On this year’s Veterans Day, we feature Clayton McCorkle, an OCCC veteran student who is currently a U.S. Navy reservist.

Clayton served on the USS Carton Hall for a total of six years of active duty. Carrying the Marines all over the world, the USS Carton Hall traveled numerous places from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf during his time aboard.

Clayton said he appreciates those commemorating veterans.

“As a veteran, I’m very thankful for the appreciation that we have from our country. Because sometimes when you are over there, it’s really hard. It’s hard on your family. It’s hard on your day-to-day life. It’s really nice to come home and be so appreciated,” he said.   

Clayton takes advantage of the Veterans Lounge located on the second floor of the main building on OCCC’s campus. 

“The school has treated us well,” he said. “It’s really nice to be able to have a place to come and connect with people who understand what you are going through. It’s much easier as a veteran to come back and connect with people who have similar experiences. Because sometimes it’s hard to get back into school. For me, I’m a little bit older than people in my class. But, to be able to come in and share stories and experience with the other veterans is nice.”

The Veterans Lounge is a dedicated place for OCCC’s veteran students to stop by whenever they need help from the Veteran Office Staff or just to meet with other veteran fellows. 

The lounge welcomes all veterans who have served or been serving as an appreciation for their services to the country.