TUCSON, Ariz. — Pima Community College was declared a Purple Heart College during a presentation Wednesday.
It received the designation from the PCC Governing Board because of its support of military members, veterans and their families.
Michael Dyer, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, attended the presentation.
He said PCC's new designation was important.
"Vietnam veterans were treated horribly when we came home," said Dyer. "We decided we're not going to let any more veterans be treated that way. That's why we want to help veterans everywhere we can."
Leaders from the Tucson Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart attended the presentation at the District Office.
That chapter pledged to provide funding for special veteran events on campus and to support student veterans.
PCC says this designation will help the college continue to assist veterans advance their education and pursue careers after they're done serving in the military.
In the future, the College says they plan to reserve special parking spaces for Purple Heart recipients.
The University of Arizona received a similar designation in December.
