For veterans making the transition from military service to college, having someone who understands their experiences can make all the difference. At Onondaga Community College, that support begins with the Office of Veterans and Military Services. Whether students need help navigating VA benefits, completing enrollment paperwork, registering for classes, or simply finding a place where they feel they belong, the office is there to help.
That commitment has earned OCC national recognition once again. Military Times has named the College to its 2026 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, and OCC has moved up 27 positions from last year's ranking. The 2026 rankings recognize 370 colleges and universities across all 50 states for their commitment to service members, veterans and military families. That's an increase from 357 institutions the previous year.
For more than a decade, Military Times has published its Best for Vets rankings to help service members, veterans, and their families make informed decisions about where to pursue their education. The rankings evaluate how well institutions serve military-connected students throughout their college experience, from the application process through graduation.
At OCC, much of that work happens through the efforts of Steve White, Director of Veterans and Military Services, and Lisa Mooney, Coordinator of Veterans and Military Services. Ask the students they serve, and the value of that work becomes clear.
Shelton Feller, current President of OCC's Veterans Club: "That office is the most important resource veterans have here. That office is the reason I'm here. They help me tremendously."
Jake Blackwelder: "Having a space like this on campus where you can come in and be with other Veterans who are trying to better themselves - it's invaluable to have something like this."
Terrell Horton: "When I started here, I didn't think I belonged. He (Steve White) helped convince me I did, and that I could do well."
Chuck Money: "It's the place where I feel like I fit in. Steve (White) has assisted me tremendously. He's more like a mentor than anything else. He's a great listener, has a ton of life experience, and we relate to each other as peers, although I call him 'Boss.'"
Eric Kreisler: "It was so nice to come in and talk to someone with the understanding of how the VA works. I talk to Steve (White) every time I have to register for classes. He's great."
Jance Gravely: "Some schools have a Veterans Office just to check a box. You can tell Steve (White) and the staff really care about maximizing benefits for veterans," she said.
Ryan Scholes: "The help that Steve gives - it would be an understatement to say how consequential it is. He makes the insurmountable mountain a molehill. Any time you have a question, he's getting back to you in a half hour to an hour with an answer."
Johnny Tinker: "Steve (White) is phenomenal. He got me in here the Friday before school started for my first semester. He had me enrolled and helped with all of the paperwork that needed to come through. I've truly enjoyed my time here. The professors have been outstanding."
Jonathan Yard: "It's nice to have a relaxed place where everyone can share their experiences. The services provided here are absolutely integral to a Veteran seeking education."
OCC's Office of Veterans and Military Services is located on the 2nd floor of Coulter Hall, near the top of the main stairwell.
