A GOP budget proposal lauded by Speaker Kevin McCarthy would cut the VA’s funding by 22 percent, potentially hampering the department’s capabilities across the board. (Photo: Matt Johnson)

Our last California Veterans news roundup for April 2023 includes several updates from the VA, including a sharp response to a proposed GOP budget cut, a new event honoring fallen Veterans and service members around the country, an update on May’s GI Film Festival in San Diego, and more.

Readers can send Veterans-related stories to news@calegion.org. 

Statewide: California Veterans news

• The VA has issued a rebuttal to a GOP proposal that would slash the VA’s budget by 22 percent. According to the VA, would severely hamper the department’s ability to deliver veterans benefits and care across the board. Click here for The California Legionnaire’s full story.
• As of April 21, the VA has postponed future deployments of the new Electronic Health Record system pending “improvements at the five sites that currently use the EHR.” The system has long been touted by proponents as a much-needed overhaul for Veterans health care records. Years of delays, technical problems, and postponements have earned the ire of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, however. The VA still expects the system to be fully implemented by 2028, per the original schedule.
• From April 27 to May 29, the VA’s National Cemetery Administration and nonprofit Carry The Load will be hosting a series of marches totaling 20,000 miles and over 214,000 volunteers to honor fallen Veterans and service members. The California portion of the route will begin in Redding on May 1 and end in Riverside on May 11. Readers can learn more here.

Kern County Veterans news

• Late April 19, the Kern County Veteran’s Memorial on Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield was apparently vandalized. The memorial lists the names of service members from Kern County who were killed in action. It’s unclear how significant the damage is, but repair estimates range between $300 and $500. The Bakersfield Police Department is actively investigating the incident and encourages anyone with information to call (661) 327-7111. 

Orange County Veterans news

• After new advances helped identify 2nd Lt. John F. Minogue’s remains almost 80 years after his death, the Army Air Corps pilot was finally laid to rest at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton with full military honors and both American Legion Post 142 and AMVETS in attendance.

San Diego Veterans news

• Last week, GI Film Festival San Diego officials announced the festival’s 2023 award nominees. The event will run from May 15–20 at the Conrad Prebys Media Complex in the Copley Center. Every year, the GI Film Festival unveils the “struggles, triumphs, and experiences of service members and Veterans.” All are welcome to attend.

Recent Veterans articles & videos from California American Legion

• News: VA criticizes bill touted by Speaker McCarthy that would ‘threaten critical services for Veterans’ with deep budget cuts
• News: Palo Alto HRB study session ends with all sides agreeing to pursue a collaborative path forward for Memorial Flagpole’s restoration
• Post 20 Blood Drive

Important Veterans & Military holidays in April

• April 5 — Gold Star Spouses 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.