Veterans urge mindfulness with fireworks
Some aspects of everyday life can be more difficult for veterans, says program director.
In interviews with Spectrum News 1 and WCPO, UC’s Veterans Programs & Services program manager Terence Harrison and veteran-student Crystal Merino spoke about the many facets of returning to civilian life and the veterans services available at the university.
The Veterans Programs & Services office helps student veterans transition from military life to academics through personalized advising, VA benefits guidance, and a dedicated lounge space. Harrison also visits reserve units to inform service members about how to use their GI Bill and other educational resources. These efforts have contributed to UC’s recent renewal of its Ohio Collegiate Purple Star designation, an honor given to schools that demonstrate outstanding support for military-connected students.
The support at UC has been life-changing for students like Crystal Merino, a Marine Corps veteran and current student in UC’s advanced medical imaging program. Merino, who left active duty to pursue the clinical work required for her career, told both news outlets that finding a community of veterans on campus has helped her feel grounded.
The focus of both news segments was not only to announce the renewal of UC’s Purple Star designation, but to also highlight aspects of everyday life that differ for veterans, from signing up for classes or even the enjoyment of a holiday weekend.
For example, in the Spectrum News 1 interview, Harrison, a U.S. Army Reserve member, cautioned the public to “be mindful” that certain sights and sounds — such as with fireworks — can be triggering for veterans who were stationed in combat zones. In this segment, Harrison recalls instinctively reaching for a weapon during a neighborhood fireworks show—an automatic response rooted in his military experience.
Watch the news segments:
Spectrum News 1: Veterans urge mindfulness during fireworks season
WCPO: University of Cincinnati recognized with national Purple Star Award. (This segment was syndicated by Yahoo News!)
Featured image at top: Veterans Day ceremony 2024. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Meet the young talent reshaping Cincinnati’s startup scene
October 28, 2025
Five University of Cincinnati students were honored for their impactful entrepreneurship on the Cincy Inno Under 25 list. We’ll explain what makes each student – and their startup – stand out.
UC Board votes to fund design for YMCA renovation
October 28, 2025
At its October 28, 2025 meeting, the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees approved $5 million in funding to complete all design and pre-construction services required to renovate the interior of a former YMCA building located at 270 Calhoun Street.