The Los Medanos College Veterans Resource Center received a $5,000 donation in early November from Sentinels of Freedom, a nonprofit that supports injured post-9/11 veterans transitioning to civilian life.

The gift came during a campus visit by Mike Conklin, chair and CEO of the organization, who led a financial workshop and spoke with students about the challenges of becoming a civilian again.

“I’m here to tell you, people in this community want to see you succeed,” Conklin told the veterans in attendance. “They all respect your service and sacrifice for this country.”

Conklin shared stories about his son, whose combat injuries led to a long recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also discussed the skills and education student veterans need to successfully navigate life after military service.

Sentinels of Freedom supports wounded and injured veterans by helping them access education, career training, and community resources. At LMC, the donation will specifically fund in-person math tutoring for student veterans — a support Conklin said is critical for those reentering the classroom after long absences.

Los Medanos College currently serves 168 student veterans.

“Many veterans return to college after years away from the classroom, often facing challenges in subjects like mathematics as they transition back into academic life,” said Rikki Hall, LMC director of Admissions and Records. “This grant provides essential, targeted support to help them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and ultimately succeed in achieving their educational goals.”

Los Medanos College Veteran Services  provides academic and personal support for military-affiliated students and is approved for education and training under federal and state programs administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.