ABSTRACT
Community colleges have a long history of educating college veterans and remain a prime choice for today’s service members. Understanding the unique needs and demographics of student veterans is the first step in supporting their success in college. Community college administrators are faced with many of the same issues four-year institutions encounter in addressing the needs of returning combat veterans and should study best practices of two- and four-year institutions alike. Almost half of student veterans in college are enrolled at two-year or community colleges. Readjustment and reintegration to civilian life can be difficult for veterans. Institutions of higher education can be one of the leading providers of transitional services to help returning veterans readjust to civilian life. Education is the best way to prepare college professionals to support veterans in their adjustment to college and civilian life. A comprehensive understanding of the stress related to combat experience, associated post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, traumatic brain injury, and suicide is essential.
