Pair of AC student veterans uplifted by timely monetary gifts from VFW Post 1475

Four members of Unit 6, the post’s motorcycle contingent, surprised AC student veterans Juan Garza and Vincent Guerrero on Dec. 1st by handing each checks for $500 during a brief gathering at AC’s Veterans Office in the Student Service Center.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said an emotional Juan Garza. “It’s been a really tough couple of months with bills and car repairs. I had no idea what kind of Christmas I would be able to make for my kids. This is truly a blessing.”

Both Garza and Vincent, who was accompanied by his wife Denise and their two toddlers, were thoroughly surprised by the windfalls they received.

The memorable moment came about after Unit 6 contacted Kelly Murphy, AC veterans’ coordinator, and told her they had some extra money in their scholarship fund this year, money they had voted to distribute among some veterans in particular need. Kelly responded that she knew of some student veterans who could use a boost, and she ultimately summoned Garza and Guerrero to her office.

She just didn’t tell the students why she needed to see them. They dutifully appeared at the appointed time, however, and that’s when the VFW foursome marched in, thanked the stunned students for their military service, and passed over the uplifting checks.

The quartet then departed with equal dispatch — presumably through a clearly marked exit since that particular building is not equipped with a chimney.