November 2, 2026
Each November, Johnson County Community College (JCCC) honors veterans and members of the military with a series of events and activities bringing together students, employees, and the community. This year’s Veterans Week programming will feature a Nov. 4 visit from Jason Kander, including opportunities for both JCCC students and the public to hear him speak.
Kander will participate in a student-focused session at 3 p.m. in the CoLab (OCB 101), followed by “Resilience and Leadership: A Conversation with Jason Kander” at 7 p.m. in Yardley Hall.
“Veterans Week is an important opportunity for the JCCC community to recognize the service and sacrifice of our veterans and military-connected students, employees and community members,” said Dr. Tony Miksa, JCCC President. “We are pleased to welcome Jason Kander to campus and provide opportunities for our students and the broader community to come together for meaningful conversations about resilience, leadership and service.”
Jason Kander Events at JCCC
Jason Kander is an Army veteran, author, attorney, and former Missouri Secretary of State. After serving as a military intelligence officer in Afghanistan, Kander entered public service and became the first millennial elected to statewide office in the United States. He later stepped away from politics to seek treatment for PTSD, an experience he chronicles in his New York Times bestselling memoir, Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics and PTSD. Since then, Kander has become an advocate for veterans and mental health care and has worked to address veteran homelessness through the Veterans Community Project. He is the author of two New York Times bestsellers and hosts the Majority 54 podcast.
Community members are invited to a free talk with Kander (RSVP required) on the evening of November 4 as he discusses resilience and leadership. Before the public event, Kander will meet with JCCC students in the CoLab at 3 p.m. to share his story and answer questions. For students balancing classes, work, family, and military service, Kander’s story offers a practical look at how to ask for help, lead during setbacks, and build a life dedicated to service.
Veterans Week at JCCC
Kander’s visit is one of several events planned throughout November as JCCC recognizes veterans and members of the military and highlights the resources available to veterans on campus and throughout Johnson County.
JCCC Veterans Week events include:
- Nov. 4: Student-Focused Session with Jason Kander | 3 p.m. | CoLab (OCB 101)
- Nov. 4: Resilience and Leadership: A Conversation with Jason Kander | 7 p.m. | Yardley Hall
- Nov. 5: Veterans Oral History Panel: In Their Own Words – The Mexican American Experience | 11 a.m. | CoLab (OCB 101)
- Nov. 9: Veteran Honor & Pay It Forward Luncheon | Noon | RC 101
- Nov. 10: Marine Corps Birthday Celebration | Noon | Veteran & Military Student Resource Center (COM 309)
- Nov. 11: Official Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Veteran & Military Student Resource Center | Noon | COM 309
These events highlight JCCC’s commitment to supporting veterans and military-connected students both on campus and throughout the community.
Grand Opening for JCCC’s New Veteran and Military Student Resource Center
Veterans Week also coincides with the official grand opening of JCCC’s Veteran & Military Student Resource Center (VMSRC) on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The new VMSRC space brings several veteran-focused services together in one central location, making it easier for students and community members to access support. In addition to helping students navigate VA education benefits and the transition to college, the center now houses a full-time counselor from the Kansas City VA's Vet Center, the VetSuccess on Campus program, and the Johnson County Field Office for the Kansas Office of Veteran Services.
“Our commitment to veterans extends well beyond Veterans Week,” said Kena Zumalt, VMSRC Director. “The Veteran & Military Student Resource Center gives veterans and military-connected students a dedicated place to find support, connect with peers, and access resources, while also allowing JCCC to serve veterans and their families throughout Johnson County.”
CONTACT:
Emma Swinney
Public and Media Relations Coordinator
[email protected]
913-469-8500, ext. 4949
Chris Gray
VP, Strategic Communications & Marketing
[email protected]
913-469-8500, ext. 7623
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