ALBANY, N.Y. -- The College of Saint Rose unveils a new facility intended for one specific group of students.

Student veterans now have a place on the college's campus dedicated to providing the support they need to succeed as college students.

New York State Industries for the Disabled named the facility as an "NYSID Battle Buddy Center," a safe haven for vets. It's the largest battle buddy center, and the first at Saint Rose.

The organization donated $10,000 for the opening of the facility.

Student veterans say it's surreal because the new center allows them to connect with people who truly understand their unique experience.

"If you get an opportunity like this to surround yourself with like-minded individuals, do peer to peer mentoring, help each other to succeed. Not only schoolwork and classes, but getting right benefits, counselors. dealing with the VA," said U.S. Marines Veteran and student Shawn Sutton.  

Over 150 veterans, service members and military families are currently enrolled at Saint Rose.