Combat Stigma Series Builds Camaraderie, Support, and Awareness

Northampton Community College’s (NCC) Military-Affiliated Student Services and Band of Brothers hosted the third annual Combat Stigma Event: Battle Within, which included a speaker panel, a 5K/10K, and a car show. What originally began as a fundraising effort for the Band of Brothers student veteran organization has grown into a larger community-building and mental health awareness event designed to remind students, veterans and community members that support is not only available but a vital part to healing and progress. 

NCC’s Director of One-Stop & Military-Affiliated Student Services, Alexis Sullivan, says, “Combat Stigma continues to grow because it represents far more than a race or speaker panel. It creates a space where veterans, students, and community members can come together to have honest conversations about mental health, transition, and resilience.” 

The series officially began on April 29 with a speaker panel, bringing together veterans, advocates and community partners to share their experiences and resources. Featured speakers included Dr. Benjamin Lobst, veteran and industrial and organizational psychology professional with BTI Consulting Service; Justin Wunderler, veteran and representative of New Vitae Wellness; Nancy Smith, Gold Star Mom, Mission BBQ community ambassador and Gold Star liaison; Jonathan Bridgers, veteran and military-government contractor; Garet Hrynko, veteran and benefit consultant at USI; Rob Guillory, veteran and representative of MossRehab Institute for Brain Health; and Sergio Salazar, veteran and representative of KOA’s K9 Obedience Academy. 

On Saturday, May 2, the event series continued with the walk/run on Bethlehem campus. A 10K component this year offered participants a longer race distance for the first time. Congratulations to our top finishers who participated in this year's 5K and 10K race.  

5K Top Three Finishers: Jeff Waters, Kaey Gilbert, and Tyler Fahringer 

10K Top Three Finishers: Tim Dowling, Michael Flynn, and Kevin Nacipucha.  

You can see the full list of participants and winners here. 

The car show, led by one of NCC’s student veterans, also added another meaningful dimension to the day, a highlight for automotive enthusiasts displaying customized or vintage vehicles, celebrating car culture, and fostering community. 

Sullivan says in higher education, it is critical that institutions recognize the challenges many military-affiliated students face as they transition from combat to college and from military culture into academic and civilian life.  

“Institutions have a responsibility to foster environments where students feel connected, supported, and understood. Seeing our campus and community rally around this initiative reinforces the importance of continuing these conversations, reducing stigma, and ensuring that those struggling in silence know they are not alone.” 

By bringing together students, veterans, and community partners, NCC’s Band of Brothers continues to build awareness and strengthen networks. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, TBI, or struggling with mental health, please reach out to the counseling department at NCC for help.