The GAO released findings that the VHA has to this point failed to request DEA waivers before hiring staff with felony drug convictions. (Photo: U.S. VHA)
Our final February 2023 roundup covers new veterans suicide prevention research, hiring concerns at the Veterans Health Administration, and more.
Readers can also submit veterans news stories to southards.calegion@gmail.com.
Statewide: California Veterans News
- According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry on Feb. 22, frailty in elder veterans has been identified as an increased risk factor for suicide. The finding could be used in future suicide prevention efforts.
- Family members and friends of veteran Giovanni Roman, who was injured by Russian forces in Ukraine earlier this month, have set up a Go Fund Me to help bring him back to California for medical treatment. Click here for the full story.
- The Government Accountability Office has found that the Veterans Health Administration does not consistently request waivers for potential employees with drug-related felony convictions during the hiring process, possibly placing veterans in danger. As many as 50 individuals with drug-related felonies were allowed to work for the VHA across the United States.
Riverside County Veterans News
- The Housing Authority of Riverside County is looking for three veterans families who have applied to the county’s Section 8 program to fill vacancies at a low-income housing community. An additional three units are available to homeless veterans that have been referred by the county’s Coordinated Entry System.
San Bernardino County Veterans News
- The remains of veteran Brian Harris, who went missing in July 2021 out of Prescott Valley in Arizona, have allegedly been found in a remote part of San Bernardino County. Harris reportedly struggled with his mental health in the weeks leading up to his disappearance, at one point being placed in a treatment center before being discharged not long after.
San Luis Obispo County Veterans News
- As of Feb. 15, the Central Coast Veterans Museum has reopened and The Wall That Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica is still slated to be on display from March 16–19.
Recent Veterans Posts & Videos From California American Legion
- News: California veteran Giovanni Roman injured by Russian Forces while volunteering in Ukraine
- Driving Solutions, Awareness and More for Veterans
- Sacramento to Host SWS Town Hall
- 58th Four Chaplains Inter-Faith Service
- Eagle Scout of the Year Nomination Forms Due Soon
Important Veterans & Military Holidays in January
- Jan. 25 — Anniversary of the U.S. & Allied victory at the Battle of the Bulge
- Feb. 3 — Four Chaplains Day
- Feb. 9 — Anniversary of the U.S. Victory at the Battle of Guadalcanal
- Feb. 28 — Anniversary of the U.S.-led victory in the Persian Gulf War
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.