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Central’s Office of Veterans Affairs recently welcomed Connecticut State Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald P. Welch (Brigadier General, U.S. Army, Retired) for a dynamic discussion with student veterans and faculty members.
Commissioner Welch, who brings decades of leadership experience from the U.S. Army and Connecticut National Guard, shared essential information about the resources and services available to Connecticut veterans. Focused on “Serving Those Who Served,” he highlighted long-term healthcare options, the transitional housing program at Rocky Hill, and extensive advocacy services designed to help you access education benefits, employment opportunities, property tax exemptions, and more.
Welch also emphasized the work of the Office of Advocacy & Assistance, which helps veterans navigate benefits, education and training programs, financial aid, and other critical services. He shared success stories from the Rocky Hill residential program, which offers wraparound rehabilitation services to support veterans working toward independent living.
About 13 student veterans and several veteran faculty members took part in the discussion. Welch praised the strong community Central has built for veterans, highlighting the outstanding support provided by Veterans Affairs Coordinator Christian Gutierrez and Veteran Retention Assistant Melina Lopez and the welcoming atmosphere at the Veterans Drop-In Center at Willard-DiLoreto Hall.
- Julian Layne ’25
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