It has been several years since I graduated from Rutgers Camden and still keep in touch with several of the amazing people I had met during my time there. I wasn't a "Veteran" in the traditional sense that I had served in the military. My ex-husband had transferred his benefits to me because I was working for the military and finishing my education in Psychology in order to continue helping service members and their families more efficiently and effectively.
The first person I had met at Rutgers was Josh. He was very active with the Veteran programs at Rutgers and during a class together where we were assigned as partners, we started talking about the military and he invited me to check out all that Rutgers offered Vets and "dependents". He first introduced me to Fred Davis and Tina Mikes and from that moment on, I felt like I had a family at Rutgers. I was welcomed, encouraged, and could always ask for help when needed. I was included in fundraisers and social events and never felt left out. The Veterans lounge was like a second home, and sometimes even a first home when I had a long day. Everyone was always very friendly and supportive. Fred would come into the lounge constantly and would get to know each of us and our "story". He would take the time to go out of his way to make sure each and every one of us got the support and resources needed to not only accomplish the goals we set for ourselves, but to achieve bigger goals than we thought possible.
Rutgers Camden Veterans Program was more than an on-campus resource, it became a family, a sanctuary, and a support system for all of us. We'd go to each other's graduations and cheer each other on. We'd show up for each other's successes whether it was a book signing event, a graduation, a new house, a divorce, a new baby, a wedding, moving, etc. We became a family and Fred was the campus Dad that everyone could turn to. I had an amazing time because of the wonderful people I met there and continue to keep in touch with. I still lived close enough to be on campus and help others the way the people I was there with always helped me.
Sincerely,
Crystal-Dawn Yellen (Galante/Marone)