Education

For military veterans returning to civilian life, finding a new career can be only part of the challenge. Finding a place where they feel understood, supported and connected to others who have shared similar experiences can be just as important.

Across the Greater Houston area, Lone Star College System is helping thousands of veterans make that transition through education, career preparation, financial resources and opportunities to connect with fellow service members.

As Veterans Day approaches on November 11, the college system is recognizing the men and women who have served while sharing stories of veterans who are working toward a new future, including one U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose experience at LSC-Kingwood has come full circle.

From Military Service to Student Leadership at Lone Star College-Kingwood

George McMillon knew he needed a more stable career after leaving the military. He had been moving between jobs, including one that ended in a layoff after just six months, and was searching for a direction that offered something more dependable.

He eventually enrolled at Lone Star College-Kingwood, where he found something he had been missing during his transition to civilian employment: a community of people who understood his experiences.

“I needed to buckle down and get a job that would bring stability because I was just bouncing from job to job trying to figure out what I was going to do,” McMillon said. “A lot of colleges didn’t really have a good place for veterans, but Lone Star had dedicated advisors for veterans, and we had our own space where we didn’t feel out of place. It was nice to feel comfortable with people who basically went through the same things I did. Everybody can understand each other.”

During his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, McMillon spent much of his time working in an office environment. He especially enjoyed helping fellow Marines develop skills and access resources that could serve them after their military careers ended.

Today, he is putting that same interest in helping others to work as president of the LSC-Kingwood Student Veterans Association.

In that role, McMillon assists fellow student veterans with planning their classes, understanding available benefits and navigating college life. He also represents the organization throughout campus, helping connect students with one another and the resources available to them.

His own educational journey is nearing an important milestone. McMillon expects to graduate in December 2026 with an associate degree in human resources, a field that aligns with his experience supporting others.

The path has not been without setbacks. Family challenges and financial concerns have sometimes made continuing his education difficult. Through Lone Star College, however, he has been able to access assistance, including emergency financial support during a natural disaster, while receiving encouragement to continue working toward graduation.

For McMillon, the opportunity to help other veterans now reflects the support that helped him find his footing when he first arrived on campus.

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Lone Star College Veteran Services Support Thousands Across Greater Houston

McMillon is one of more than 4,700 veteran students served across Lone Star College System, according to the college's November 5 announcement.

With eight main campuses and more than 20 locations throughout Greater Houston, the college system serves communities including Kingwood, Spring, Tomball, Cypress, The Woodlands and surrounding areas.

For veterans considering college after military service, the system's Veteran Services program offers assistance with educational benefits, enrollment, academic planning and career development.

Among the resources available are guidance on federal military education benefits, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Texas Hazlewood exemption, financial aid, career counseling and connections to student veteran organizations. Eligibility for individual benefits depends on a veteran's circumstances and the requirements of each program.

The college also works with the Texas Veterans Commission to connect veteran students with employment-related assistance.

These services can be especially important for former service members who are returning to school after years in the workforce or preparing for careers outside the military for the first time.

Beyond academic assistance, student veteran organizations provide opportunities to build friendships, share experiences and maintain connections with people who understand military life.

“Lone Star College System’s Veteran Services team is dedicated to building bridges of prosperity for our veteran students and helping them reach their next phase of life successfully,” said LSCS Chief Veterans Officer and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. David J. Yebra. “On Veterans Day and every day, we applaud the sacrifice and courage of the men and women who have served our country.”

Lone Star College Veterans Day 2026 Events Planned for November 9-14

In recognition of Veterans Day 2026, Lone Star College System campuses are planning activities throughout the week of November 9 to honor military service, recognize student veterans and encourage campus participation.

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors military personnel who died in service to the country, Veterans Day recognizes all American veterans, both living and deceased.

Lone Star College's planned Veterans Week activities include:

• Monday, November 9: Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to represent their military branch by wearing branch-related clothing, hats, shirts or colors.

• Tuesday, November 10: Veteran students can participate in grab-and-go brunch or lunch activities.

• Wednesday, November 11: Campus participants are encouraged to wear camouflage in support of veterans. Veterans may also wear their military uniforms if they choose.

• Thursday, November 12, and Friday, November 13: Veterans can mark the locations where they served on a map, giving students and employees an opportunity to see the places represented within the college's veteran community.

• Saturday, November 14: LSC-North Harris will host its annual Rally Up 5K Run, bringing participants together to honor military veterans.

Individual campus activities and participation details may vary.

LSC-North Harris Rally Up 5K Run Invites Community to Honor Veterans

One of the week's concluding activities will be the Rally Up 5K Run on Saturday, November 14, at Lone Star College-North Harris.

The event is open to the community, offering veterans, military families, students and Houston-area residents an opportunity to come together in recognition of those who have served.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the LSC-North Harris campus courtyard, located at 2701 W.W. Thorne Drive in Houston.

The college's official event listing describes the gathering as a community run and walk open to everyone, making it an opportunity for participants to honor veterans regardless of their running experience.

Additional information about the event and other campus activities is available through the Lone Star College Rally Up 5K event page.

How Houston-Area Veterans Can Access Lone Star College Education Benefits and Support

For veterans in Kingwood, Spring, Tomball, Cypress and other North Houston communities who are considering returning to school, Lone Star College's Veterans Services offices can help explain available educational pathways and assistance programs.

The college system offers academic transfer programs, workforce training, associate degrees and career-focused educational opportunities.

Led by Chancellor Mario K. Castillo, J.D., Lone Star College System serves more than 100,000 students and enrollments across its programs and locations. Its strategic priorities include academic excellence, financial resilience, talent development and helping students move toward greater educational and economic opportunities.

The institution was also recognized as a 2026 Great Colleges to Work For institution by The Chronicle of Higher Education, according to the college system.

Veterans and military-connected students can learn more about enrollment, educational benefits, academic advising and campus support at LoneStar.edu/Veterans.

More Than a Veterans Day Recognition, a Community That Continues Beyond the Classroom

Veterans Day offers an opportunity for Greater Houston residents to thank those who have served, but the needs of military veterans continue well beyond November 11.

For many, returning to civilian life involves rebuilding professional networks, adjusting to a different workplace culture, pursuing education and finding a sense of belonging outside the military.

McMillon's experience at LSC-Kingwood illustrates how those challenges can intersect and how having the right support can make a difference.

What began as a search for dependable employment has become an opportunity to earn a college degree, prepare for a career in human resources and help other veterans navigate some of the same challenges he faced.

As Lone Star College System prepares to recognize Veterans Day 2026, his story offers a reminder that honoring military service also includes helping veterans succeed in the years that follow.

For Houston-area families with ties to the military, these programs represent another local resource for education, employment preparation and community connection.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Greater Houston Veterans Day events, local education news and stories about the people and organizations making a difference in their communities.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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