The Bakersfield College Veterans Club has been in existence for five years, but its current president, engineering major Dustin Cook, fears for its future.

“At the moment, we only have enough members to stay a club,” he said. “I’m worried when I graduate it will fall apart.

“I feel that veterans don’t know about us or have the wrong idea of what we do. We don’t sit around complaining about the government or feel sorry for ourselves.

“I worry that’s what people may think, but in reality, we’re essential to this school.

Cook wants people to see past the misguided ideas, and see them for the positive things they do offer.

“On campus, we are the only advisers concerning military,” said Cook. “If you have questions about GI bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Post- 9/11, REAP, VEAP, we’re here for you.

“If we don’t know the answer we can point you in the right direction. We have community projects and trips we’re going to do.”

There are currently only five members in the club. Cook explained that there are currently 900 veterans taking classes at BC.

At the moment, Cook is working on spreading the word and making some changes.
“I’m making a Facebook page, the type people can ‘like’ and get it linked to the BC page,” he said.

The Facebook page is titled, “BC Veterans Club.”

He wants to make club T-shirts that members can buy and wear to events or during club meetings.

The Veterans Center was closed for renovations earlier this semester, and Cook said that might have driven away some members, but he said that the center now is a good place to be for veterans.

“Its really quiet because of the extra wall that was put in between our room and the cafeteria,” he said.

“It’s a place to just relax in, between classes or during lunch. It’s very quiet and has desks to work on homework and couches.”
Current club member Joe Martinez, a 34-year veteran of the Army is currently working toward his second degree.

“I graduated from BC back in the day and now I’m retired and I’ve come back to continue my education,” he said.

“I’m just so blessed to be here and this club is really important to me.

“I get to be in here, rub elbows with fellow vets and get some peace and quiet.”
The Veterans Club has meetings every other Tuesday at 9 a.m. Cook said the last meeting of this semester is on Nov. 27.