Brookdale Veterans Center Honors Service, Supports New Beginnings

Brookdale Community College Veterans Center Connects Students with History, Service and Community
Student veterans visit New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, highlighting Brookdale’s commitment to supporting those who served

For military veterans, the transition from service to civilian life often includes new opportunities, challenges and aspirations. At Brookdale Community College, the Veterans Center provides a welcoming environment where veterans can pursue their educational goals, access valuable resources and build meaningful connections with others who share their experiences.

That spirit of connection was evident when members of Brookdale’s Student Veterans Association recently visited the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum in Holmdel. The visit offered student veterans an opportunity to reflect on military history, honor those who served and strengthen the bonds of their campus community.

The group received a guided tour from Donald Ciriaco, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War and is also a Brookdale alumnus. As a volunteer guide, Ciriaco shared firsthand perspectives and historical insights while leading students through museum exhibits and a timeline of significant events surrounding the war.

For many participants, who are veterans themselves, the experience carried personal meaning. The exhibits, artifacts and stories provided opportunities to connect their own military experiences with those of earlier generations, reinforcing the shared traditions of service, sacrifice and resilience.

“Our Veterans Center is about more than helping veterans navigate their educational benefits. It’s about building a community where those who have served feel understood, supported and empowered to succeed,” said Andrew Clayton, associate of Brookdale’s Veterans Center. “Experiences like this visit connect generations of veterans and remind our students that they are part of something larger. Whether their next step is earning a degree, starting a new career or discovering a new passion, Brookdale is here to support that journey.”

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, which broke ground in 1989, was designed by Hien Nguyen, a South Vietnamese refugee. Its distinctive teardrop design honors more than 1,500 New Jersey residents who lost their lives during the Vietnam War or died from wounds sustained in the conflict. The site also features several smaller monuments, including the War Dogs Memorial, which recognizes the military working dogs that served and died during the war.

Brookdale’s Veterans Center serves as a dedicated resource for veterans seeking to begin, continue or complete their education. Whether transitioning from active military service, preparing for a new career, pursuing a degree or exploring opportunities for personal and professional growth, veterans can find guidance and support to help them navigate their next chapter.

The Center connects veterans with information about educational benefits, academic programs and campus resources. Through the Student Veterans Association, students also have opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in community activities and build lasting friendships with fellow veterans.

Through the Student Veterans Association, veterans can participate in activities that encourage camaraderie, leadership, community engagement and continued service. Experiences such as the visit to the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial provide opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom while honoring the legacy of those who came before them.

Brookdale recognizes that veterans bring valuable leadership skills, discipline and diverse perspectives to the classroom. With a variety of academic programs, workforce training opportunities, transfer pathways and student support services, the College helps veterans build on those strengths as they pursue new academic and professional goals.

The visit to the memorial and museum served as a reminder that honoring veterans extends beyond recognizing their military service. It also means investing in their futures, creating opportunities for connection and ensuring they have the support needed to succeed.

Veterans interested in advancing their education, exploring career opportunities or learning more about available resources are encouraged to connect with Brookdale Community College’s Veterans Center.

For more information about the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum, including visiting hours and upcoming events, visit the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation.