Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence

You're Invited!
Join American Legion Post 176 for their Annual Community Picnic

Sunday, August 9, 2026
1:00–4:00 PM
14011 NE 20th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98686

Enjoy free food, games for all ages, and an ice cream sundae bar!

Veterans, military families, Legionnaires, friends, and community members are all welcome. Free and open to the public!

National Purple Heart Day 💜

Today, we honor the courageous service members who were wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. The Purple Heart is a symbol of extraordinary bravery, resilience, and sacrifice.

On this National Purple Heart Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all Purple Heart recipients and their families. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Happy Birthday, U.S. Coast Guard!

Today we celebrate the 236th birthday of the United States Coast Guard and honor the brave men and women who have dedicated themselves to protecting our nation's shores, saving lives, safeguarding our waterways, and serving with honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

Thank you to all Coast Guard members, veterans, reservists, civilians, and families for your service and sacrifice. We are grateful for everything you do.

Happy Birthday, Coast Guard! 🎉⚓

Today, July 27, we honor the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who served during the Korean War.

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day commemorates the armistice signed on July 27, 1953, bringing an end to active fighting after more than three years of conflict. While a formal peace treaty was never signed, the armistice remains a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and sacrifices made by those who served.

Often referred to as the "Forgotten War," the Korean War should never be forgotten. Today, we remember the more than 36,000 Americans who gave their lives, the countless others who were wounded or remain missing, and the Veterans whose service helped defend freedom.

The Veterans Center of Excellence honors all Korean War Veterans and thanks them for their service and sacrifice.

VCOE Visits the Vancouver Farmers Market!

The Veterans Center of Excellence staff recently visited the Vancouver Farmers Market to learn more about the valuable programs and incentives available to community members who receive SNAP benefits.

Did you know? The market offers programs that can help SNAP participants stretch their food dollars while supporting local farmers and vendors. Fresh, healthy food and local products are more accessible than ever!

If you or someone you know receives SNAP benefits, be sure to check out the incentives and programs available at the Vancouver Farmers Market. You may qualify for additional savings and benefits!

Learn more by visiting: https://vancouverfarmersmarket.org/market-programs/

Fresh food. Local vendors. More value for your benefits.

Fall Quarter Registration is Open!

If you haven't already, now is the time to get ready for Fall Quarter!

✅ Submit your Certification Request Form (CRF) for Fall Quarter.
✅ Make sure your Degree Plan is current and on file.

Submitting your CRF early helps ensure your VA education benefits are processed as quickly as possible.

Questions? Stop by the Veterans Center of Excellence (VCOE), call us, or send us an email—we're happy to help!

Don't Leave Money on the Table!

The Veterans Center of Excellence recently hosted our "Don't Leave Money on the Table" workshop, helping Veteran and military-affiliated students learn how to maximize their GI Bill education benefits and connect with the many resources available at Clark College.

We covered:
✅ How to help ensure your VA education benefits are processed correctly and on time.
✅ Tips for maximizing the benefits you've earned.
✅ Campus resources that can support your academic and personal success throughout your time at Clark.

Missed this workshop? Don't worry! We'll be offering it again soon (date coming soon).

If you're new to Clark College, we highly recommend attending! It's a great way to set yourself up for success and make sure you're taking full advantage of the benefits and resources available to you.

Stay tuned for the next workshop date!

Summer Crafternoons are Here!

Take a break, get creative, and spend some time with us at the Veterans Center of Excellence (PUB 015)

Thursday, July 30 1-3pm
Project: Painted Utensils
In partnership with the Penguin Pantry, join us to personalize a set (or two or three) of kitchen tools and create something both functional and uniquely your own!

Thursday, August 13 1-3pm
Project: Mini Sticker Scenes
Design your own miniature scene using small stickers and a pre-designed background. No artistic experience is required, and we'll provide all the supplies you need!

No artistic experience is needed—just stop by, relax, create something fun, and connect with fellow students. All supplies are provided, and snacks will be available!

Veteran and military-affiliated students are especially encouraged to attend, and all Clark College students are welcome.

The Veterans Center of Excellence (VCOE) will be closed on Wednesday, July 15. We will reopen during our regular business hours on Thursday, July 16.

If you need assistance while we are away, please send us an email, and we will respond as soon as possible when we return.

Thank you for your understanding!

Do you have arts and crafts supplies collecting dust? Bring your unused or gently used crafting materials to the VCOE and either donate them or swap them for something new-to-you!
🧶 Yarn
🎨 Paint supplies
💎 Beads
🧵 Fabric
📒 Scrapbooking materials
🛠️ Project kits
✨ And more!
If your supplies are still in usable condition but no longer fit your interests, consider sharing them with fellow crafters in our community.

♻️ Any supplies remaining after the swap will be evaluated for future VCOE crafting activities or donated to veterans in need.

Give your supplies a second life and discover new creative possibilities!