UF Collegiate Veterans
Veterans are everywhere at the University of Florida. We encounter, interact, and engage with members of the Veteran community on a regular basis. The Stripes Within campaign seeks to celebrate current and former UF military students, staff, and faculty that make up the fabric of UF. Learn more about UF’s collegiate veterans. The Stripes Within was produced by the Collegiate Veterans Success Center.
James Wersal
James is a doctoral student in the Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Florida. His research and clinical interests are the integration of technology in treatment and assessment, neurological rehabilitation, animal-assisted therapy, and transitional training for Veterans. Dr. Wersal served in the United States Army for 8 years and was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2008 to 2009.
Oscar Fuentes
Oscar Fuentes joined the United States Navy in 2011 and performed the duties of a Logistics Specialist 1st Class. After eight years of service and multiple deployments around the world, Fuentes was selected to participate in the US Navy’s “Career Intermission Program” in 2018 and decided to pursue a degree in public relations at UF. He is expected to return to active duty in April 2022.
Hugo Gomez
Hugo Gomez is a junior at the University of Florida. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, and was raised in Kissimmee, FL. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Air Force as a Special Rennaissance (SR) Airman. He served for six years on active duty, as well as three years in the Air National Guard. He deployed twice and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSGT) before separating. He is now earning his degree in electrical engineering and hopes to work in Aerospace and Defense industry after graduation.
Savanna Turner
Savanna is a doctoral student in the Agricultural Education and Communications Department at the University of Florida. She specializes in Extension Education and her research is focused on urban sustainability and public outreach. Savanna served as active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard for five years as a marine science technician. She has been in the U.S Coast Guard Reserve for the past four years and recently was promoted to ensign.
