Kaleb Lundine

Chinook Writer

For many veterans, the transition from military to civilian life means losing the deep-seated camaraderie that defines service. The Veterans Service’s Club at Casper College is actively working to change that, one connection at a time.

Kursten Larsen, the president of the Veterans Service’s Club at Casper College and, with Rhiannon Leinius, a member of the Veterans Service’s Club, shared their experiences with the Chinook

Larsen is a former United States Marine. She served for five years as a Helicopter mechanic, including an eight-month deployment to the Middle Eastern region. Leinius is a current member of the club, and a very close friend to Larsen.

The club is currently advised by Patrick Amelotte, an English professor at Casper College, and a Former US Marine. Larsen described Amelotte’s involvement in the club as “one of the best things that’s happened to us.”

“My biggest motivation has to be supporting the community, especially the community of veterans,” Larsen said. “A lot of us have this very strong feeling that when we leave the military, we lose this camaraderie… So, the club really helped me find that.” 

Larsen said camaraderie continues to be her personal mission as president of the club.  

The club operating out of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) in Gateway Building room 207, serves as a vital hub to the campus. Its core mission is to assist veterans in achieving academic success, working on career development, and reintegrating into civilian life.

“The gap that we fill is the human aspect” Larsen explained. “The VA offers a lot, but it’s a very confusing and complicated system for many veterans. Many newer veterans suffer from things like imposter syndrome where they don’t feel that they deserve the benefits that they had earned.”

The Veterans Club bridges that gap by offering peer to peer guidance on topics like navigating VA claims and, GI Bill benefits, among other helpful resources. Beyond administrative help, the Veterans Club provides comforting space with study areas, noise cancelling headphones, laptops for school-use & most importantly a warm welcoming environment.

Larsen shared an example to illustrate the impact the club has on its members. She Told a detailed story about an old Vietnam veteran who began visiting the center over the summer.

 “He came in and said there were so many people who just saw him as some crazy old man. But we sat and we listened… You could just see a relief overcoming him,” Larsen shared. “It was great to be able to see that and help this man.”

Looking forward the club aims to expand its reach by hosting more inclusive events that accommodate veterans who often balance school, families, and jobs. A key opportunity for members is the chance to attend the national Student Veterans of America Convention, which primarily focuses on building leadership, networking and career development.

While veteran focused the club also seeks to help build bridges with the wider Casper community through many volunteer events with organizations such as, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, The Platte River Revival and many other organizations in the local area. The Veterans Club also participates in annual fundraisers and charities like the T-Bird Dog Trek, and the Annual Wyoming Veterans ball.

For those interested in joining or supporting the club the message is simple.

 “Please come. We would love to have more people… Whether you’re a veteran or a civilian, everyone is always welcome. The ultimate goal is to create a legacy of support that continues to serve students long after its current members have moved on.”