Navy veterans of the Vietnam War have received over $200 million in benefits since 2019. (Photo: manhhai)
Our second California veterans news roundup for February 2023.
Readers can submit veterans news stories to southards.calegion@gmail.com.
Statewide: California Veterans News
- On Feb. 2, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, announced $30 million will be allocated to a new grant opportunity aimed at helping formerly homeless veterans maintain financial independence. California VSOs and nonprofits can find more information on the VA’s Grant and Per Diem Program page.
- The U.S. State Department is aware of increasing efforts by the Wagner Group, a private mercenary company with strong ties to Russia, to recruit U.S. combat veterans to fight against allied Ukrainian forces. The Wagner Group has played a critical role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since last February. The U.S. Treasury Department classifies the group as a transnational criminal organization and there are growing international calls to label the Wagner Group as a terror organization.
- As reported by WVEC-TV Norfolk, the VA has awarded 6,900 Blue Water veterans of the Vietnam War over $200,000 million in retroactive benefits since 2021 as part of the Blue Water Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.
Los Angeles County Veterans News
- On Feb. 4, Carl Glenoy, Jr., a 28-year-old U.S. Navy veteran and father of two, was fatally shot in Westchester near Los Angeles International Airport on his way home. An investigation is ongoing and the California Highway Patrol is urging witnesses to contact their Major Crimes Unit at 323-644-9550 or 323-259-3410 after hours.
San Diego County Veterans News
- First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited the Cohen Veterans Network clinic in Oceanside, which offers free or low-cost mental health services for veterans, to raise awareness for the issues many veterans face post-service.
Recent Veterans Posts & Videos From California American Legion
- Veterans Awareness and Membership Information Campaign
- 2023-2024 Department Forms are now available
- MyLegion: Print your Membership Card
- National American Legion College applications coming soon
- News: Two Veterans Awarded Nation’s Top Honor
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.