You are worth it. Your service matters. Your well-being matters. You are not alone.
Mission Statement
At AWC Military and Veteran Services, our mission is to honor and support our military affiliated students by connecting them with essential resources that promote well-being, stability, and success. Through our resource page we provide access to mental health services, emergency housing, food assistance, and other vital support systems. We are committed to fostering a compassionate and resilient community where every veteran, service member, and family member is empowered to thrive and never face challenges alone.
Mental Health & Counseling
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 | Online Chat 988lifeline.org- Veterans: Press 1 after dialing
- Spanish-speaking support: Press 2 or text AYUDA to 988
- Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 - Substance Use & Disorder Hotline
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - AWC Student Health & Wellness
Visit Site Here - AWC BetterMynd Teletherapy
Register Here
AWC Food & Housing Assistance
Campus Resources
Student Veterans Club – The AWC Student Veterans and Service-members Organization (SVSO) is a recognized AWC student club that provides networking, social assistance, and leadership development throughout the college experience. Membership is open to all AWC active duty, veteran, and family members of service members along with any AWC student that supports those who defend our nation. To join send your contact information (Name, AWC ID number, Phone, Email) to either Jose Vega at Jose.Vega@azwestern.edu.
The AWC Student Veterans Organization is proud to be a chapter of the Student Veterans of America organization.
Student Military and Veteran Center (Vets Lounge) – Located on the top floor of the 3C, the Student Military and Veteran Center is a lounge and meeting space where student veterans can study, socialize, and relax in between classes. It is equipped with Wi-Fi access, public computer workstations, flat screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, and snacks.
Workshops and Tutoring – Free tutoring is available for all AWC students in various subjects at the Student Success Center.
Local Resources
There are many community resources for veterans here in Yuma. Click below for a list of local resources.
General Resources
- Arizona Vet Benefit Office 2811 S. 4th Ave, Suite D, Yuma, AZ (928) 726-2851
- American Legion Post #56 1490 W. 3rd St, Yuma, AZ (928) 343-1490
- American Legion Post #19 2575 South Virginia Dr. Yuma, AZ (928) 344-3441
- VFW Post #8242 7120 S US Hwy 95, Yuma, AZ (928) 341-1522
Employment / Transition
- State of Arizona Veteran’s Employment Advocate Unit 1185 S. Redondo Center Dr. Yuma, AZ (928) 247-8754
- Goodwill Career Center 3097 S. 8th Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 343-7600
- MCAS Yuma Benefits Advisor Bldg. 852, Corner of Quilter St, Yuma, AZ (928) 269-3172
- MCAS Yuma T.A.M.P. Office Bldg. 852, Corner of Quilter St, Yuma, AZ (928) 269-3159
- U.S. Army Garrison Yuma 301 C Street, Bldg. 501, YPG, AZ (928) 328-2167
- Yuma Private Industry Council 3834 W. 16th St., Yuma, AZ (928) 329-0990
Healthcare
- Disabled American Veterans 954 S 13th Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 783-6661
- Yuma County Vet Center 1450 E. 16th St, Suite 103 Yuma, AZ (928) 271-8700
- Yuma VA Clinic 3111 S 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 317-9973
- Arizona Western College 2020 S. Ave 8E, Yuma, AZ (928) 344-7622
- College of Health Careers 950 E. Main Street, Building A, Somerton, AZ 85350 (928) 315-7600
- Yuma Truck Driving School 3180 E. 32nd St, Yuma, AZ (928) 919-7041
Housing
- Crossroads Mission 944 S. Arizona Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 783-9362
- National Community Health Partners 255 W. 24th St., Suite 4, Yuma, AZ (928) 726-6022
- Right Turn for Yuma Veterans 257 S. 3rd Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 783-2427
- Veterans Assisted Living 2600 S. 4th Ave. Yuma, AZ (928) 726-9198
Meals / Nutrition
- Crossroads Mission 944 S. Arizona Ave, Yuma, AZ (928) 783-9362
- 5:30am-6:45am - Breakfast
- 11:30am-12:00pm - Lunch
- 5:00pm – 6:00pm - Dinner
- Yuma Community Food Bank 2404 W. 24th St., Yuma, AZ (928) 343-1243
- Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Other Resources
Resources specifically addressing the needs of our Student Veterans. Click below for a list of Student Veteran resources.
Make the Connection
- Transitioning from Service: Advice and Resources for Veterans
- Succeeding in School: Advice and Resources for Transitioning to Higher Education
- Social Isolation: Signs and Resources to Address Social Withdrawal
Green Zone Training
Being a Green Zone Ally is a form of diversity and cultural awareness training that highlights veterans' experiences in higher education and the workplace.
Mission & Origin
To create a supportive environment where military and veteran students can thrive academically and personally. The program was modeled after Safe Zone training and is named after the secure International Zone in Baghdad, Iraq, which served as a safe place during wartime.
Who is a Green Zone Ally?
Staff and faculty who identify themselves as:
- Someone who knows something about the issues and concerns facing student veterans
- Someone who can help students find appropriate resources
- An understanding ear
- Not expected to be experts
Why It Matters in Higher Education
- Over 1 million military-connected students attend U.S. colleges
- Many face barriers to belonging, bureaucratic challenges, and mental health stressors
- Faculty and staff often want to help but lack knowledge or confidence about how
Military & Veterans
The Veteran Services Office provides support to students throughout their academic journey at AWC, from initial enrollment to graduation. Our team assists with college admission, benefit applications, and helps students establish their connection with the office. All necessary applications can be completed directly through our office, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process.
Getting out is a lifestyle change
- Becoming a student
- Choosing a major
- Selecting classes
- Studying
- Questioning authority
- Being a fellow student
How We Partner With Our Students
Onboard Students
- Student Checklist
- Apply for Benefits
- Transfer Credits
Navigate Education Benefit
- Tuition Assistance
- VA Education (Ch. 30, 31,33, 1606)
- MYCAA
- Dependent Education Assistance (Ch. 35)
Student VA Work Study Position
The VA Work-Study program is designed to assist eligible veterans in attending their educational objectives by providing VA paid work experience in a supervised learning environment.
- Get paid while going to school
Scholarships
- Ray Torres Military & Veteran Memorial Scholarship
- The Military & Veteran Relief Fund
- Emergency Assistance Patriot Gold Heart Fund
More information is available on our Scholarships tab
Community Partners
AWC Military & Veteran Services Maintains a list of community partners to better serve our specific demographic of students. In our office we understand that VA Benefits is not a small hurdle for everyone when transitioning back into civilian life.
More information is available on our Resources tab
Becoming a Green Zone Ally
For information on becoming a Green Zone Ally contact veteran.services@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7622
Green Zone Ally Program
Look for the Green Zone Ally decal around campus, as these allies can provide support, information, and assistance for service members and veterans. If you see a Green Zone Ally decal in their workspace, you know they are veteran supportive and will take the extra step to assist you and your family. For a list of current Green Zone Allies, expand the accordion below.
CONTACTS
For information on becoming a Green Zone Ally contact
veteran.services@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7622
| Name | Office Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Holly Banes | 3C - 2303 | (928) 317-6042 |
| Joann Chang | AS - 117 | (928) 344-7665 |
| Nicolas Hanhan | AC – 124 | (928) 317-6082 |
| Michael Kennedy | (928) 344-7592 | |
| Monica Ketchum | BA - 228 | (928) 344-7646 |
| Jeffrey Kleinwachter | 3C-2116 | (928) 317-7111 |
| Martha Martinez | LA - 102 | (928) 344-7607 |
| Laura Rios | 3C - Top Floor | (928) 344-7702 |
| Billy E Rose | 3C – 2211 | (928) 344-7604 |
| Tymmi Woods | Library | (928) 317-6434 |
| Perla Villicana | 3C-2116 | (928) 304-5172 |
Scholarships
SEE4VETS is the proud donor of AWC's Ray Torres Military & Veteran Memorial Scholarship and The Military & Veteran Relief Fund. Both funds are utilized to advance our Veterans education and career goals.
The Ray Torres Military & Veteran Memorial Scholarship, is available for the payment of academic studies here at Arizona Western College. This is scholarship is available during the Scholarship cycle that runs February- April Those wanting to apply for this scholarship must do so through AWC's foundation link.
Along with the application, candidates must submit a 500-word essay over a topic decided during each Scholarship season. Other qualifying factors include:
- Must maintain a 3.0 GPA
- A veteran of the armed forces
The Military & Veteran Relief Fund is available for students who may need financial assistance for academic and non-academic resources, such as, but not limited to, paying for textbooks, purchase of education essential equipment (calculators, software programs, uniforms required for courses at Arizona Western College, etc.), as funds are available.
Candidates who wish to seek these funds may receive and submit their application at the Veteran Service Office located at Arizona Western College in building 3C (2nd floor) room 2116.
This funding is set aside for student in Yuma, Parker, and South Counties to receive food cards or amounts placed on account to eat at Sodexo. Candidates who wish to seek these funds may receive and submit their application at the Veteran Service Office located at Arizona Western College in building 3C (2nd floor) room 2116,
Veteran Spouses Tuition Scholarship- Spouses of honorably discharged veterans enrolled at an Arizona public university or participating community college are eligible to receive free tuition on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The award amount is up to the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid.
- To qualify:
- Be an Arizona resident and continue to be a resident while receiving the scholarship.
- Qualify for in-state tuition. Read here for more information about in-state tuition and residency: AWC
- Be the spouse of an honorably discharged U.S. armed forces veteran.
- Be admitted and enrolled at Arizona Western College
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Allow the release of information necessary to determine continued eligibility for the scholarship (FERPA).
For more information about the scholarship, check with the financial aid office Arizona Western College, or the Director of Military & Veteran Jose Vega. Information is also available in ABOR policy.