Daniel Canela Garcia
U.S. Army

"As a (91A) Abrams Tank System maintainer for the U.S. Army, I recognize the value of understanding and trusting your equipment. Whether it be a weapons system or an overhead crane, the best tools at your disposal are the ones you can trust with your life. Studying mechanical engineering would allow me to improve the same tools and systems we rely on every day. Electrical grid, transportation methods or defense systems. The Veterans Education program has provided me with the basic tools to start my college journey, even after being away from a school environment for 3 years. I feel confident I can succeed at Fresno State thanks to the VEP's support."

 

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Ismael (Milo) Castro
U.S. Army

"My dream is to become a substance abuse counselor. Helping those who have or are going through the same struggles I went through is my way of paying it forward. I chose the Veterans Education Program as the avenue in which to pursue that dream because the counselors who helped me reclaim my life have gone through this program and suggested I do the same. This is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made."

 

 

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Ryan De La Cruz
U.S. Navy

"I proudly served 24 years in the United States Navy as a Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman. I cared for Sailors and Marines both at sea and in combat—standing beside them through their hardest days. Now, I’m pursuing a degree in Psychology to help survivors living with PTSD. This is my way of continuing to serve—giving back to the community that shaped me."

 

 

 

 

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Blanca Gama
U.S. Air Force

"After serving 20 years in the Air Force as a Medical Administrator, I retired with a successful career behind me, but I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the next 20 years of my life. I had tried going back to school, but it didn’t feel like the right fit at the time, and I struggled to find a clear direction. That changed when a VA hospital staff member told me about the Veterans Education Program. He encouraged me to look into it, thinking it might be a good match for me. Getting accepted into the VEP program completely shifted my outlook. It gave me a chance to pursue a degree in a field I chose, not one assigned to me by the military. Thanks to the program at Fresno State, I’m building a future on my terms, and I’m genuinely excited about it."

 

 

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Jesus Garcia
U.S. Air Force

"I chose to enroll in the Veterans Education Program after completing my contract with the United States Air Force. This program has reignited my passion for learning and strengthened my determination to pursue my goals. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing my journey at Fresno State and one day commissioning as an officer in the greatest Air Force in the world."

 

 

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Joanna Garcia
U.S. Army

"I was raised by a resilient mother who taught me perseverance and the value of hard work. As a U.S. Army veteran and now a farm laborer, I work long days in the fields and still make time for school because I want to build a better future for my kids. The Veterans Education Program has given me the courage to believe in myself again and to show my children that it’s never too late to start over. What once felt impossible now feels within reach—and I’m truly grateful for that."

 

 

 

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Jose Hernandez
U.S. Army

"Moving from military life to college is definitely a shift, but I’m looking forward to embracing the new rhythms, expectations, and support systems. One thing that really stands out to me is Fresno State’s Veterans Education Program. It’s such a great resource for veterans like me, making this transition feel both manageable and meaningful."

 

 

 

 

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Jeremy Jachelski
U.S. Army

"As an Infantryman, I learned the true meaning of duty, resilience, and selfless service. Now, thanks to the opportunities provided by the veteran education program, l plan to carry those same values into healthcare, continuing my mission to protect, heal, and serve others with purpose and compassion."

 

 

 

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Jose Mendoza
U.S. Army

"I first learned about the Veterans Education Program from a former student I met at Clovis Community College. After retiring, I worked in logistics for several companies. While I appreciated the work, I didn’t feel truly challenged. When I was laid off from a power plant and received a severance package, I saw it as the right opportunity to pursue higher education. "

 

 

 

 

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Joseph Padama
U.S. Air Force

"I served as an avionics technician in the Air Force, where I gained valuable technical skills and discipline. I’m grateful to the Veterans Education Program for the opportunity to return to school and continue my education."

 

 

 

 

 

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Jazzmine Pitcher
U.S. Air Force

"I’ve always dreamed of being a band director, sharing the joy of music with youth and serving my nation. This program has helped me begin that journey and build unexpected friendships within my cohort. Learning to accept support and communicate better has been incredible, and I hope others find this program as rewarding as I have."

 

 

 

 

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Jordan Radanovich
U.S. Army

"I joined the U.S Army as an 88M (Motor Transport Operator.) As an active paratrooper, I served a total of 9 years and 9 months, including 2 re-enlistments and a deployment to Afghanistan in 2011. After the wear and tear of my deployment and active parachuting, I realized that my mental and physical health was declining, to say the least. I reached out to countless counselors and therapists for help with little to no success. This encouraged me to get out and go to school to become a therapist for veterans who suffer from PTSD/Substance abuse. Attaining this will help me reach out to others who suffer from these same crippling conditions. As a therapist, I’ll be able to not only share sympathy but also provide empathy. I’m looking forward to furthering my education and helping others through their struggles." 

 

 

 

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Michelle Urrutia
U.S. Navy

"I joined the military at 37 and served as an Aviation Ordnance on F/A-18s in the Navy to show other women that it’s never too late to set a new tone, chase a new dream, or redefine what strength looks like. Thanks to the Veterans Education Program, I’ve been given the opportunity to return to school and continue my journey at Fresno State."

 

 

 

 

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David Vandermerwe
U.S. Navy

"I was finally ready to pursue my educational goals. Learning about the requirements to join Fresno State. I was seeking the best possible educational transition to further my professional career. The Veteran Education Program offers an amazing pathway to transition into Fresno State. The VEP program is truly one of a kind, with unique benefits not found anywhere else. Due to my curiosity and fascination with engineering, upon completing this program, I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Furthermore, I plan to specialize in Environmental Engineering or Power Generation. Placing myself in a position to help employ other veterans and assist veterans with disabilities."

 

 

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Efrain Zambrano
U.S. Army

"From a small town in California to the 1-5 ‘Black Jack’ Infantry at Fort Hood, and now to Fresno State, my journey reminds me that with discipline and purpose, anything is possible. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Veterans Education Program and to pursue my higher education, as the first in my family to attend college."