Veteran Voices

This program is intended to provide a platform where important voices will have an opportunity to share their stories.

Our goal is threefold:

To open people's minds to the diversity that exists within the military.
To provide an opportunity to elevate the voices of underrepresented groups within the service.
To highlight how individual experiences bring a critical voice and strengthen communities long after military service.

These Zoom conversations will occur monthly and will feature 1 to 3 panelists from different communities to engage in a wide-ranging discussion about their experiences and identities.

Schedule by Month

October

Latin@/x Identifying | October 29, 2020 @ 2:30 pm on Zoom.
In partnership with the Latinx Center and Veterans Services.

Watch the event.

Meet the voices:

Javvi Avila

My name is Javvi Avila and I am a Marine Corps Veteran and a senior at CSUSM. I was active duty for one enlistment or four years and was stationed in Okinawa Japan and Camp Pendleton. I am majoring in Criminology and Justice studies. I am Mexican American and was born in Visalia, CA and raised in San Diego, CA. As a local I love going down to sunset cliffs, going for a hike at mission trails or taking a stroll in Balboa Park.

Dani Lúthien

I joined the Army beginning of 2017, worked as a cook. I didn't want it, but since I wasn't a citizen, there were not many options for me. Also we know how recruiters lie a lot.
Anyway, I did basic training in Fort Jackson South Carolina, then AIT at Fort Lee in Virginia. Got stationed in Anchorage Alaska, Fort Richardson, which is actually a joint base with/managed by the Air Force. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. JBER. I signed a 3 year contract, because my main reason for joining was to use the GI Bill after. Unfortunately, at the 2 years mark, I got medically discharged and went back home before expected. I still get to use my GI Bill though.

Emiliano Reyes

My name is Emiliano Reyes, I am an Army veteran. Currently, I am in my senior year at CSUSM studying Molecular Cell Biology. I am also involved in a research lab with Dr. Spady and former president of the Student Veteran Organization on campus. I also intern at a lab that tests patients for COVID-19.

February

Black Identifying | February 18, 2021 - 2:30 pm on Zoom.

Watch the event.

Meet the voices

Damon Stevens

Major: Criminology & Justice Studies BA (2016), Sociological Practice MA (2020)
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Military Affiliation/Background: Retired from the United States Navy. Served from 1989-2013.

Jake Northington

CSUF graduate student c/o 2022:MS Higher Education
CSUSM Alumni c/o 2019: BA Visual & Performing Arts, Art & Technology
Minor: Ethnic Studies
Minor: Women's Studies
Palomar College c/o 2015: AA Liberal Arts
Hometown: East St Louis, Illinois
Military Affiliation/Background: Retired USMC

March

Women/Womxn Identifying | March 18, 2021 - 2:30 pm on Zoom.
Watch the event.

May

Asian Pacific Islander Identifying | May 4, 2021 - 2:30 pm on Zoom.
Watch the event.

Partners

ASI is happy to be partnering with Veterans Services for this series!

Interested in partnering with ASI for one of the months listed above? Please contact Jake Peirce, ASI Veterans Student Representative.