When the president of the University asked Stephen Michot, an Army Sergeant in Iraq at the time, what he could send as a care package, Michot told him to think of something unique. When Stephen Hulbert’s package finally reached Michot, he said he grabbed students and alumni that were readily available and took pictures with their new present: a Nicholls flag.

Some of those students have returned to the University to continue their education and are a part of the Veterans Club on campus.

Michot, head of the department of history and social sciences and faculty adviser of the group, said the club was organized to create awareness of the number of veterans on campus and to have a place for them to associate together.

Jeremy Bergeron, a history sophomore from Raceland and president of the club, said the organization is for anyone – veterans and supporters. He said his group helps students get acclimated to their new environment by advising, counseling and forming study groups.

“We help show the ropes of Nicholls and try to get students involved,” he said. “We try to make a more productive student.”

According to Bergeron, the club has approximately 15 members – 9 veterans and 6 non-veterans. He said he is in the process of setting up a scholarship called “Rucksack to Backpack” to help veterans, or their offspring or spouses, who have “exhausted their GI bill” get an education.

“If it weren’t for the military, some of these guys might not be in college,” Michot said. “The purpose of any club or organization is to help people.”

Bergeron said he and Michot have known each other for about five years and served together in the same platoon in Iraq. Bergeron said one day while patrolling an alleyway, a bomb buried the wrong way created a massive explosion.

“Once you get blown up with a man, you remain friends,” Bergeron said.

Michot said the experience of bring a veteran is unique and it creates a common bond.

“There are many veterans on campus – too many to list,” he said. “These guys are true heroes.