Hiram, Ohio -- It is not necessary to be from a big university to make a huge difference in the lives of veterans who are looking to further their education after leaving active duty. A local college in Hiram, Ohio, has placed themselves at the tip of the spear in an effort to make the housing situation better for veterans attending their school.
Hiram College, a private institution in northeast Ohio, held a ribbon cutting ceremony, Jan. 28, rededicating Freedom Center at Henry Hall. The hall will provide private quarters for veterans who are attending the college using their Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Maj. Jonathan Glover, Recruiting Station Cleveland commanding officer and Capt. Miguel Negron, an officer selection officer, were in attendance at the ceremony showing their support to an initiative that will benefit area veterans
“It is important to get out and show our support for the great things that are going on in the communities we serve,” said Negron. “It is nice to see that when men and women who have served their country end their military service, schools like Hiram have their back when they are pursuing a higher education.”
The project was led by Hiram DeJesus, the managing partner for Patriot Development Group LLC. The company renovated the 44 double occupancy rooms to single rooms that will accommodate veteran students, providing housing that will give veterans a private space where they can live around others who share that sacred bond of service.
The housing for veterans is a new initiative for a school in the state of Ohio and a first in the Midwest region. Previously, New Mexico State was the only school that had dedicated specific housing for veterans and their family members.
“We are hoping that this is something that can spread to schools throughout the country, and I am glad we have been able to do it here at Hiram,” said DeJesus during his speech at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
As an incentive to bring more veterans to the college, the first 20 veterans to sign up for the new housing program will be given free housing for the first two months.