CSUSM to Host Second Event Spotlighting Veterans' Stories

Cal State San Marcos will host an event in April that will continue its initiative to preserve and amplify the stories of San Diego County military veterans through recorded oral histories.

As part of the biannual Arts & Lectures series and in concert with community partner Veteran Lore, CSUSM will hold Veterans History Project II: The Journey Continues on Wednesday, April 8. The event builds on the success of the inaugural edition that took place last year; it's co-hosted by Jason Beyer, a CSUSM double alumnus and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Marilyn Huerta, a CSUSM communications professional, double alumna and military-affiliated advocate.

The program will share more of the work that's included in the San Diego Veterans History Initiative, a project through the CSUSM library's Special Collections department that reflects the university's ongoing commitment to community engagement, veteran support and experiential learning.

"The San Diego Veterans History Initiative is deeply personal for me as a Marine, an alumnus and now as a professional committed to serving our veteran community," Beyer said. "These stories deserve to be heard, preserved and honored. By continuing this project and expanding it to include career connections, we're not only reflecting on service, but actively supporting veterans as they transition and thrive beyond the military."

The evening will begin with a reception, resource fair and expanded career fair from 5-6 p.m., offering veterans and military-affiliated guests the opportunity to connect with campus departments, community organizations and employers interested in hiring veterans. The formal program will follow from 6-8 in the University Student Union ballroom on the CSUSM campus.

The formal program will feature keynote speaker Jim Gruny, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired colonel, followed by a film screening showcasing professionally recorded oral histories of veterans representing diverse backgrounds and service experiences. The recorded interviews will be archived in the CSUSM library'sVoices of North County collection and the U.S. Library of Congress, contributing to the national Veterans History Project and preserving veterans' legacies for future generations.

"This event is about creating space for stories, for connection and for opportunity," Huerta said. "Veterans History Project II allows us to honor the lived experiences of veterans while building meaningful bridges to resources, careers and community. Preserving these stories through the CSUSM library Special Collections department and the Library of Congress ensures that their impact will extend far beyond one evening."

The oral histories this year will feature veteran stories from:

• Virginia F. Burke, U.S. Army (1968-70), first lieutenant (O-2)
• William D. Felty (CSUSM alumnus), U.S. Marine Corps (2003-07), corporal (E-4)
• Edmund Joseph Labrado Jr., U.S. Army (1969-70), captain (O-3)
• Joshua K. Loop (CSUSM alumnus), U. S. Coast Guard (2008-17), lieutenant (O-3)
• Dora L. Luevano, U.S. Marine Corps (1965-67), corporal (E-4)
• Thomas J. Moore (CSUSM alumnus), U.S. Marine Corps (1993-2019), master sergeant (E-8) ret.
• David B. Shaffer, U.S. Air Force (1963-67), captain (O-3)

The event is open to the public, with free tickets available for CSUSM students and military-affiliated guests. Advance ticket reservations are encouraged. Organizations interested in hiring veterans are encouraged to reserve space in the career fair.

For tickets and additional event information, visit www.csusm.edu/al/calendar.