CWP celebrates Veteran’s Day through partnership

Written By: Amanda Wall, Communications Director

Contributions by: Aubrie Balkwill, Veteran Services Coordinator, Clackamas Community College

Understanding the Significance of Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the brave people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Celebrated every November 11th, this day offers a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and to express gratitude for their service. This is a great opportunity to recognize the contributions of living veterans in meaningful ways.

Supporting Veterans at Clackamas Community College

Clackamas Community College takes special pride in recognizing military-affiliated community members. Our longstanding Veteran Education and Training Center has seen prior military members of all generations and eras find success in their journey after military service. As a community college, we understand the unique challenges that prior service members face as they transition from military service to higher education.

For this Veterans Day, I would love to celebrate with you the story of Lorri, a prior service member who experienced challenges and her decision to overcome them.

Meet Lorri

As a young 21-year-old, Lorri found her way to the Navy’s Recruiting office. The thoughts of travel, community pride, and the ability to support her family were a driving force in her decision to join the Navy. She left her Indigenous community in the mountains of Montana and found herself working on a ship in the Pacific. This transition was a challenge for Lorri as she lost a sense of purpose and identity. However, quickly after being sent on her assignment, the military provided her that valuable community she was missing. Lorri found strength within herself she did not know she had and enjoyed the opportunities the sea service offered. She discovered her ability to advocate and lead amongst her peers. Although, near the end of her time in service, she experienced an event that made her distrust the military. After she transitioned to civilian life, Lorri did not want to be associated with the Veteran community.

35 years after her discharge from the Navy, Lorri received an invitation to a veteran Luncheon from the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA). She was hesitant and anxious about attending an event that was for “veterans,” but she felt it was time to challenge herself and begin healing.

That decision to go to the event led to her meeting with a Veteran Service Officer and pursuing veteran benefits with Veteran Affairs. It took guts for Lorri to attend these meetings – she pushed herself with the same nerve and confidence that she had when she decided to join the Navy. After months of waiting and meeting with veteran representatives, she finally received notice that she was qualified and approved for benefits. “It took time, but IT WAS WORTH IT! I feel like there was a weight off of my chest and I could breathe again!” Lorri said.

Lorri now finds herself with a new sense of confidence and purpose. Receiving her benefits has helped her achieve goals she never imagined were possible. She is now enrolled at Clackamas Community College working toward her degree in the Renewable Energy Program. Her long-term goal is to create the ability for veterans to access renewable energy in rural communities.

Lorri wants to convey that fear stopped her from pursuing benefits that she earned, and she hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to find peace once they return to civilian life.

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Seeking Veteran Programs in Clackamas County?

Here are some places to start: