CLEVELAND — Olivia Rodriguez is the first in her immediate family to enlist in the military.

“I didn’t know what I wanted my career path [to be] and the Army just gave me a goal,” said Rodriguez.


What You Need To Know

  • This Veterans Day, Cuyahoga Community College shared a pre
    recorded ceremony featuring five veterans who work at the college

  • Olivia Rodriguez is the "Student Veteran of the Year" at Tri-C

  • Tri-C has earned 11 consecutive Military Friendly school designations

  • There are about 600 student veterans or active military students at the college right now

That decision was something her parents weren’t prepared for at first.

“Shocking reaction. They were like, what is wrong with you? But after I enlisted, they were very proud of me,” said Rodriguez.

The 21-year-old joined the United States Army at age 18. For the last three years, she’s been a combat medic. Rodriguez says she’s made forever friends and learned a lot of life lessons through her service.

“I didn’t understand the level of how hard it would be going through training, being away for seven months. Just actively being on that grind for seven months was pretty intense and I didn’t grab that concept when I had enlisted, and that was probably the biggest challenge,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is the "Student Veteran of the Year" at Cuyahoga Community College.

“I worked as a student ambassador for the VA, I created the environmental club, I really loved putting like all my time into Tri-C and it’s an honor for the community that I love being a part of to give me this award,” said Rodriguez.

After completing her first two years of college at Tri-C, she’s now studying environmental science at Loyola University Chicago.

Her Army contract ends in 2023 and on Veterans Day she wanted to thank all who have served before her.

“I focus less about me on Veterans Day and focus more on people who have went out and served their country and have done great things for their country, and I think we should honor those people rather than myself,” said Rodriguez.

This Veterans Day, Tri-C shared a pre-recorded ceremony featuring Rodriguez and five veterans who work at the college including Mick Munoz. He comes from a military family.

“I mean, going away to war is hard. You know, everybody is afraid and mom’s crying and people are scared and stuff, but, you know, a lot of us that are called to serve . That’s why we joined the military, is when you get that call, you go,” said Munoz.

Right out of high school, Munoz enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He fought for our country in the Persian Gulf War.

“Proud of my service. Proud that I brought all of my guys back. I mean, we all, we were fine. I know it’s funny, it’s going to sound funny, but we had an easy war,” said Munoz.

For the last five years, he’s been a veteran services program administrator at Tri-C, advocating for students like Rodriguez.

“She worked three jobs, she has amazing grades, she started clubs, Army combat medic. This was a pretty solid win for Olivia,” said Munoz.

Tri-C has earned 11 consecutive Military Friendly school designations. Munoz says there are about 600 student veterans or active military students at the college right now.

“They’re trying to balance their military experience with a pandemic, with serving their community, and still doing their homework. It's important for people when they come home to have somebody to help catch them. That transition from being in the military to the civilian world is hard,” said Munoz.

Veterans Day is an opportunity to reflect on those who sacrifice everything so everyone else can live free.

“I think right now 6% of the population are veterans so it’s not a big percentage of people that have served their country. So, I think it’s important that we take some time and honor them and thank them for their service,” said Munoz.