San Francisco State Holds First-Ever Veterans Commemoration Ceremony

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – It was a special weekend for military veterans at San Francisco State University as they were honored not only for their service, but also for their achievements in the classroom.

Veterans getting their degrees is nothing new but Saturday marked the first annual Veteran's Commemoration Ceremony on campus, coordinated by the San Francisco State Veterans Service Center and coordinator Rogelio Manaois.

KCBS' Mark Seelig Reports:

"It's appropriate now with wars drawing down that we take this time to honor them not only for their service but also for their achievements in higher education," said Manaois.

30 of the 105 veterans on campus who will graduate next month dawned caps and gowns, each receiving a special graduation medal. Among them was Jason Campbell, who served in the Marine Corps with the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.

"I never saw myself graduating from college so it's a pretty significant event for me today," said Campbell.

He's one of the lucky ones with a job already lined up in the social justice field.

Army Infantryman Miguel Vargas said he's working on becoming a physical therapist and was inspired after he saw many of his fellow soldiers get injured during a recent tour in Iraq.

"My dream job is to work for a VA somewhere and rehab veterans and help them get back on their feet," said Vargas.

San Francisco State University President Robert Corrigan addressed the packed crowd that was on hand.

"Thank you not just simply for today, but thank you for everything that you have done on our behalf," he said.

There are currently 430 veterans and 330 veteran dependents enrolled at the university.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)