The “We Love Our Veterans Week” on campus wrapped up with the Veterans Resource Center block party celebration at the Plaza del Sol.

To honor the service of Veterans, CSUN students and veterans celebrated together with free food, music, and activities Thursday afternoon.

Freshman Emily Gonzalez was pleased to attend the event because it gave her an opportunity to interact with veterans because she said that sometimes individuals don’t associate with people that are in the military.

“I think this event is very informative and it gives us younger people a chance to actually speak with veterans,” Gonzalez said. “It’s good exposure.”

Airman first class (A1C), Chris Chavez contributed during the event in which he interacted with students in informing them about behind the scenes military experience. A1C is the third enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force.

“This event allows students to learn more about the military than what TV commercials say about A1C,” Chavez said. “It helps students know of our experience in the military life.”

Elizabeth Herrera, a business major, helped out on behalf of “United We Serve” organization at the Plaza del Sol, in which they allowed students to write a thank you letter to veterans.

“It’s a token of appreciation for them as they have served our country,” Herrera said.

Sarahi Pascual, a sociology major, has friends who are in the military and thought this event showed appreciation towards those who serve the country.

“It’s important for them [veterans] to know that we’re very appreciated of their service,” Pascual said.

One of the activities during the Plaza del Sol party consisted of using US-ANVIS goggles in a dark room at the Northridge Center. A U.S. Army Aviator tends to use a pair of helmet-mounted AN/AVS vision goggles as it benefits them to see at night.

Another activity was the Push-Up and Pull-Up challenge, which consisted of students achieving 20 sets and posting a picture or video on social media in order to receive free giveaways.

Sophomore Neftali Mendoza has a friend in the Navy and hasn’t seen him for almost two years and said we all have to appreciate the little things.

“Everyone looks like they’re having fun while eating and listening to music,” Mendoza said.

Ralph Torres, a finance major, was informed by a VRC worker about the event and was a participant in the Push-Up challenge.

“I don’t have family in the military, but I came to support just like a lot of students here are participating,” Torres said. “I think this event is a success.”