Galloway, N.J. - Some Stockton University students have worked around the world, lived on ships, trained for combat and made sacrifices to serve their country. Now, they're in the classroom. 

More than 400 student veterans and military-affiliated students are currently bringing their life and work experience to campus as they begin a new journey. The Military and Veteran Success Center (MVSC) in F-105 ensures that they are not on this new mission alone.   

Veterans connect with other veterans in the lounge space, meet with financial and academic advisers and have a space where they can bond and build a community. 

Jouseline Georges, who joined the Army and worked as a military police officer for 9 years, came to Stockton to study social work. Having a dedicated space and staff to support veterans helped her "feel at ease and at peace." 

Her military experiences inspired her to pursue a degree that will allow her to help children. 

"While serving, I encountered numerous cases where children had to be removed from certain environments, and I didn’t know if they’d be okay or not. Social work will equip me with the resources and ability to address complex social issues affecting children and our communities," she said. 

Every year, student veterans, dependents and spouses in the Stockton community are invited to a photoshoot. Participants are encouraged to wear apparel or bring props that help to tell their unique stories. 

Georges posed with her military cap and dog tags.

When asked about the greatest lesson he learned during military training Louis Muzyka, an Army veteran and Computer Science major, responded, "How to persevere." 

Kyle Miller, a Marine Corps veteran and Computer Information Systems major, said, "Discipline. When no one is there to guide you, hold yourself accountable to achieve the things you want and reach the goals you set." 

Laurie Dutton, director of the Women's, Gender & Sexuality Center, brought photos of her grandfather, Sgt. Major B. F. Dutton. Paging through photo albums brought back memories.

She slid her grandfather's Marine Corps ring onto her finger as she held his photo and smiled.

Dutton's photo along with other military dependents will be on display in April for the Department of the Defense's Month of the Military Child. 

Below are a few of the images from the Faces of Stockton's Military Community photography series that will be on display the week of Nov. 4 for Stockton's Veterans Week.  

Photo story by Susan Allen