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MACOMB, ILL. -- For the third in a row, Western Illinois University in Macomb has been included in the top 25 list of best colleges for veterans.

Military Times recently published their annual list and said the school's resource center for veterans and staff who have served in the military help make the transition from military life to civilian life a little easier.

The resource center is tucked away near the WIU campus.

It's providing a wealth of information for military veterans who are either currently enrolled at WIU or who are thinking about enrolling at the university.

"It's important for our student veterans to get the message. We not only care that you come to Western, we care that you stay and you're successful in your academic and professional goals," said center director Kathy Meyers.

One of the things that makes the office a success is having a retired member of the U.S. Navy working at the center. Dale Reeves spent 21 years in the Navy and when he started looking at colleges to attend after he retired from active duty, what was offered by Western appealed to him and now he's a student and a worker at the resource center.

"Having the military or veteran students work here in the center is a great asset. The environment of the center itself being quiet and somewhat removed from the campus also helps," Reeves said.

The center sees about 700 veterans and their families each year. Everything from questions about the G.I. bill to personal wellness and special workshops and seminars is offered. All in hope of making sure western continues to provide services to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

G.I. Jobs Magazine also designated WIU as a military friendly school.