Military Veterans Pursue Their Dreams at Citrus College

By Steven Bluitt Flowers: Citrus College Governing Board Member

Transitioning from military service to higher education isn’t always easy.

Fortunately, Citrus College is home to the award-winning Veterans Success Center, a program dedicated to supporting veterans and helping them reach their academic, personal, and professional goals.

Led by Director Maria Buffo, the center is operated by a group of experienced staff members who are able to connect students to counseling, academic accommodations, mental health support and more. The center also acts as a hub for student-veterans to relax and socialize.

One student who has benefited greatly from the center is Hector Pimienta Jr., a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Glendora resident.

After receiving an honorable discharge in 2014, Pimienta set his sights on CSU San Bernardino, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Technology. In the years after he graduated, Pimienta held several different jobs, including working as an English teacher in South Korea.

While employed at a school district in 2024, one of Pimienta’s colleagues recommended that he study child development to learn how to better support children with learning disabilities.

“I signed up to attend Citrus College to prove to my supervisor that I was taking the initiative to be better at my job, and that I was serious about improving my career skills,” Pimienta said.

Since enrolling at Citrus College in 2025, Pimienta has been able to connect with many other veterans. He frequently visits the Veterans Success Center and utilizes some of its most popular services, such as priority registration and the computer labs.

Pimienta credits the center’s staff, including Buffo, for helping him stay on track with his studies.

“One of the reasons I have been able to successfully pass all my classes is because I have people like Ms. Buffo calling and emailing me to check to see how I’m doing,” Pimienta said.

As of now, Pimienta’s plan is to work as a teaching assistant before earning his credential to become an English as a second language teacher at a local school district.

While he focuses on earning his degree at Citrus College, he understands that some veterans may be on the fence about whether to attend college. For those who decide that college is right for them, Pimienta recommends they find a support team that will provide encouragement and motivation along the way.

“Just like in the military, the mission can only be successfully completed if we have other people at our side to help us get it done,” he said.

As the representative of Glendora and portions of San Dimas on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I am grateful to veterans for their service, as well as encouraged by those – like Mr. Pimienta – who choose to continue their education. With support from the Veterans Success Center, our student-veterans can accomplish anything.

For veterans looking to enroll in college after completing their military service, I encourage you to consider Citrus College.