Balancing the responsibilities of military service while pursuing a college degree is no small task. For one CCSU student and active service member, the journey has been shaped not only by discipline and dedication but also by the support of the university’s Veterans Affairs Department.
In recognition of that support, the student recently presented the department with a flag that was flown over a combat zone in Africa, highlighting the vital role campus resources play in helping student veterans succeed both academically and personally.
Max Chiarillo is a junior in the nursing program and an aircraft mechanic for C-130 cargo planes in the Air National Guard. This kind of lifestyle requires much support, which has been provided by CCSU’s Veterans Affairs Department.
“Last semester there were some opportunities to request a flag to be flown on our planes over a combat zone, and then they print off a certificate and dedicate it to someone,” said Chiarillo. “I just thought it would be nice to dedicate it to the department because they’ve been really helpful with me. It’s the least I could do.”
Serving while being a student is ordinary for students like Chiarillo.
“It’s not very hard. I mean, the commitment in the military — at least in the National Guard — isn’t too strenuous, one weekend a month typically. Deployments are normally some of the things that get in the way, but it was a good opportunity to get out there, and I’ve never been out of the country, so I thought that was fun,” said Chiarillo.
The VA department on campus works with many student service members and assists them in obtaining their degrees.
“We help students transition in and out because they are not only going for deployment; sometimes it’s annual training,” said Veteran Affairs Retention Assistant Melina Lopez.
“Making sure there’s no obstacles for the students when they do return. Making for an easier transition for them to be able to go do what they have to do in the military and then be able to come back and continue their program,” said Lopez.
The flag that was presented to the department was flown around the Horn of Africa during a combat mission. The certificate reads, “This flag represents the will and resolve of the American people to stand strong and defeat all who attempt to do us harm.”
“Even when I was overseas, I just didn’t realize how much they [VA Department] really did or how much goes on, because I’m trying to focus on deployment, and it helps to give them a call and be like, ‘Hey, I’m not really sure what I’m supposed to be doing. I have a lot going on,’” said Chiarillo.
