Given the importance of civic engagement on campus, more than a dozen Princeton University students took part in a spring break program coordinated by the Pace Center for Civic Engagement at Princeton. The students videotaped interviews with formerly homeless U.S. military veterans during a visit to Services for the UnderServed’s Knickerbocker Residence in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

All of the veterans living in Knickerbocker struggle with mental illness and have at one point been homeless. Their personal stories of war, family loss, substance abuse and living on the streets are unimaginable to most, especially to college students. The interviews gave a voice to these veterans who have struggled to find their place in society and to be recognized for the sacrifices they made in battle and in their post service lives.

“There is something to be said for an organization that is as committed to ‘serving the underserved’ as SUS is… it was an honor to witness their efforts, and more importantly, to witness the smiles of veterans who have had little to smile about in their lives,” says Mark Stevens, Princeton University sophomore majoring in Public and International Affairs.

“We commend the efforts of these students,” said David Hertz, Chief Development Officer of Services for the UnderServed (SUS). “For many college students across the country spring break is a time to head away for sun and fun and escape from the pressures and rigors of their classes and studies.  However, these young men and women have instead dedicated their vacation to honoring those who served their nation and after witnessing the horrors of war have rebuilt their lives and have very special stories to tell.”