Struggles and Support: Roudebush Cottage Veterans Services Center at UNC

As Alexander Cramer and Alex Packard step into the Roudebush Cottage Veterans Services Center, they feel a profound sense of belonging that fosters a deep unity and connection with those who share the same journey. 

“When you were in the military there is a sense of camaraderie that brings about a beautiful sense of security,” Packard said. “Here it brings that sense of unity and it’s a wonderful place to be. We can be ourselves again.” 

Cramer is a student at the University of Northern Colorado and a U.S. Army veteran. He also is the Chief of Operations at the center. Packard, another UNC student, is a U.S. Air Force veteran. At the center, he is the secretary for the Student Veterans of America. 

Veterans make up 10% of UNC's population. Cramer described the population as a niche because most veterans who attend UNC are 30-35 years old. He said that veterans tend to not fit in because most freshmen at UNC are students who recently graduated high school. It does not compare to some veterans who have experienced war or have some sort of structure their entire lives. 

“They just need a place to talk to somebody and get the support they need,” Cramer said. 

Cramer and Packard described the center as a secure and passionate place. Cramer said that they try to support veterans because they know the struggles they face and try to do everything they can to help everyone out. 

“Everyone is a brother and sister in the military no matter if they come from different branches. We genuinely love each other,” Cramer said. 

The center offers a variety of psychological programs. They try to have a one semester suicide outreach that shows all the support that is offered through the center. One of the main things they focus on at the center is suicide awareness. 

“This is a big thing with veterans,” Cramer said.

Packard said that the similar struggles they face are like an unspoken language. 

During the 2024 presidential elections, Cramer said one of the main struggles he faced was people thinking veterans would walk in the classroom doors starting a fight or an argument. 

“We didn’t know what was going to happen, but we know for the most part it kind of comes with the stigma of being a veteran,” Cramer said. 

The Israel-Palestine conflict protests were situations in which Cramer said that students found the center the most peaceful and safest place to hover down and work on homework. 

The center is not only a safe zone for students but also for the Greeley community. Packard recalled the recent shootings reported in Greeley and said that the center was considered a safe zone. 

“If anyone felt unsafe at all in any shape or form. Leadership as well as us, we took it seriously,” Packard said. 

When people from the community reached out to the center asking for help during the shootings or any unsafe situation. Packard said that the center offered them a safe place, coffee, drinks, and snacks. 

“We are open doors, not just for veterans,” Packard said. 

Situations like these, lead back to what Packard and Cramer were trained to do in their courses, Packard said. 

“To protect the rights and privileges of our people in the country,” he said. “This is our branch. This is our area where we can get back to the community and provide those same services as veterans.” 

Packard said that on a personal level, he believes that the center’s mission is to help veterans transition to civilian life again. He can testify to this as he is still transitioning to civilian life, he has only been out for almost a year. 

“The process has been made simpler through the VA students and it’s been great,” Packard said. 

The center’s official mission is to empower military-affiliated students by providing superb student-centered services, practical appropriate resources, and an inclusive community of support. Packard said their main goal is to help the community, both veterans and civilians. 

“Whatever it is, no discrimination. To bring everyone together to help make the community better. One person at a time, and so far, it’s been extremely successful, “Packard said.