Student Veterans
Nikole Sauter
U.S. Navy Veteran, Manufacturing Engineering Sophomore
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
To me, Veterans Day is about appreciating those who have served our country, but because I’m a veteran and know the sacrifices, it’s also a day to appreciate everyone around me. From family and friends to those I had the pleasure of serving with, nobody would be where they are today without the service of all my brothers and sisters, past and present.
Why did you serve?
I made the decision to serve because I felt I needed some direction in my life. When I joined, I was straight out of high school and had no idea where I saw myself in five years, let alone one year. During my time in the navy, I learned a lot about myself and the kind of person I wanted to be. I don’t think I would’ve been able to figure all that out as quickly as I did if I had stayed home.
John Offenburger Espinoza
U.S. Army Active-Duty Reservist, Computer Information Systems Senior
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
Veterans Day to me is a time for reflection, being thankful to live in the greatest country in the world, being thankful to have the opportunity to serve in the United States of America Armed Forces and now being able to be called a veteran. Furthermore, it means the selfless sacrifice of those who come before me, that gave the ultimate sacrifice or that now must live with any type of temporary or permanent disability. Freedom it’s not free, and for those who answer the call to fight, and win Americas wars, I can only have gratitude and respect.
Why did you serve?
I’ve served in the U.S. Army active duty for three years in Colorado and now I’m also proud to continue serving my country in the U.S. Army Reserve here in California.
Jonah Aguirre
U.S. Navy Veteran, Electrical Engineering Senior
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
For me, Veterans Day is a day to appreciate the freedoms we are presented with day in and day out due to the sacrifice of America’s veterans. It is a day to lay aside differences and beliefs to treasure not the opportunities guaranteed, but that opportunities exist because of what they have done. At the end of the day, veterans have explored and/or lived in enough places in the world to know that the grass is not always greener, so we should take the time to thank a veteran today by just appreciating and continuing to fight for the freedoms that we have.
Why did you serve?
Although there was a slight sense of patriotic duty fueling my reason for joining, it was mostly used as an escape. At the time, I was going nowhere fast, and I knew I was capable of so much more. So, I used the military as a stepping stool to help move my life forward, and it was undoubtedly one of the best choices I ever made.
Michael Joyce
U.S. Navy Veteran, History Junior
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
Veteran’s Day is a day in which I thank my fellow veterans for serving our country.
Why did you serve?
I served because I wanted to contribute to my community, travel the world, and continue my family heritage.
Ralph Figueroa
Liberal Studies Major Senior, U.S. Army Veteran
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
On Veterans Day, I reflect on the memories of all the brothers and sisters I gained, the life lessons I learned and more importantly, what an honor it was to serve my country. We are humbled and absolutely grateful for everyone who thanks us on Veterans Day, but please take a moment of silence to pay respect and remember all the men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We should also be thanking all the spouses, children and families for their unwavering support, especially during deployments. If you really want to say, “Thank you,” to a veteran, just be a good person, respect others and cherish your families not just on Veterans Day, but every day.
Why did you serve?
At the age of 17, making the choice to enlist in the military was one of the easiest things I ever did. Growing up, my neighbor directly across the street was a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant who also worked at my elementary school as head of security. Mr. Green was a class act. I’ll never forget the day I saw him in his dress greens. Boy did he look sharp in that uniform. That’s it, I was hooked. I got to know him very well over the years. He told me about all the Army’s traditions, the core values and explained the importance of fulfilling our responsibility to our country by serving in the armed forces. The day he saw me in my Army dress greens, Mr. Green cried and for the first time ever, he called me “brother.” I’ve met so many outstanding men and women just like Mr. Green, but I’m not done serving. I may not wear a uniform, but I still serve the military veteran community through my advocacy work aimed at helping fellow veterans be successful after they’ve completed their military service.