veterans

COUNTY SUPPORTS FEDERAL INITIATIVE TO PROTECT IMMIGRANT MILITARY FAMILIES

January 8, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs is promoting a federal immigration program that supports immigrant families of U.S. service members.  

The Military Parole in Place (MPIP) program provides some members of U.S. military families temporary permission to remain in the country while seeking permanent residency.  

The temporary immigration status allows spouses, widow(er)s, parents and children of U.S. service members to stay, work and travel freely in the United States. The Board of Supervisors previously approved promoting the program to reaffirm the County’s support for service members and their families. 

“Families can be divided when a loved one serves in the U.S. armed forces,” said Rick Wanne, Director of County Self Sufficiency Services. “This program allows them to be reunited in our country and recognizes our military men and women for their honorable and selfless service.”


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CUYAMACA COLLEGE RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE BEST FOR VETS

Source:  Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

November 9, 2023 (El Cajon) - Military Times magazine has ranked Cuyamaca College 80th in the nation as Best for Vets: Colleges and 215th as Best for Vets: Employers. Cuyamaca College was the only San Diego County college or university in the top 100 of the magazines’ ratings of best colleges for veterans. 


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SUPERVISORS ADOPT POLICY TO END VETERANS' HOMELESSNESS

By Miriam Raftery

February 15, 2023 (San Diego)-- San Diego County Supervisors have unanimously approved a proposal aimed at ending veterans’ homelessness. San Diego County is home to a quarter million veterans – and 8% of the homeless population countywide are veterans.

The ambitious proposal, introduced by Supervisors Nathan Fletcher and Chair Nora Vargas, will direct county staff to join county government resources with regional partners. The goal is to get every veteran off the street and onto a positive life plan.

Fletcher that while the number of homeless veterans helped the streets locally in the past four years has dropped by 30%, this isn’t enough. While it’s common to say `Thank you for your service,’ to San Diego veterans, Fletcher says that’s not enough. He states, “I think that needs to actually mean something. In this effort, that means us willing to put together a dedicated effort, a focused plan, and the accountability” to effectively end homeless in San Diego County. (View video of his full statement.)

The approval of the policy put several actions in motion, including the convening of community organizations and stakeholders, government representatives from local, state, and federal levels, and individuals with lived experience to come up with a plan.


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THE CITY OF EL CAJON IS SEEKING APPLICANTS TO SERVE ON ITS VETERANS COALITION

Source:  City of El Cajon

December 19, 2022 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon Veterans Coalition is seeking new members. The Veterans Coalition will open its application period from January 9, through February 10, 2023.


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SUPERVISORS ANDERSON AND FLETCHER JOIN JAMUL CASINO AND TRIBE IN HONORING VETERANS

Tribe doubles annual donation to organizations serving veterans

November 9, 2022  (Jamul) – Today, Chair Nathan Fletcher and Supervisor Joel Anderson of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will join Jamul Casino and the Jamul Indian Village of California Tribe to commemorate Veterans Day with the sixth annual luncheon at Jamul Casino paying tribute to the 53 members of the Tribe and Jamul Casino team who have served in the military.  The event will also feature check presentations to veterans’ organizations: Saddles in Service and Zero8hundred


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REP. SARA JACOBS’ "END VETERAN HUNGER ACT" PASSES HOUSE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

East County News Service

September 21, 2022 (Washington D.C.) – The End Veteran Hunger Act authored by San Diego Congresswoman Sara Jacobs’ (CA-53) passed the House Veterans Affairs Committee today. It now advances to the full House for consideration. 

 


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SAN DIEGO MOTORCYCLE RIDERS TO HONOR FALLEN VETERANS AT MIRAMAR NATIONAL CEMETERY SEPT. 3: YOUR HELP NEEDED

December 17th is National Wreaths Across America Day and one local program is working hard to honor veterans

East County News Service

August 30, 2022 (San Diego) -- Freedom is often defined as “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, a special few Americans will forgo some of their personal freedoms by choosing to serve their country and its citizens. This selfless sacrifice is what makes every veteran a hero. In addition, when asked why they did it, many will answer simply by saying, “Because it was the right thing to do!”


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VETERANS EAST COUNTY ALLIANCE HOSTS FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AUG. 31 IN SANTEE

East County News Service

August 18, 2022 (Santee) – The Veterans East County Alliance and the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce invite you to honor veteran-owned businesses and veteran-friendly businesses.   

The VECA’s anniversary celebration event will take place on Wednesday, August 31 from 5 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. at Carlton Oaks Golf Club, 9200 Inwood Drive in Santee. The event is free, but an RSVP is required by contacting SusanR@eastcountychamber.org.


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ISSA AMENDMENT FOR ESCONDIDIO TOP GUN PILOT TO RECEIVE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR PASSES HOUSE

East County News Service

Photo via San Diego GI Film Festival

July 16, 2022 (Washington D.C.) --  A measure introduced by Congressman Darrell Issa aims to recognize Korean War veteran and retired Navy Captain Royce Williams of Escondido, 97, with a Congressional Medal of Honor. The measure, supported by San Diego’s full Congressional delegation, was overwhelmingly approved by the House and added to the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It will now advance to the Senate.


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FREE LUNCH AND LEARN WEBINAR ON VETERANS’ BENEFITS AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT

East County News Service

June 22, 2022 (San Diego) – The Caregiver Coalition of San Diego and the County of San Diego invite you to a free Lunch and Learn webinar on veterans benefits and caregiver support on Wed., June 29 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.


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CALIFORNIA VETERANS HEALTH INITIATIVE ESTABLISHED TO COMBAT SUICIDE AND ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH

Source:  California Department of Veteran Affairs

May 17, 2022 (Sacramento) - Today, Governor Newsom announced $50 million for the establishment of the California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI). The CVHI will deliver a comprehensive, coordinated statewide approach to ending veteran suicide by focusing on prevention, early intervention, and direct services to effectively combat the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation. 


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FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN WARRIORS WILL HOST A MOTHER’S DAY DRIVE TO BENEFIT VETERAN MOMS

Donations made through May 2022 will increase access to essential goods and childcare supplies for women veterans living in San Diego

East County News Service

Photo courtesy Foundation for Women Warriors 

May 4, 2022 (Sa Diego) -- One of California’s longest-running nonprofit organizations Foundation for Women Warriors, based in San Diego, announces it will host a Mother’s Day Drive now through the end of May 2022 to benefit veteran mothers and their children living in Southern California.


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LANTERN CREST HONORS SENIORS DURING VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

East County News Service

November 15, 2021 (Santee) - Residents of Lantern Crest Senior Living gathered to honor retired men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. During the ceremony, veterans who live in the Santee community were invited to bring personal military memorabilia to display and share. The retirees, who call themselves The Lantern Crest Veterans, also wore hats emblazoned with the group’s name.


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SANTEE CHAMBER HOSTS VETERANS APPRECIATION GOLF TOURNAMENT NOV. 12

East County News Service

October 9, 2021 (Santee) – You’re invited to join the Santee Chamber of Commerce at its third annual Veterans Appreciation Golf Tournament on November 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.at Carlton Oaks.


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SADDLES IN SERVICE GOLF TOURNAMENT JULY 30 TO SUPPORT VETERANS, MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS

By Miriam Raftery

June 19, 2021 (El Cajon) – Sponsors are needed for a golf tournament on Friday, July 30 at Cottonwood Golf Course in El Cajon for the “Saddles in Service” golf tournament.  The event will support local veterans, active duty military, and first responders receive mental health wellness and healing through equine assisted activities at Saddles in Service in Alpine, CA.


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FAR-RIGHT MOVEMENT RAISES OPPOSITION FROM VETS

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

Photo: U.S. Constitution; creative commons by NC-ND

July 7, 2021 (Sacramento) -- Veterans on both sides of the aisle are concerned about what they call recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations.


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CASA DE ORO BIBLE CHURCH JOINS OWNERSHIP AT FAITH HOUSE SOBER LIVING, LOOKS TO ELEVATE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF RECOVERY

Pastor Joins Forces With Thank You Heroes Home Rebate Program to Maximize Facility
 
May 23, 2021 (Lakeside) -- Case De Oro Bible Church has become part owners in "Faith House," a sober living facility in Lakeside designed to assist those specifically coming out of incarceration or military service and break the cycle of addiction. Pastor Bob Lott has been working with Thank You Heroes Home Rebate Program, who assisted with the creation of Faith House and is now facilitating the church's purchase into the project.
 
"Faith House is an extension of our overall ministry," said Lott. "So many individuals battling addiction also face a crisis of faith and spirituality in their recovery. Becoming more involved with Faith House and elevating the spiritual side of sober living through personal one on one ministry, spiritually-based group activities and increased prayer and faith offerings can give these individuals the boost they need to successfully transition to a sober life," Lott said.

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CONGRESS APPROVES BILL TO ALLOW FREE ACCESS TO NATIONAL PARKS FOR WOUNDED VETERANS

By Miriam Raftery

 

November 23, 2020 (Washington, D.C.) - The House of Representatives passed the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act to provide all veterans with a service-connected disability a National Parks and Federal Lands Pass free of charge. The bill already passed the Senate and after House approval, now heads to the President’s desk to await signature.


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HEALTHCARE IN A COVID-19 WORLD: ACCESS FOR LOCAL VETERANS

In an exclusive interview, the Director of San Diego’s VA Healthcare System shares insights and challenges

 

By Helen Horvath, Army veteran

 

June 11, 2020 (San Diego) – The COVID-19 pandemic has opened up a wide variety of complex systemic blind spots in our healthcare system, including care for military veterans. This has been the result of how the various private sector and government agencies initially responded to the pandemic. 


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RIBBON CUTTING OF NEW CUYAMACA COLLEGE VETERANS CENTER

East County News Service

November 13, 2019 (El Cajon) -- Student veterans at Cuyamaca College will receive a belated Veterans Day gift in the form of a new veterans center inside Cuyamaca College’s Student Center, Building I.  A ribbon-cutting to officially open the center, in addition to marking the grand reopening of the Student Center after nearly a year’s remodeling, is set for 9-10 a.m. Thursday, Nov 14.


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PROTECTING VETERANS FROM RIP-OFF FOR-PROFIT COLLEGES

 

 

By Donald H. Harrison, Editor, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Network

Photo:  House Education Committee members, from left, Reps. Susie Lee, Committee Counsel Claire Viall, Reps. Susan Davis, Mike Levin and Mark Takano at Grossmont College, April 24, 2019

April 25, 2019 (El Cajon) - Four Democratic members of Congress agreed Wednesday that the Trump Administration – particularly the Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs – must do more to protect veterans from the predatory practices of some for-profit colleges and technical schools.


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CONGRESSIONAL SUBCOMMTTEES TO HOLD JOINT HEARING ON STUDENT VETERANS WEDNESDAY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE

 

 

East County News Service

 

April 23, 2019 (El Cajon) -- On Wednesday, April 24, the Congressional Committee on Education and Labor’s Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment and the Committee on Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity will hold a joint field hearing entitled, “Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Ensuring the Success of our Student Veterans.”

 


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STUDENT VETERANS SERVICES EXPAND AT COMMUNITY COLLEGES LOCALLY

 

 

East County News Service

November 19, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District has good news for its nearly 1,700 student veterans.


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SEMPRA ENERGY LAUNCHES ANNUAL GRANT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS DAY

 

Source:  SDG&E

Photo:  Sempra Energy headquarters in downtown San Diego. Courtesy of Sempra Energy

November 12, 2018 (San Diego) - Sempra Energy is launching an annual charitable-contribution program for Veterans Day to benefit support organizations for veterans and their families, with the inaugural grant of $20,000 going to the Gary Sinise Foundation.


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LANDLORDS NEEDED TO RENT TO VETERANS AND OTHER HOMELESS PEOPLE

 

Rorick “Rory” Luepton is looking for landlords.

No, he is not moving, nor does he need a new place to live.


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EL CAJON SEEKS VETERAN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

East County News Service 

July 14, 2018 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon Veterans Commission presents a “Veteran of the Year” Award, recognizing those who go above and beyond in serving their community through their leadership abilities and/or community service in El Cajon, making a big impact on those they serve.  Final selections will be based on dedication, commitment, and demonstrated the impact of those served.  If you see, hear, or know of a veteran who has gone the extra mile to improve the quality of life in the community, please take this opportunity to acknowledge and reward that effort. 


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A SALUTE TO SAN MIGUEL FIREFIGHTERS

By Miriam Raftery

July 14, 2018 (Spring Valley) – San Miguel Fire Protection District’s Engine 15 firefighters took time today to help out a veteran in Spring Valley show his patriotic spirit.


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PEARL HARBOR SURVIVORS JOIN THOUSANDS TO HONOR VETERANS IN EL CAJON

 

By Jesse B. Kendrick

Photo: El Cajon Councilmember Bob McClellan and granddaughter Jessica (left) join Mayor Pro Tem Gary Kendrick (center) to honor Pearl Harbor survivor Stu Hedley, 96 (right).

July 3, 2018 (El Cajon) – Nearly 10,000 community members gathered this weekend for Celebrate America, the annual Independence Day event hosted by Shadow Mountain Community Church. The event featured indoor fireworks and a surprise appearance from military personnel who rappelled down ropes from the ceiling.


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VETERANS SEND MEMORIAL DAY CALL TO PROTECT MONUMENTS

 

By Eric Galatas, Public News Service

Photo:  The program that helped create Gettysburg and other historic military sites is set to expire Sept. 30. (Wikimedia Commons)

May 27, 2018 (Sacramento) - As Americans observe Memorial Day, more than eight thousand veterans from across the nation have signed a letter urging Congress to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program that helps protect some of the nation's most historic battlefields, monuments and public lands.


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TEAMING UP TO FIGHT SCAMS THAT TARGET VETERANS

 

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service

November 9, 2017 (Sacramento) - Scams targeting veterans are on the increase, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, so postal inspectors are teaming up with AARP's Fraud Watch Network in a new campaign called "Operation Protect Veterans."


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