This Veterans Day, we honor and express our deep gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country with courage and dedication. California is home to nearly 2 million veterans, and as Chair of the Assembly Military and Veteran Affairs Committee, it has been my focus to ensure we do even more to fulfill our responsibility to provide the care and benefits they have earned. With that in mind, you will find a number of services and support below.
I also want to highlight two special Veterans today. First, I am proud to recognize United States Marine Veteran Albert Rodriguez, President of the Santa Clarita Veterans Collaborative, as our Veteran of the Year. In this volunteer role, Albert has made sure veterans in our community get connected to the Veterans Administration (VA), disability benefits, mental health support, and even their in-house food pantry for those falling short on their grocery budget. I am so grateful for his leadership and dedication to our veteran community and the impact he is making for those who have sacrificed so much.
If you're a veteran and want to connect with the Santa Clarita Veterans Collaborative, you can call them at (661) 753 - 3559 or stop by 23681 Newhall Ave, Newhall, CA 91321 between Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
And last, but certainly not least, I'd like to recognize my father. He is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Air Force. His job was to fix the planes that sprayed agent orange, which sometimes left him drenched in that toxic chemical - not knowing the impact it would have. He's now battling cancer for the third time, and other health complications, because of that exposure and the VA has saved his life more times than I can count. So my family knows all too well that the impact of serving often follows you for your whole life. My dad came home, became a logger, started a family, was a small business owner and then had another career as an electrician. He's been an important part of my life and I would not be here today if it were not for the lessons he taught me about hard work, caring about your neighbors, and fighting for what's right. I'm so fortunate to have him as my father and happy to be spending this Veterans Day with him.
Get Connected to Resources for Veterans and Veteran Families:
Los Angeles County has many organizations and agencies dedicated to supporting local veterans. Below, you will find links to essential resources and updates available for veterans in our community.
Again, as the Chair of the Assembly Military and Veteran Affairs Committee, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have served. Please remember I am always here for you, and our office is always available to support you. I hope you have a meaningful Veterans Day.
Veterans Service Offices
If you are looking for help and don't know where to begin, a good place to start is with your local veterans service office.
Veterans Service Offices (CVSO) actively pursue the rights of veterans and dependents of the United States Armed Forces to receive Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The VSO schedules appointments for benefits claims counseling and assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors.
Find a local CVSO at 1-844-SERV-VET (1-844-7378-838)
Healthcare Assistance
myCalVet
myCalVet provides veterans and their families the opportunity to create a customized profile, targeting the benefits, resources, and services available in their community and throughout the state.
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans and their loved ones can call (800) 273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hospitals and Clinics
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has hospitals and clinics to help serve veterans who need healthcare assistance. Here you can find the closest hospital or clinic to you.
Assisted Living
Veterans who are injured in the line of duty face many challenges when they return home, including the inability to live an independent life. Whether fully or partially disabled, many need assistance with daily activities.
Thankfully, there are assisted living options that can help veterans who have disabilities, as well as elderly veterans who need help as they grow older.
Access to Housing and Education
The College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents
The College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus for qualified dependents of certain Veterans.
CalVet Veteran Homes
Veterans who are age 55 and above, and discharged from active military service under honorable conditions, are eligible to apply for admission. The age requirement is waived for disabled or homeless veterans needing long-term care.
CalVet Home Loans
If you are ready to buy a home, CalVet Home Loans helps to meet Veterans' home financing needs.
Employment
Vietnam Veterans of America
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) advocates for Vietnam-era veterans and their families, offering support with VA claims, education, and health issues like PTSD and Agent Orange exposure. With over 650 chapters nationwide, VVA ensures Vietnam veterans receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.
VetJobs Employment Resources
VetJobs is a nonprofit connecting veterans, service members, and military spouses with career opportunities. With over 100,000 job placements, it offers career readiness support, vocational training, and a robust job board to empower military-affiliated job seekers in achieving lasting employment.
US Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Services
The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is a U.S. Department of Labor agency dedicated to assisting veterans, service members, and their families in achieving meaningful careers. VETS offers employment resources, training programs, and ensures the protection of employment rights.
Work for Warriors
Work for Warriors (WFW) is a free job placement program in California that assists service members, veterans, their families, and Youth Academy graduates in finding meaningful employment. The program provides services such as resume building, interview preparation, and employment readiness training, guiding candidates through the hiring process to secure fulfilling careers.
General Assistance and Information
Veterans Care Guide
This guide is designed to help veterans and/or their surviving spouses determine their eligibility, explain how to apply for benefits and cover the various veteran care options.
Senior Veterans may also be able to receive assistance through CARING, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones.
Minority Veterans
The Minority Veterans Division is the California Department of Veterans Affairs model for inter-and intra-agency co-operation, to ensure all Veterans receive equal service regardless of race, origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Women Veterans
CalVet division for Women Veterans provides information, advocacy, outreach, and support to Women Veterans and their families.
Veterans Resource Book
The California Veterans Resource Book is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information about the wide variety of the services and benefits available to veterans and family members. Many benefits and services have been expanded and improved. CalVet's Resource Book is updated every two years and is available in hard copy and online.
American Legion
The American Legion, founded in 1919, is the nation's largest veterans organization, supporting veterans, service members, and their families through advocacy, community programs, and resources like mental health support and VA benefits assistance.
AMVETS
AMVETS provides not only support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, but also community services that enhance the quality of life for this nation's citizens.
Veterans Foreign Wars
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is the nation's oldest major war veterans service organization, dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans, service members, and their families. The VFW offers assistance with VA claims, educational scholarships, and emergency financial relief.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal agency dedicated to serving veterans and their families by providing comprehensive benefits and services. These include health care, disability compensation, education and training, home loans, life insurance, and burial and memorial services. The VA operates a nationwide network of medical centers, clinics, and benefits offices to ensure veterans receive the support they have earned.
Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
The Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans (CIAV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. CIAV focuses on providing resources, advocacy, and community engagement to address the unique challenges faced by these veterans, including mental health support, employment assistance, and access to benefits.
Military & Veteran Discounts Guide: The Ultimate List of Stores
The Military Discount Guide is the result of a quarterly survey of brands that offer active-duty military and veteran discounts. Every three months, they independently verify each and every store on this list. The list is then conveniently broken down into 26 categories, and can also be saved in PDF form and used as the ultimate reference guide for active military and veteran discounts.
I hope these services can be a resource for you and your family. As always, please contact our office if we can be of service.
Sincerely,
PILAR SCHIAVO
Assemblywoman, 40th District
