19 Nov Los Medanos Veterans Center Gets ‘Sentinels of Freedom’ Donation

Mike Conklin, chair and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom, speaks at Los Medanos College as the organization donated $5,000 to the school’s Veterans Resource Center. (Courtesy of Los Medanos College)

CC Pulse Staff Report

The nonprofit veterans organization Sentinels of Freedom gave a $5,000 donation to the Los Medanos College Veterans Resource Center in early November, part of a visit that included a workshop on finances and a talk to students about transitioning from the military back to civilian life. 

“I’m here to tell you, people in this community want to see you succeed,” Chair and CEO Mike Conklin said during the visit, referring to veterans going to college. “They all respect your service and sacrifice for this country.” 

Conklin made his remarks after sharing stories about his son whose combat injuries resulted in a stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also spoke about the skills and education any LMC students who have entered or will enter the military would need to transition from the service back to civilian life. 

Sentinels of Freedom works to help wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans to transition into civilian life, he said. This includes guidance about pursuing high education.

The donation to the college is aimed at supporting in-person math tutoring for student veterans. This fall, LMC has 168 student veterans enrolled.  

“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  focuses on the needs of military-affiliated students, recognizing their experiences and contributions. LMC is approved for education and training under applicable federal and state laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.