By Mike Drake
The Veterans Club and The Associated Student Council have reserved a parking spot for combat-wounded veterans at Peninsula College. The Purple Heart parking spot is the first one of it’s kind among Northwest Athletic Conference schools.
Veteran Navigator Jerrod brown was approached by Peninsula College student-veteran John Garrison with the idea of having a reserved spot for recipients of the Purple Heart Medal. On Jan. 26, the idea came to life as the ASC cast a unanimous vote in favor of the parking spot.
Isaac Chavez is the first student to utilize the parking space. Chavez served in the U.S. Army from 2008-2013, and was wounded in Afghanistan.
Student-veteran Stephen Torres said, “This will not only bring awareness to veterans, it gives us validation.”
Not only did the ASC vote the parking spot through, they offered to pay for the sign itself. The actual sign was free so the ASC paid for the shipping and even held an unveiling ceremony.
Garrison said, “This will bring awareness and recognition to the veterans club.” According to eBenefits, 157 students are currently using the GI Bill at Peninsula College. 1.8 million estimated veterans have received the Purple Heart Medal.