Greg Lawrence began his military career in 2004, enlisting during the height of the Iraq War. His service covers fifteen years on active duty and the past six in the reserves, where he continues to serve with dedication and resilience. His service included a year-long deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he worked as an Automated Logistical Specialist, managing essential supplies for military vehicles and equipment.

After leaving active duty, Greg started a new career in healthcare. He worked at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, where colleagues encouraged him to enroll at SPC and pursue a two-year AAS degree in Surgical Technology. Transitioning from military life to civilian education was challenging, but SPC provided a welcoming and supportive environment. Greg speaks highly of the faculty, staff, and especially the School Certifying Officer, who helped him access military-related financial resources. He describes the SPC community as kind, attentive, and genuinely committed to both academic achievement and personal well-being.

Adjusting to civilian life after twenty years of military service was one of the toughest challenges Greg faced. The transition from the disciplined, collective identity of “Sergeant Lawrence” to rediscovering himself as “Greg” in a civilian world was both confusing and life-changing. He describes this journey as moving from a life of strict conformity to one of personal freedom-an evolution that needed resilience and self-reflection.

Saint Paul College played a key role in this transition. The friendly atmosphere, along with the support of caring faculty and staff, helped Greg feel comfortable. He finds the campus community to be very kind, helpful, and respectful of his veteran-in-transition personality. His love for the campus makes the hour-long drive each way, four times a week, totally worth it.

For Greg, the SPC Veteran Center became more than just a resource — it became a refuge. While navigating a new civilian identity and academic life, the Center provides a space where he can connect with others who understand the unique challenges of military transition. Greg notes that being with other veterans in the Veteran Center quickly feels like an “instant family,” a place where shared experiences and familiar language foster a sense of belonging.

Greg values that the Veteran Center is flexible to everyone’s individual needs. Whether it’s a quiet place to study, a supportive environment to share feelings, or a hub for connecting with campus and community resources, the Center adapts to serve its visitors. With its welcoming atmosphere and some of the best views on campus, it’s a space he hopes more members of SPC’s military community will explore and embrace.