The Veteran

June 2026  Newsletter

Happy June from all of us at the VRC! As summer begins and the school year winds down, we hope you’re taking time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the sunshine. Whether you’re taking classes, working, traveling, or just enjoying a slower pace this season, the VRC is here to support you every step of the way. As always, our doors are open and we are here to help however we can. We’re excited to share upcoming events, resources, and opportunities with you in this month’s newsletter. Wishing you a safe, restful, and fun summer!💚

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought you to this incredible milestone, and we could not be more proud of all you’ve accomplished. Whether your next chapter includes continuing your education, beginning a new career, or exploring new opportunities, we know you will continue to make a positive impact wherever you go. Thank you for being part of the VRC community, and we wish you nothing but success in all that comes next. Congratulations, graduates!🍾🎓

This June, the VRC is proud to celebrate Pride Month and honor the LGBTQ+ members of our veteran and campus communities. Pride is a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals while continuing to uplift inclusion, visibility, and support for all. We celebrate the diverse identities and experiences that make our community stronger and remain committed to creating a welcoming space where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected. Happy Pride Month from the VRC!✨🏳️‍🌈

Planning to use your VA education benefits this summer? Be sure to review your summer term enrollment carefully, as VA enrollment requirements work a little differently during summer sessions. Summer enrollment periods are certified separately, and Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is only available while actively enrolled in courses. Students must also have at least one in-person course during each enrollment period in order to receive the in-person MHA rate. Full-time enrollment during the summer is based on the length of the course, averaging about one credit per week of enrollment for undergraduate students. If you have questions about your schedule, enrollment status, or benefits, we encourage you to reach out for guidance. The Veterans Certification Team can be contacted at vetcert@pdx.edu and is happy to help!

Please note that the VRC will be operating on summer hours during the summer term starting Monday, June 15th.

Our office will be open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Whether you need help accessing resources, have questions about benefits, or just want a place to stop by and connect, we are here to support you all summer long!

Acupuncture continues this summer! 🌿 Stop by the VRC down in the SMSU Basement for relaxing acupuncture sessions to help manage stress, improve sleep, and just take a breather. 😌

🗓️ The Lineup:
✨ June 2 | 11 AM - 3 PM
✨ July 7, 14, & 21 | 11 AM - 2 PM

August dates are still to be determined and will depend on participation in June and July, so be sure to reserve your appointment and stop by this summer.

Take a break, reset, and support your wellness

Tuesday, June 9th 5:30-6:30PM

Thinking about buying a home but not sure where to start? Join us for Veteran’s Playbook for Homeownership, an informative event designed to help veterans and military-connected individuals better understand the homebuying process and how to make the most of their earned VA home loan benefits. Learn what it takes to purchase a home in today’s market, including information about financing, title and escrow services, and working with a real estate team.

📅 Tuesday, June 9
⏰ 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Join virtually or in person
🍽️ Food and beverages provided

The VRC is gathering brief feedback to help us improve services and explore new wellness offerings. This short, anonymous survey takes about 3 minutes to complete.

Your input directly informs programming, space use, and future offerings in the VRC.

Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective