Veterans Connecting at College

There is a surge of interest among hundreds of veterans attending Ocean County College in the once dormant Veterans Club.

Credit for the turnaround goes to Michael Sparrow, who became the OCC Coordinator of Veterans Affairs in September, according to leaders who have witnessed the transformation.

“He’s totally changed how the veterans think, energized the club, no idea is too difficult,’’ said Col. Alan Smith, USMC Ret., an adjunct history instructor and training director for employer support of the National Guard and Reserve.

“He’s given them leadership,’’ Smith added.

Sparrow is a veteran who served eight years in the U.S. Navy, some of the time aboard the U.S.S Constellation.

“Sparrow brought in a lot of best national practices’’ for veterans services on college campuses,’ said Vice President of Student Affairs Donald Doran.

Executive OCC Vice President Richard Strada said he was so impressed with Sparrow’s speech to faculty members seeking tenure that he invited him to speak to the entire faculty.

“Veterans want to assimilate,’’ and Sparrow is helping them do that, Doran added.

New life has also been breathed into the Veterans Advisory Committee that provides academic advising, planning, community support through the American Legion and specialized social and business services for veterans.

The OCC Veterans Club is part of a national fraternity designed to help veterans deal with common educational, financial and social issues. Its members are also involved in student life social events and community service projects.

Smith said the club is holding a fundraising buffet on April 26 at the Toms River American Legion on Church Road. Tickets are $30.