Every other Wednesday, veterans and other military-connected individuals gather at Fayetteville Technical Community College to eat lunch and learn about resources that can help them and their families.
It’s part of Warrior Wednesday at FTCC. The College’s All American Veterans Center began holding Warrior Wednesday programs in 2021 on the theory that it was better to bring resources to campus rather than send students elsewhere for more information.
The hour-long program typically features a presentation by a local expert on a topic of interest to the veteran community. The event is free and open to students, staff and the public. Lunch is included. The events are usually held in Room 222, which is part of the All American Veterans Center in FTCC’s General Classroom Building.
“It’s convenient, you get lunch and you learn something every time,” said William Beckham, a veteran enrolled in FTCC’s Systems Security & Analysis program. “I have enjoyed every one I have been to.”
So far this year, speakers have discussed topics including veteran readiness and employment, VA benefits and opportunities, and help for entrepreneurs and business people.
About 30 percent of FTCC’s students have an affiliation with the military whether they are veterans, active-duty service members or family members.
“I would go again,” said Jack Fisher, who studies Cyber Security at FTCC. “I heard about Warrior Wednesday before, but never decided to come until my friend asked me… I enjoyed learning from the speaker and I would come again for more than the free lunch.”
A special Warrior Wednesday is planned for April 24. It will feature a round-table discussion where attendees can easily converse with and ask questions of representatives from community partners in the veteran program. The focus will be on building comradery, relationships and knowledge.
Five more Warrior Wednesdays are planned during FTCC’s spring semester:
- March 6: Pendy Eldridge – Transition Tech
- March 20: Tremayne Gilchrist & Paul Smith – NC works (Veterans)
- April 10: Lonnie Horne – Fayetteville Vet Center
- April 24: Veteran Partners Round Table Discussion
- May 8: Yolanda Smith – MyCAA Military Spouse Scholarship
All are welcome.
For more information about the program please visit the Veterans Services website at https://www.faytechcc.edu/military-veterans/veterans-services/ or contact the Veterans Center at vso@faytechcc.edu.
