All About Veteran Services at Berkeley
National Veterans and Military Family Members Month is celebrated every November to recognize the service of veterans and military families. We have five student and alumni groups on campus centered around engaging with the military-affiliated community, including the Cal Veterans Group (CVG). We spoke with Anthony Carrillo, co-president of CVG, to learn more about his experiences with CVG and with the Cal Veteran Services Center (CVSC). Anthony is a transfer student majoring in political science in his last year at Cal, and has been involved with CVG and CVSC since he arrived on campus. He served five years in the United States Marine Corps, with four years on active duty as a HIMARS Section Chief and one year as a reservist as a Howitzer Section Chief.
How did you find out about and get involved with the Cal Veteran Services Center?
“The center reached out to me shortly after I was accepted to UC Berkeley, and they invited me to visit Cal and the CVSC during Golden Bear Welcome. They paid for my hotel and ticket to the “Hail and Farewell,” which is an annual banquet that’s co-sponsored by the Cal Veterans group and the CVSC. The event welcomes newly admitted veteran students while celebrating those who are graduating as well. The welcome event that year was a barbecue, so Luis Hernandez, the director of the Cal Veterans Services Center, made us carne asada. It was a great opportunity to see everyone that’s coming and going within the community on campus, and even meet alumni.”
Anthony at the CVSC
What did your role as Veteran Outreach Peer Advisor with the Cal Veteran Services Center entail?
“I was an outreach peer advisor last year, and I primarily had two tasks: serving as a representative of the center in coordination with California Community Colleges and assisting student veterans on campus with financial aid and all that comes with learning to navigate campus.
I had a set list of community colleges that I worked with, giving presentations on campuses and connecting with the director of their veteran centers to recruit student veterans and inform them about opportunities UC Berkeley offers, as well as what it’s like to transfer here. In the past, the center has also traveled to Southern California and military bases around the state in efforts to reach students transitioning out of service. Student veteran yield has been decreasing over the last few years, so it’s been very important for us to go out and meet potential students where they are and connect with them.
I also assisted current UC Berkeley student veterans with financial aid, navigating campus, and obtaining the support they need to succeed on campus. All peer advisors are assigned a list of students who we check in with regularly to see how things are going or if they need any support.”
The CVG’s merch table in the CVSC
What are some common questions students have as they arrive on campus? How does the center and its programs support them during the transition?
“The most common questions that the CVSC receives are about accessing Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, including the GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, or about state benefits like the Cal Vet Fee Waiver that pertain to our military-connected students. Peer advisors are taught about the ins and outs of these benefits, so they are able to walk students through the processes of accessing these benefits.
Financial aid can be tricky for veterans and military-connected families, so the center works closely with the Financial Aid & Scholarships office and also hosts workshops on things like filling out the cost of attendance form or requesting aid adjustments.
The center also hosts a class, Ethnic Studies 198: Independent Studies in Higher Education: Veterans, which is a great opportunity for students to get to know other student veterans or military-connected folks.”
How has your involvement in the Cal Veterans Group impacted your journey at Berkeley?
“The group has been instrumental in my social life here, allowing me to connect with students of different majors and interests through a shared background. The group has also introduced me to alumni and engaged me in professional development activities that have helped me land internships. The group has partnerships with alumni and has created the Career Mentorship Program through the center. Current students are connected with alumni who are looking to give back to the community, and they help with resumes and interview prep or networking within whatever industry they are in. Because the community is so broad, it can often send us in different directions, connecting us with an alum’s network, which helps us grow and learn about more opportunities.”
What are some ways the group supports and engages with veterans on campus?
“We have biweekly meetings with dinner provided. We host tailgates for every home football game, and occasionally host other fun activities like socials, hikes, and game nights. We also advocate for additional resources that will improve the quality of life and education for all veteran and military-affiliated students. This year we’re trying to get the university to fund a second School Certifying Official, the person responsible for making sure everyone gets the benefits they are applying for and need. We have 1 for over 800 veterans right now, and the VA recommends 1 for every 150 students.”
Entrance to the Cal Veteran Services Center in Hearst Memorial Gym
How can students get involved with the Cal Veteran Services Center and the Cal Veterans Group?
“I encourage students to show up to any events that they find interesting or relevant to themselves. The CVSC space itself is available for students in the community, whether you’re a veteran or military-connected. We have access to a private study room in case you need a quiet place to study. Meetings aren’t mandatory, but they are always fun. CVG meetings are every other Thursday from 6-8 pm inside the CVSC, and football game tailgates begin 3 hours before the game at the Wurster Hall Platform Art Space. You can follow us on Instagram @cal.veterans.group so you don’t miss out on any upcoming events.”
More to Discover
It’s never too late to get involved in organizations on campus or check out a new resource! The Cal Veteran Services Center has other partnerships with student veteran and alumni groups you can learn more about, including the Military and Veterans at Berkeley Law, Haas Veterans Club, Cal Veterans and Military Affiliated Alumni, and the Cal Armed Forces Alumni.
Melissa Mora-Gonzalez, Class of 2025, majoring in English and minoring in conservation and resource studies.
Want More?
- Learn about more resources at Cal: Wellness Resources, Creative, and Tech-Related.
- All about mentorship programs offered on campus.
- Discover NAVCAL & DSP support for students.