Veterans’ club takes off at Georgian
Feb. 14, 2020
Scott Campbell served for more than 18 years in Canada’s Army, first in the reserves and then as part of the Canadian Forces. As a generator tech in the Engineer Corp, he was posted to eight Air Communication & Control Squadrons in Trenton and then the Canadian Special Forces Command in Ottawa.
It was his post at Real Property Operations at Base Borden that brought him to this area, and eventually to Georgian College, where he is a student in the Environmental Technology program.
Georgian’s dedication to, and respect for those who have served our country has always been strong, and is evident at every campus each Remembrance Day, including at our cenotaphs in Barrie and Orillia.
However, it’s important that military veterans at Georgian can connect with one another and share their experiences throughout the year. A new club for faculty and students who have served their country, allows them to do just that. Scott is president of the Georgian College Military Veterans Club and he took the time to answer questions about our newest association.
How did the idea for the Georgian College Military Veterans Club come about and how long was it in the planning stage?
The idea was something that Robert Kerr (another vet in the Environmental Technology program) and I came up with together. We had a number of classes together, so it’s was almost like we had our own little club between the two of us. I don’t remember exactly when we had the idea for a formal club, but we started moving on it quickly when we did.
Why is there a need for a club like this at Georgian?
With the close proximity of CFB Borden to Barrie, there are a good number of people that are medically released from the military each year and a large group of them choose to participate in the vocational rehab training program and attend Georgian College. This club provides an opportunity to meet other students and faculty that they can talk to that share some of the same experiences they have had. Sometimes a transition from military life to being a civilian can be fast, and there isn’t a lot of time to adjust. Then add in going back to school as a mature student, surrounded by young people that don’t always share the same life and work experiences.
What can members look forward to?
As a newly formed Club we are still working on what the club is going to be. Ultimately, it will be what the members want it to be, but in the end, I hope it provides a place for vets to come together, get to know each other, and see that they are not alone as they start this new period of their lives.
What excites you about this club?
I really look forward to when we get together for our meetings every other week. It brings a sense of familiarity and comfort to sit down, tell old war stories and have a few drinks, and just forget for a few hours about the upcoming exams and assignments that are due.
Georgian has a lot of veterans working and going to school at Georgian. What types of backgrounds are you seeing in your members?
There is a wide variety of experiences so far. There are members from all three branches of the Canadian Armed Forces (Army, Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy) and both officers and enlisted personnel. One of the most interesting things is that there are a few members who are international students that served in their home militaries and are now sharing their stories with us too.
How can people join?
Anyone interested in learning more about the club can send an email to GeorgianSMclub@gmail.com and I’ll be more than happy to talk with them.