This week’s California veterans news roundup features state and federal legislation proposals, a new exhibit honoring Chinese-American veterans, a new VA resource center, and more.
Readers can send veterans-related stories to Southards.CALegion@gmail.com.
Statewide: California Veterans News
- President Joe Biden’s proposed 2024 budget allocates the most funds to veterans issues than any previous budget proposal. Among the top priorities are additional funding for PACT Act-related medical care and support services, veterans suicide prevention, veterans homelessness, specialized medical care for women veterans, and upgrading existing VA medical facilities.
- CalVet is now accepting submissions to be featured on its annual Memorial Day calendar. Readers can click here to learn about the department’s requirements.
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement on March 8 warning service members and veterans about a wide range of scams and unsavory business practices targeting the military community.
- California Assemblymember Tri Ta (AD-70) has introduced a bill that would require all military bases in California to host a veterans service officer to help transitioning service members integrate into civilian life.
Los Angeles County Veterans News
- The VA Long Beach Healthcare System has opened a new Veterans Resource Center (found at 5901, E. Seventh St.). Named after Tibor Rubin, a holocaust survivor who was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in Korea, the center will provide veterans with a variety of services such as accessing records, help with claims, and more.
- Cohen Veterans Network has opened a new mental health clinic in Torrance. Post-911 veterans, as well as active duty servicemembers with a Tricare referral, can receive free or low-cost mental health care at all CVN facilities across the country. The Torrance clinic is California’s third location.
(Photo: Sacramento Public Library)
Sacramento County Veterans News
- As of March 9, the Sacramento Public Library will permanently display a Congressional Gold Medal honoring Chinese-American veterans who served during World War II. An accompanying exhibit highlighting the contributions of Chinese-American service members will be hosted at the library through March 31.
Santa Barbara County Veterans News
- Per KSBY, a groundbreaking ceremony for Hope Village Santa Maria will be held tomorrow, March 14. Once complete, the development will host interim supportive housing, including 10 rooms dedicated to homeless veterans.
San Luis Obispo Veterans News
- The Wall That Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica will be hosted at the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum from March 16–19. Adverse weather is not currently expected during this period.
Recent Veterans Posts & Videos From California American Legion
- The American Legion Uniform
- Samsung American Legion Scholarship Recipients Visit Washington
- Congressman Ruiz Presented with Distinguished Public Service Award
- Washington Conference: Veteran homelessness must be discussed
- Department Oratorical Contest Photos
- Patricia Jackson Kelley: Making History Every Day for Decades
- Do you have a purpose, a reason for being?
Important Veterans & Military Holidays in March
- March 3 — Navy Reserve Birthday
- March 13 — K-9 Veterans Day
- March 15 — Anniversary of the first caucus of The American Legion
- March 25 — National Medal of Honor Day
- March 26 — Anniversary of the U.S. victory at the Battle of Iwo Jima
- March 29 — Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans 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.