LOCH SHELDRAKE — In a bid to interest more veterans in SUNY Sullivan, the college on Monday dedicated Room C105 as the Battle Buddy Center.

Outfitted with comfortable furniture and decorated with flags and banners of the armed forces, the Center is designed to be a cozy spot where veterans can safely socialize, study, watch TV, surf the web or just relax on their own. A keycard ensures only authorized access.

“This is our 13th [Center] since 2011,” NYS Industries for the Disabled spokesman Paul Quirini told the crowd at Monday's dedication ceremony. The independent nonprofit collaborated with the college, New Hope Community and SullivanArc on the project.

“The Battle Buddy Center complements our other veterans' services, including a Veterans Club, to help assure their academic and personal success,” said SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance.

SullivanArc and New Hope participated in order to encourage veterans to come work at their facilities, which are always seeking employees.

“We have many part-time and relief positions that offer flexible shifts and hours that may be of interest and benefit to our student veterans as they pursue their degrees,” SullivanArc Executive Director Ric Schwartz affirmed.

“We would love to have veterans!” added New Hope Executive Director Jim Forbes. “They're terrific workers!”

Congressman John Faso provided an American flag flown in February over the U.S. Capitol, while the nonprofit NYS Industries for the Disabled presented a $10,000 check to the college to fund the Center.