U.S. Navy nurses in the Pacific Theater of World War II, sometime in November 1944. (Photo: U.S. Navy)
This week’s California Veterans news roundup honors Women Veterans and includes a spotlight on new legislation, Veterans events, and more.
Readers are encouraged to send Veterans-related stories to news@calegion.org.
Statewide: California Veterans news
- June 12 marks Women Veterans’ Day. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, authorizing women to permanently serve in the U.S. Military in select roles while allowing Women Veterans of World War II to access their accrued benefits.
- The Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2023, sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) and Rep. Scott H. Peters (D-Calif.) in April, would prevent housing discrimination based on source of income or Veteran or Military Status. The bill is meant to make federal housing vouchers more effective for military families interested in buying a home. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Bakersfield Veterans news
- The First Annual Central Valley Veterans Filmfest at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater will be held on June 20. Guests can enter the theater at 6:00 p.m., and the event will kick off at 7:00 p.m.
Napa County Veterans news
- The 25th Annual American Legion Golf Tournament at Yountville Veterans Home will be held on July 28. More info will be made available soon.
San Diego Veterans news
- The San Diego LGBT Community Center is accepting nominations through June 30 to be featured on the Benjamin F. Dillingham III and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor found at Hillcrest Center. The wall honors San Diego Veterans who served under the now-defunct “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or older anti-LGBTQ+ policies. An induction ceremony for the new names will be held in November before Veterans Day.
- Per San Diego County’s most recent homeless count, the number of Homeless Veterans increased alongside the non-Veteran population for a total 22-percent increase in 2022. Over 10,300 people living in San Diego
San Luis Obispo County Veterans
- The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum is asking Veterans and residents of SLO County to send World War II Veteran Lt. JG Aileen Crews birthday cards for the former Navy Nurse’s 100th birthday in July. Cards will be accepted either in person or by mail at the museum through Sunday, July 2. The museum’s mailing address: Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum, Attn: Birthday Mail Call, 801 Grand Avenue, Suite 102, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Recent Veterans articles & videos from California American Legion
- News: The Ongoing Struggle for LGBTQ+ Veterans and Service Members
- News: Mental Health Resources for Women Veterans: Unique Needs and Care
- News: JAMA Study Shows Higher Survival Rate for Older COVID-19 Patients in VA Hospitals
- News: Veterans State Tax Exemptions and Extended COVID-19 Benefits Included Among Several Veterans Bills Moving Through California, U.S. Legislatures
- Legion: The “Teamin’ 23rd” District Installation of Officers
- News: American Legion Riders Take On A New Mission Of Supporting The Veterans And Children Foundation
Important Veterans & Military Holidays in June
- June is PTSD Awareness Month
- June 6 — Anniversary of the D-Day Landings at Normandy
- June 7 — Anniversary of the U.S. Victory at the Battle of Midway
- June 12 — Women’s Veterans Day
- June 14 — U.S. Army Birthday
- June 14 — Flag Day
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.