Palo Alto College has the honor of serving about 200 war veterans.

Whether it’s a strong passion to defend our country, or the best option to cope with economic hardship, serving in the U.S. military evokes a mixture of emotions ranging from determination and excitement of defending the country to fear of losing one’s life.

For Lance Corporal Benjamin Putnam, defending America as a result of 9-11 was all the inspiration he needed to join the Marine Corps.

"9-11 irritated me beyond belief," Putnam said. "I signed up for the Marine Corps shortly after the collapse of the WTC (World Trade Center), while currently finishing my senior year of high school. I wanted to do anything I could to make sure something like that would never happen again so long as I could do anything about it."

Joining the Marine Corps in 2002, Putnam, now 24, was deployed to Iraq in February of 2003 through September of the same year. In May of 2005, Putnam returned home after a medical discharge. He earned several military awards during his service, including the National Defense Medal, War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal and Presidential Unit Citation.

Putnam is planning to transfer to UTSA and earn his bachelor’s degree in Economics or Business Management.

Economic hardship, a desire to acquire leadership skills and to experience adventures are what inspired U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Sergeant Kevin Martinez to join the military.

"Growing up, I had a rough life in regard to financial stability. My mother was a single mom with four children, and she worked a minimum-wage job. Times were rough for many years, and the only answer for me at the time was to join the beloved Corps," said Martinez.

After 12 years in the military, including a year serving in Iraq and six months in Afghanistan, Martinez, 33, gained leadership skills and experienced adventure.

Martinez has earned several medals, including the Combat Action, National Defense, Global War on Terrorism, Iraq Campaign, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement, Joint Meritorious, Armed Forces Reserve, Armed Forces Expeditionary and Marine Good Conduct. In addition, Martinez has earned several service ribbons and citations throughout his military career.

Adjusting to civilian life after their military careers has been challenging, but not as challenging as their years in the military.

Putnam said: "At first, I felt like a grown man would feel after finding himself playing in a sandbox with a bunch of toddlers -- out of place. It took me a little while to come down from my superiority complex."

After three years back in America, Martinez is still adjusting to normal civilian life.

"Interacting with large groups, mass groups, kind of brought me to a point were I was always on alert. I am still just adapting to everyday type of life. My senses are more heightened than your average civilian, just because of the experiences I had," said Martinez.

Martinez plans to transfer to UTSA to earn his bachelor’s degree in Business.

Palo Alto College participates in educational programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to help all eligible veterans obtain financial assistance.

Texas Veterans are encouraged to apply for the Hazlewood Exemption, which provides an educational benefit to honorably discharged or separated Texas veterans or to qualified dependent children. It exempts veterans and their dependents from tuition, fees and certain student services fees at schools that receive state tax support.

The new GI Bill or so-called “Post 9/11 GI Bill” gives veterans who served 36 months of active duty after Sept. 11, 2001, exemption for all tuition and fees and up to $1,000 a year to pay for books and supplies. More information may be found at military.com

Palo Alto’s office of Veterans Affairs attempts to help all eligible veterans cope with the transition back into civilian life and to obtain financial assistance. For more information, you may call (210) 486-3113 or visit their office located in Room 136 of the Student Center.