendly campus providing services and support for veterans as well as for their families.

Ken Bursaw, Veterans’ Resource Center Coordinator, said that 172 veterans were registered for the 2007 spring semester and more are expected for fall.

Bursaw explained that the veterans coming back from Iraq have a hard time adjusting and fitting in upon entering school. Many are also unaware of the various benefits available to them.

The student-run Veterans’ Resource Center at NCC is a supportive resource. Normandale students Kelvin Borchardt and Jeremy Wolfsteller are both veterans themselves and work in the resource center. They also serve as senior officers in the Veterans and Friends Club at NCC.

“Both of these young men are very knowledgeable about veterans benefits,” Bursaw said. At the resource center, students can learn more about such benefits as the G.I. Bill, health care, education, medication and disability. Bursaw is also a contact for job assistance.

The Veterans’ Resource Center is located in the student support service office in C1072 and Ken Bursaw’s office is located in C1031. The Veterans and Friends club at NCC meets Thursdays from 1-2 pm in the student center. Information is also available at www.veteransandfriends.org.