United States Army infantryman Matt Sheedy and his unit were sent into the middle of a firefight as part of a quick reaction force in the city of Baghdad back in 2007. Three of his fellow soldiers died in the battle, and Sheedy was evacuated to a hospital in Germany after taking shrapnel from an improvised explosive device.

Four years later he is back in the United States, in good physical health and attending classes at Skyline College.

While Sheedy’s story is extraordinary, it is not unique. In fact, there are many military veterans who attend Skyline and countless thousands all over America who have had similarly harrowing experiences.

It will comfort many to know then, that America’s and Skyline’s veterans were not forgotten during the past week of Nov. 6, 2011, as the Skyline Veteran’s Club and the ASSC both held events in honor of Veteran’s Day and in support of those men and women in uniform who serve our country.

The ASSC held a small fundraiser outside the cafeteria on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 9, selling coffee and donuts in support of the veterans who attend Skyline College. They also offered pizza and sodas in the evening for students who take night classes.

ASSC Senator Camilia Razari helped organize the fundraiser on Wednesday morning.

“We’re showing support to veterans,” Razari said. “We’re donating all the proceeds to (the Veterans Resource Center) on campus.”

The ASSC effort was also an attempt to raise awareness among both civilian and veteran students alike. There were flyers for the taking,  detailing the veterans’ scholarship fund and the psychological services available to veterans on campus.

ASSC senators also urged students to write encouraging messages to veterans using the provided pens and stationary.

“I think it’s a really great way to let (veterans) know that it’s not just a holiday, but that people remember them,” said Skyline student Elizabeth Merida. “It’s just a way to show them that (students) really appreciate what they did.”

Inside the cafeteria, Samuel Barber’s “Adagio For Strings” was being played—fittingly in brass—over the cafeteria sound system as the Veterans Club began their own event in honor of Veterans’ Day.

A dramatic video montage of various American war memorials played on the big-screen in the cafeteria as several speakers took to the podium to share either their experiences in the military or words of support for Skyline veterans.

Veterans Club faculty sponsor Jarrod Feiner had nothing but words of praise for the veteran students at Skyline and their impact in the classroom.

“I’m celebrating the (veterans) who are here because they’re great people,” Feiner said. “They offer so many things like maturity, a can-do attitude—and that attitude in a classroom is contagious. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Other speakers included Veterans Club president and Army veteran Evonne Randolph, Skyline admissions assistant Silvia Martinez, Army veteran Matt Sheedy, and even Skyline Baseball Coach Dino Nomicos.

“I think sometimes in classes we don’t teach what life is really about,” Coach Nomicos said. “And these (veterans) have given us a tremendous amount of freedom and a chance to be who we are and do what we do every day.”

Skyline student Ben Nievera was the chief organizer and master of ceremonies for the Veterans Club event honoring Veterans’ Day. Nievera is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and knows the continuing sacrifice military personnel are making to preserve liberty around the world.

“I just want to honor the (veterans) who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and gave their lives for freedom,” Nievera said. “This is for all the veterans here at Skyline College—past, present and future.”

As for Nievera, he falls into all three categories. He served in Iraq, is currently on active duty, and in three months he will be re-deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Jarrod Feiner is sad to see his friend go, but understands the importance of the duties Nievera must fulfill as part of his commitment to his country.

“I will be thinking about him often in the time he’s gone,” Feiner said. ” I’m going to miss him.”