ROTC cadets, area military vets, and those meeting with them now have a newly designated place on the Siena campus in which to gather.
The ROTC and Military Veterans Lounge has just opened in the lower level of Lonnstrom Hall. The space features a central lounge, classroom and office space, and shelves for military reference material. Cadets, vets and their guests can gather for meetings, study or relaxing.
“I’m excited that Siena is encouraging resources and support for both developing cadets and veterans,” said Cadet Commander Kellyanne Cahill ’23. “Our current cadets will have a designated space and resources allocated for their benefit and support, and as veteran support especially is necessary in our society, it makes me proud that Siena is taking a step to ensure their needs are felt, heard, and addressed. I look forward to further developing a community where both civilians and the military are united in the same goals and support each other’s best living.”
LTC Luis Mejia-Roman, professor of military science for the Mohawk Battalion of ROTC, said all Siena students and faculty are welcome to access the unit’s reference material for their research. The space will also be used for workshops on leadership and the planning of ROTC field exercises.
The Mohawk Battalion, which is made up of more than 90 cadets from Siena, the University at Albany and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, already has offices and classrooms in the College’s Trustco Building across Route 9. The new space on the main campus will offer easier accessibility and visibility for the entire community.
“Creating a more welcoming environment for veterans on campus is something that several of our cadets from the Mohawk Battalion have taken initiative on and it is fantastic to see their work pay off,” said Cadet Sergeant Major Max Fiducia ‘23. “My hopes are that this lounge will become a space for veterans and cadets to form positive relationships with one another that will bring about new opportunities for veterans on Siena’s campus and those in the surrounding community.”