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LETTER EDITOR from the
The number of current active personnel in the United States Armed Forces: 1.3 million. Army: 472,000 Marine Corps: 184,000 Navy: 319,000 Air Force: 319,000 Coast Guard: 41,000 Women represent 16% of enlisted forces and 18% of the officer corps. Men represent 84% of enlisted forces and 82% of the officer corps. Ethnic Minorities make up 40% of the active personnel: African American: 17% Latino/a: 12% Asian American: 4% Other: 7% American troops deployed outside of the United States: Japan: 39,345 Germany: 34,805 South Korea: 23,468 Italy: 12,102 Afghanistan: 9,294 The Bush Administration’s total military spending between 2003 and 2008: $3,542.6 trillion. The Obama Administration’s total military spending between 2009 and 2016: $6,342.8 trillion. The Trump Administration’s total military spending between 2017 and 2020: $3,549.8 trillion. Since 9/11, 6,967 American service personnel have been killed and 52,802 have been wounded. Current statics of U.S. drone strikes: 6,786 minimum confirmed strikes 8,459-12,105 total deaths 769-1,725 civilians killed 253-397 children killed Thank you, Madison Parsley Editor-in-Chief All information is reported under Council on Foreign Relations, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Pew Research Center and The New York Times.
SUNDIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief
Madison Parsley editor@csun.edu
Managing Visual Logan Bik Editor photo@csun.edu News Editor Gillian Moran-Perez city@csun.edu Assistant News Editor Kimberly Silverio-Bautista city@csun.edu Chief Copy Editor Ivey Mellem copydesk@sundial.csun.edu Copy Editors Munina Lam Pradnya Kalgutkar copydesk@sundial.csun.edu A&E Editor Ivan Salinas ane@csun.edu Assistant A&E Editor Deja Magee Moss ane@csun.edu Opinion Editor Michaella Huck opinion@csun.edu Features Editor Natalie Miranda Sports Editor Bryanna Winner sports_sundial@csun.edu Assistant Sports Editor Andres Soto sports_sundial@csun.edu Social Media Manager Natalie Fina sundialsocialmedia@sundial.csun.edu Production Manager Elaine Sanders Graphic Designer Ewan McNeil Illustrators Joelena Despard Matthew Lopez Video Editors Brendan Reed-Crabb Noelle Nakamura Sales Representatives Pathik Patel Kelly Salvador Olivia Vakayil Estefano Vasquez Sales Support HaoWen Hsueh Sundial Brand Studio Gabriel Krongold Distribution Lead Brendan Reed-Crabb Distribution Nicole Benda Isabel Orozco-Muñoz Publisher Arvli Ward arvli.ward@csun.edu General Manager Jody Holcomb jody.doyle@csun.edu Business Manager Sandra Tan sandra.tan@csun.edu Published weekly by the Department of Journalism at California State University, Northridge Manzanita Hall 140 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8258 News - 818-677-2915 | Advertising - 818-677-2998 Follow us on our social media:
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FOUR SONGS AGAINST THE WAR IN VIETNAM By Ivan Salinas
“WAR PIGS” BY BLACK SABBATH “Generals gathered in their masses just like witches at black masses.” With these words, following one of the most iconic intros of Rock music, Ozzy Osborne introduced Black Sabbath. Immediately, the band takes a stance against the “war machine that keeps turning.” The band blatantly criticizes politicians and the horrors of war in a song that contains their gothic quality as pioneers of heavy metal, at the start of the ’70s. The British band wrote this song after hearing war stories from a show they did in an American Air Force Base.
As late ’60s American counterculture celebrated peace and love, its government sent young soldiers against their will to fight in the jungles. As a result, many songs contain depictions of the war as a form of protest. “BACKLASH BLUES” BY NINA SIMONE In the tradition of folk, Nina Simone sings from the perspective of a working class parent to “Mr. Backlash.” “You raise my taxes, freeze my wages, and send my son to Vietnam,” it begins. Simone’s voice and lyrics embody the situation for African Americans and people of color at the time. Demanding equality from the U.S. government, they were ignored and their children were sent to war, leaving many families without the help of a younger generation.
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Dr. Lisa Dieker “Current and Future Technology Innovations in Teacher Education and Student Learning”
“FORTUNATE SON” BY CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL By 1969, many young Americans were drafted during the war in Vietnam, a war that many refused to fight and protested against. Creedence’s classic song shares an insight into the feelings of many draftees who were just as young as the band members themselves. The title’s irony stems from those “fortunate” to serving their country, but no one wanted that kind of luck.
“THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER” BY THE DOORS Released in 1968, off their third studio album, this song is a narrative encapsulating the fate of any soldier at war. It first paints the photo of a family having breakfast while, in a remote area, “the unknown soldier” dies. The narration of the soldier’s death, however, is not done “musically,” rather than doing a tune or melody, the song breaks down and uses sounds of marching troops, military drums, commands and a firing squad for the listeners to feel the death of a killed soldier.
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DEPORTED VETERANS: SERVICE ISN’T ENOUGH A veteran speaks on how he was deported and the need for a community. By Kimberly Silverio-Bautista / Illustrations by Joelena Despard To this day, it is unknown how many veterans have been deported or been placed in deportation in the United States. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement does not have a tracking system or any record of it. One of the thousands of deported veterans includes Hector Barajas-Varela. He was born in Mexico, but later immigrated to the United States at the age of seven and grew up in the city of Gardena. “I grew up like any American kid in the U.S.,” Barajas-Varela said. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. army and served from 1995 to 2001. In 2001, he was dishonorably discharged from his service. According to the San Diego Union Tribe, he got into trouble with the law in 2002 and “took a plea deal for a charge of shooting at an occupied car.” “Eventually my green card was revoked after I finished my prison sentence,” Barajas-Varela said. The LA Times stated that veterans like Barajas-Varela, who committed crimes after completing their service, are often deported. After completing his three year sentence, he was instantly deported with no lawyer by his side and he represented himself. He doesn’t recall much of what happened when he was on the other side of the U.S. border. However, he does remember feeling stressed and anxious. At one point he felt like the only veteran to be deported. Nobody received him with a warm welcome and he didn’t know where to get support.
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After realizing and experiencing the lack of support and resources veterans receive, he created an environment where deported veterans could gain access to support and comfort. Deported Veterans Support House, also known as “the bunker,” was established in 2013 and it’s currently located in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Barajas-Varela felt “there was no organization that was taking anybody in, housing people or doing anything.” The organization currently supports and advocates for about 500 veterans. Lopez-Varela continues to travel back and forth to the U.S. and Mexico, having recently traveled to the State Capitol in Washington D.C. to further discuss with legislators, congressional representatives and senators to spread awareness of the issues they continuously face. Regardless of the amount of interviews he’s done with newspapers like the LA Times, The New York Times and other media outlets, he believes there’s a lack of attention and support. Barajas-Varela believes the reason for this lack of support is the criminal charges that veterans like himself faced. If there was no crime involved, it would have been easier for them to receive the support they needed during their deportation. To this day this topic is not discussed much, but Barajas-Varela said a movement is needed in order for this issue to be taken seriously. “We’ve done it all, but for some reason ... it has not become like a movement,” Barajas-Varela said. “That’s what I am currently focusing on.”
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Playing Taps to conclude service.
Members of the Sons of Liberty gather as they prepare to walk up the Forest Lawn Steps.
Hollywood Highshool ROTC students march during the Massing of Colors. Cadet Captain Michael Granados, 17, added, “Not everyone appreciates ROTC, but I do it for the selfless service.�
Senior Airman Dustin Chastant (left) folds the flag into a triangle towards Airman first James L. Brown (right).
Daeian Taylor (left) and Tom Bates (right) bow their heads as a prayer is said to remember those lost in the line of duty.
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SONS OF LIBERTY By Logan Bik / Photography By Sonia Gurrola
Flying high in the wind, American flags flapped outside of the Forest Lawn steps as the Sons of Liberty and other Color Guards gathered to celebrate George Washington’s birth on Feb. 16. Ranging from young children to active military, the 37th annual event allowed people to pay respects to those who have fought in the armed forces. With a small march to the steps of the Forest Lawn military veterans, family and friends gathered to witness the flags being carried in. With Edwards Airforce Base Blue Eagles Honor Guard leading the walk, various high school ROTC programs followed in their footsteps marching to the top of Forest Lawn. “It means a lot representing the whole branch. It’s an honor,” said Senior Airman Fonte Anilla. With some dressed up as U.S. Revolutionary War fighters, different chapters of Sons of Liberty marched among them as well. Sons of Liberty is an organization made up of direct descendants to those who have fought in the American Revolution. Kevin Forrest, 49, and his son Nolan Forrest, 14, came out to celebrate their heritage together. “It’s important to remember our history and educate people about our relatives who have passed away,” said Kevin Forrest. “Sous of Liberty“ members gather in American Revolutionary attire to pay respects to their ancestors.
Lutheran High School NJROTC marching towards the top of the steps of the Forest Lawn. The event featured nearly 60 different color guards.
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MILITARY CULTURE A look at the complex views of Army veterans in a liberal student campus. Story by Ivan Salinas / Photography by Kaitlyn Lavo When a high school student decides to enlist in the Army, they may think of the stigmas attached to participating in the armed forces, but it probably won’t deter their decision. From a liberal political perspective, military personnel have the reputation of supporting a system of imperialism that asserts U.S. power all over the world. But a conservative view challenges this perspective by honoring its cadets for the patriotic service they are doing in defending their country. In this contradictory position, men and women from all backgrounds still choose to enlist. When it comes to recruiting, the armed forces don’t seem to discriminate. But once many of the young 18-yearold high school graduates are stripped of their civilian mentality, a military culture is instilled, which also holds and reinforces certain values and opinions that fall on the conservative side of the spectrum. As a result, when veterans decide to go to a college like CSUN, they find themselves discussing political issues from opposing perspectives. Due to an agitating cabinet in office that also influences the views of military culture, most of the time veterans feel the need to keep their views to themselves. Robert Palacios has experienced this first hand within the Veteran’s Resource Center on campus as a student veteran himself. He enlisted in the Marines in the summer of 2010 and is now pursuing an undergraduate degree in biochemistry. “Sometimes we have political discussions in here, at the VRC,” Palacios said. “Many
of the grievances within their classes are that they’re afraid to speak up because the few times they’ve expressed their opinions they’ve been shut down. And we may disagree in our political views but I don’t consider them bigots. I would just say we disagree politically.” In humanities courses, students have always been told that a balanced approach towards any issue will always make for a healthier discussion. But since the 2016 presidential election, there is more of a polarizing stance that refuses to hear anything from the other side, whether it is liberal from conservative or vice-versa. These conversations are difficult to have in a classroom setting, and if it becomes too difficult to speak about without students agitating one another, it is then avoided, which won’t help the issue either. Palacios also clarified that his political views don’t reflect all of the views of veterans. “I’ve actually found that many of my fellow veterans are more right-winged,” he explained. But part of the military culture that Palacios experienced, which included obeying orders, respecting his superiors, arriving 15 minutes prior to his expected post, etc., is the code of values that honors commaredery. When facing a greater threat, Marines must be able to work effectively together in order to complete a mission. “I would say that even the Marines that I felt I was in bad terms with, I still would take a bullet for them,” Palacios said, and he also felt confident that other Marines would do the same, separating their personal issues
from their duty as soldiers. In his time with the Marines, Palacios experienced prejudices from officers of higher ranks or other fellow Marines. However, he says this was done in the context of teasing. “When I went to bootcamp I was the first Mexican they’d ever seen,” Palacios explained. “You get people from all over rural America and diversity is not something they’re accustomed to. There was a sergeant that was speaking negatively about Latinos in general. In the military, they’re very insensitive and most of it is said while just ‘talking shit’ but there were few times when they used it purposely to insult. But it’s definitely there. You kind of just learn to deal with it.” A trait of the military culture is that sergeants and higher officials are always humiliating or diminishing the younger recruits’ ego. This is an image we are very familiar with, seen in iconic characters in films like “Full Metal Jacket” with character Sergeant Hartmann or Colonel Jessup in “A Few Good Men.” Similarly, Nathan Wright, a veteran student at CSUN majoring in computer information systems, experienced the Army’s harsh discipline along with other traits of military culture. In 2016, Wright was deployed to Afghanistan to aid African troops against the Taliban. There, he noticed how fellow soldiers would make fun of other African soldiers because of a lack of education. Wright joined the military following the steps of his father and grandfather, who were enlisted during World War II and the
IN THE ERA OF
TRUMP
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by default: “They were (considered) either sluts, lesbians or weak.” Because of this, Palacios was very aware that other fellow veterans certainly have a different opinion about their experience in the military, which may not be as positive. In the military culture, these comments are an extension of discipline and just teasing, something that a civilian with more liberal views may disagree with. So, are there any consequences from having such a culture in place? The Trump administration has made it harder for undocumented people to expedite their path to citizenship, and putting many halts in the screening process before starting boot camp, thus de-incentivizing many potential marines and infantry men from enlisting. At the same time, the case of Russian immigrant, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, brings to light how immigrants’ patriotism is questioned, especially if they are from a country the U.S. has political or military involvement in. With the interference in the Middle East, it is then likely to discourage American Muslims from joining the military, let alone reach higher-ranking positions. Also, the political discourse on gun control is one that divides people, although there are veterans for both sides. In 2018, following the
mass school shootings, many veterans supported regulation with an online presence under the hashtag #vetsforgunreform. Both Wright and Palacios stand in favor of second amendment rights, after being in an environment that promotes the use of a firearm for the purpose of safety. This of course is met with a strong opposition that looks to have much more strict gun control laws and banning some weapons entirely. While Palacios and Wright have adjusted back to civilian life, they bring their perspective to the table and all veterans alike hold the same right to express their opinion. However, when a civilian who doesn’t have a military background and a veteran have a discussion, these opinions are almost always polarizing. When discussing something in a classroom, ideologies are at stake. Opposing views from military and civilians are bound to continue and further exacerbate issues if the Trump administration were to stay in place for another presidential term. Military culture influences political discourse and it’s becoming more clear that, because of it, the military is distinct and separate from a significant number of people they are meant to protect.
VETERAN ROBERT PALACIOS TALKING ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE IN THE U.S. MARINES.
Vietnam War. In these wars, there were troops of all ethnic backgrounds, too, but its diverse historical figures are rarely highlighted. David Lopez, sociology professor at CSUN, added the narrative of Latinos’ involvement in all of the American wars from the 20th century and even dating back to the times of the American Civil War. His essay, “Saving Private Aztlan,” says the same about Latinos during the Vietnam War. “Many questioned why so many men of color, who occupied the lowest socioeconomic strata of our society, were experiencing disproportionate casualty rates,” Lopez said in the essay. “During the war, more Latinos served than any other ethnic group and servicemen of Mexican descent had the highest death rate, twice that of NonLatino White servicemen.” The military historically has recruited people of different ethnicities. “The Marine corps has a big percentage of Latinos, a lot of people that looked like me,” Palacios said. And this has been true historically. Lopez’s article also mentions that Navajo Marines were able to send messages in their own language that the Japanese couldn’t translate. In theory, the military’s embrace of a diverse racial background would benefit the military’s capabilities to deal with local and international groups of people. As a factor of a changing culture, in the last couple of decades the military’s recruitment of different ethnicities has increased. Palacios’ parents emigrated from Mexico and El Salvador, and his father left when the country was going through a civil war. Under Ronald Reagan’s presidency, the U.S. aided the Salvadoran military economically and played a key role in the deaths of more than 75,000 people. As a result, Palacios’s father had a negative view of the American military. “All through when I was growing up he would tell my brother and I, ‘Don’t join the military,’ and so here I am, 17 years old, needing his permission,” Palacios said. But as soon as they sat with Palacios’ military recruiter, who happened to speak Spanish and was of a Mexican background, they began feeling more at ease. Palacios’s father supported his son, in the end, as long as he was sure of his decision. Palacios joined after considering he was undisciplined and needed more guidance, knowing that most likely if he would have gone to college right after high school it would’ve gone wrong. So, the military seemed like a solid, viable path. “Once I got in the military, my dad couldn’t be prouder,” Palacios said. His father also voted Republican in 2016 as an individual favoring evangelical values, which the military also shows. Palacios then graduated from boot camp, went through Marine Combat Training, and then to military occupational school, and finally stationed in a permanent unit where he was a communication technician. “When you enlist in the army you are a reflection of the American population,” Palacios said. In recent years, the U.S. has grown more ethnically diverse. But despite the large numbers of military personnel that identify as “Hispanic,” very few actually reach higher ranks, as The Hill reported after analyzing the results of Casaba Group, a Hispanic Veterans organization. “I don’t think that (insensitivity in the Marines) made my job more difficult because of it. But we definitely did have black Marines that did feel uncomfortable in certain situations,” Palacios said. He expressed a similar opinion in regards to female Marines that even high officials were aware of the stereotypes attached to them
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WHY STUDENTS JOIN What to know about the process and issues at stake. By Gillian Moran-Perez / Photography by Elaine Sanders The military is composed of 2.2 billion men and women, according to the Council of Foreign Relations. The reasons they join the military varies, whether it’s to serve their country, participating in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps since high school or college, or upholding a family legacy. For CSUN students Raquelle “Rocky”’ Holloway and Johnathan Goldenberg, joining the Navy and Army Reserves means more than receiving the financial benefits. For them, it’s about serving their country, their family and getting closer to where they see themselves down the line, as someone who can make a difference. Holloway is currently a third year student studying public health who, after graduating, will join the Navy and train to become a medical officer once she gets into a physician assistant program where she’ll work in hospitals. As of 2016, the Veterans Benefits Administration spent $65 billion dollars on about 1.6 million beneficiaries since the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill was enacted in 2009 to extend educational benefits to service members on active duty after 9/11. Beneficiaries include service members and their spouses and families, according to a report under the Congress Budget Office. The G.I. Bill offers educational benefits for former and current service members pursuing higher education, which offers a housing allowance, full tuition for public colleges of their choice, books and supplies and other expenses. Goldenberg is currently a marine reservist stationed in Quantico, Virgina, undergoing training to become an artillery officer. Goldenberg graduated from CSUN in 2017 with a bachelors in economics and will complete his masters in political science with an emphasis in campaign theory. His goal is to go to law school and be a part of
Jonathan Goldberg, CSUN alumni and Marine Reservist.
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legislative work. Holloway became interested in the armed forces as a part of ROTC in high school, originally wanting to become a police officer; however, a family tree project showed her grandparents’ service in the Navy and that convinced her. She said that she would grow up seeing pictures and hearing stories of her grandparents. But even though they joined to fight for their country, because they were men of color, they weren’t being put to use or in battle, as she puts it. Instead, they were predominantly in the kitchen or as cleanup crew, which Holloway said was hard for them. “To know that I can go in for my generation and to know that I can fight but I can also be someone who saves lives as a medical officer, that’s brave, that’s badass to me,” said Holloway. She said she’s been meeting with her recruiting officer to stay on track with the requirements, and as her time to apply slowly approaches, Holloway said it’s nerve wracking. “You get stripped from your family, you learn how to be an officer, it makes me nervous,” said Holloway. But their support, especially from her mother knowing she is brave to go off and be independent from them, is what encourages her the most. “They’re my people.” Goldenberg has the same support from his family, though he said his parents were fearful at first. His parents are religious refugees from Russia, who saw their soldiers being abused and after hearing his desire to join the military, they were scared. But during his year and half in training, he’s been able to tell them of the experience, of the culture and the community he found. “I hope I’m making my family proud, I like being the representative of the family out there,” said Goldenberg. In high school, Goldenberg also did a family tree project where he learned how his parents were able to come to the U.S. in 1990. It clicked for him he said, that the U.S. was able to demand their release, which came from a position of strength. “I realized in the ’80s someone had volunteered to serve the military to make our country stronger, which made it possible for my parents to move to the U.S. It felt like I probably owe it to someone else for me to be able to step up and volunteer,” said Goldenberg. During his undergrad, Goldenberg was a part of multiple campaign efforts, most notably for Hilary’s campaign in 2016. It was during the season that he met a student in the Army reserves and showed him that he could actually pull it off. Ever since he was a kid he thought it would be cool to join, and the feeling remained in the back of his head, just like how Holloway felt once she started CSUN — to be a part of something bigger. With time and advice, they made their decision to commit.
He said that the military has changed him a lot to be more of a professional and driven adult. His experience in representing a student body as AS president from 2017-2018 motivates him to do the same on a bigger scale in his career in politics. Even his tactics in campaigning, going out to different communities to create larger communities coming together for a common cause and using their political voice, have contributed to his drive to work with the people. Holloway will be a part of the pushback from women and women of color joining the armed forces as the numbers keep rising. According to a quarterly report from the U.S. Navy, women make up 20% of the Navy, and women of color make up even less, with those of mixed race making up only 8%. Holloway’s background of Filipino, Spanish and African American adds to that 8%. “In the past couple of years we’ve seen that push, but it’s still like men outnumber women in every department so to not only be a woman of color and a woman in general but a woman who’s going to be a doctor, that’s something to me, that’s everything to me,” Holloway said. “I’m proud to say it, you know. Breaking barriers, I’m all for it.” Goldenberg shared that one day at his base, he ran into someone vaguely familiar — a CSUN alumni who he used to be in a sports club with, now a sergeant. He thought, “What’s he doing here in Virginia?” But he’s come to see that the CSUN community extends beyond the Valley. CSUN’s student veteran population is around 700. For anyone thinking about joining the armed forces, Holloway and Goldenberg advise them to do the research, to know what they will be getting themselves into and if it feels right for them, just do it.
Raquelle “Rocky” Holloway, CSUN junior.
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STEEL SHARPENS STEEL Masculinity and the military veteran
Dr. Abram Milton
USMC Master Sergeant (Retired) Military Veteran Liaison University Counseling Services
INTERSECTING IDENTITIES
Without a doubt, veterans represent many different identities which intersect with each other and help shape who they are (National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, 2014). I, myself, can think of many identities that have shaped who I am today. Being a son, brother, uncle, father, husband, student, intern, counselor, therapist, service-member, veteran, marine, and many more, that are beyond this piece. The main point is that each one of these identities have shaped my view of the world and each role has introduced me to some positive role models which I am forever grateful for; more specifically, I am grateful for many of the lessons I learned which helped me shape and mold my male identity. As an active duty service-member, I feel I was not aware of how masculinity shaped my point of view of things. If you have ever interacted with any veterans, you will easily find that we have a very distinctive culture. Our values, beliefs, interactions, and views may sometimes seem odd, unusual or even eccentric — rest assured, believe me when I say that the behavior has a purpose. However, sometimes, challenges can arise when some of this behavior is less about positive aspects of male identity development and more about unhelpful masculinity ideologies which serve no true positive purpose. I am thankful that I have had the pleasure of being molded by many different positive male role models, role models who sharpened my skills and helped me develop and mold my identities — in this case, steel sharp-
important decisions have to be made. However, over my 20 years of service, I was always struck by how many service-members took positive actions when faced with difficult situations. How was this possible? Because of role models and leaders who guided them — a true tempering of their values. Throughout history, military veterans have served and helped shape our world. We see veterans in all walks of life assisting, guiding, and mentoring future generations. I think it is safe to say that many of these positive male role models can continue to be used as guides to help positively shape and mold many boys and men who are looking for positive role models. I am reminded of the role of the MenCARE (Creating Attitudes for Rape-Free Environments) program sponsored by University Counseling Services. This peer education program takes a specific look at how certain types of masculinity ideologies can foster toxic masculinity and rape culture. I am proud that this program is in existence. I can remember during my service in the military, we also started to have similar programs which looked at the role of rigid masculinity in gender violence. While some strides have been made, I have no doubt that the different branches of the military will continue to develop their programs.
Regardless of if the program is on a military installation, a business, or a college campus, I feel that the conversation on masculinity is an important one because society in itself is continuing to see the value in the conversation to help men in their identity understanding and development.
CALL TO ACTION
As with all things, discussion and conversations on topics are valuable, and now it is time to reflect on how we as a campus community can support our men and veteran populations. First and foremost, when dealing with veterans, we have the Veteran Resource Center (818-677-4672), which students can utilize as an oasis to support veterans. In addition, for CSUN faculty and staff, we have the Student Veteran Advisory Committee. I am personally proud that the University Counseling Services has two separate days in which we have Chatsworth VA therapists at UCS (Bayramian Hall, room 520) on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. 12 p.m. I would be remiss if I did not mention my role and honor to support veterans at UCS, and feel that any veteran can work with any of our wonderful therapists.
There are several programs which support men and any quick search on the CSUN website can highlight them all. Within UCS, we offer brief individual therapy and also have a variety of therapy and support groups as well as workshops. This can provide an opportunity to explore male identity development and, in addition, we have two psychotherapy support groups — “ManUp” and “Man2Man: Men of Color Support Group” — both focused on male topics. We also have the MenCARE peer education program. All questions or interests can be found on our website, www.csun.edu/counseling, or call 818-677-2366. In all, veterans have a special place in my heart and I feel that many of the strengths in which veterans have — maturity, dedication, discipline, confidence, selfpride — can continue to compliment the desires of society to have positive role models that can join in the conversation on masculinity. In closing, certain ideologies related to masculinity have been developed over the years; however, new ideas and sage wisdom from the veteran community can help shape and mold the discussion — remember, Steel Sharpens Steel.
“Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.” - PLATO
ening steel.
STEEL SHARPENS STEEL
Now anyone in this day and age knows that steel does not literally sharpen steel (thanks Google), but what we do know is that steel can be used to mold and shape; some may call it tempering, but for the sake of this discussion, we will acknowledge this event as a process in which a guide is used to promote a desired effect. When it comes to masculinity, let me share an example. To say that military life can be challenging, would be a huge understatement! I think many people may never get the chance to truly understand some of the simplest things we take for granted, especially when we are sent to some places to serve our country. Within many of these environments, there may be limited contact with other service-members, and very Illustrations by Matthew Lopez
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TUTORING Speech Help: My mother had a stroke three months ago and loves to stay busy. She has several speech therapy sessions but loves to go through her workbooks and flash cards. Perfect for a student looking to work for 2 hour blocks in the evening although we are flexible. She is 70 years and highly motivated. Email richardadinah@msn.com
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COLLEGE IN THE RESERVES Q&A WITH A NAVY SEAL WHO IS STILL JUGGLING COLLEGE LIFE
Interview and Photography by Michaella Huck Brianna Lea is a junior majoring in kinesiology at CSUN who also doubles as a hospital corpsman Navy SEAL. She shared her story about how she is able to juggle both and gives advice to students who are unsure if a military path is the right one to take.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE NAVY? I did it mainly because I’ve always wanted to do something in the medical field. Some of the recruiters came to my class and talked to us. As they were talking about it, they mentioned free education, they mentioned the different career paths you could take throughout the military. Through them explaining, it seemed like an easier way to get there and it was my senior year of high school; I just wanted to make money and get to my job. What I did not realize at the time is that it’s more than that. It’s a lot of time constraints, it’s a push and pull. I’m only a reservist, so I’m not active full time, so I have to fit the Navy into my daily schedule. Making the military life work with my civilian life is complicated, but manageable. Being a reservist, you only work one weekend a month, but you have to work other weeks too on your own time.
HOW WAS THE PROCESS OF ENLISTING? You have to take an ASVAB, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, the highest you can score is about 60. The higher you score in that test, the more options that are placed in what jobs you can get. After the test, you have to set up your physical date and this is an all-day process. They wake you up at around 3 a.m. and we were on the bus to MEPS, Military Entrance Processing station, right after breakfast. It’s one big office building where all the branches meet up. It’s a whole day physical, so I couldn’t go to school that day; it’s a hearing test, a vision test, they draw blood and they just make sure you’re physically able to join for bootcamp. After the physical, that’s where you decide — well, that’s where the officers ask you “What do you wanna be?” I was set on medicine. My job title is hospital corpsman. I didn’t leave until June 2018. By that time, I had done my first year of college and I always say 2018 was the best year of my life. I’m talking civilian-wise, I did well in school and by the time June came, I got to leave for boot camp ... I remember through the whole process my parents kept asking if I was sure, but I was getting what I needed and that was a career in medicine ... (Through the Navy) I got hands-on experience.
HOW DID YOU SELECT THE NAVY OF ALL MILITARY BRANCHES? Honestly, that was the one that was open. Navy recruiters played a big role. I credit a lot of it to my high school sports medicine teacher, he was in the Navy when he was younger and was constantly telling us good things about the Navy. One day in class, he had recruiters come in and I remember leaving class that day and I told my mom, “Yeah, I think I wanna do it.”
DO YOU THINK RECRUITERS ARE BENEFICIAL? I remember in high school, I was always getting those pamphlets for scholarships and everything. I remember one pamphlet, it said “Give four for four,” meaning give four years to the military and get four years of free school. Money is tight, my mom always asked me to think about it, but I had only seen the military in movies so I didn’t want to fight in the middle of the battlefield. When the recruiters came to my class, I called her immediately; they sold me.
DO YOU THINK THERE IS A BAD STIGMA ABOUT THE MILITARY, ESPECIALLY WITH STUDENTS? Like I previously said, all I knew (about the military) was from movies. I did not want to be fighting in the middle of the battlefield. What they don’t tell you is that there is so much behind the scenes, there are lists of jobs you don’t think about. Not only that, the average graduation time is 20 years so if you join at 18, guess what? You retire at 38 and you’re set for life. There’s a lot of negative connotations and things these movies do not tell you.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR A STUDENT LOOKING TO JOIN? I always say, you can’t go based solely off my experience. I think it’s a great opportunity, but do your research. Mainly just go walk into a recruiting station and ask for help; they have all the questions and answers that you can think of.
BRIANNA LEA CSUN Junior & Navy SEAL
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OPINION@CSUN.EDU