Fallen service members and Veterans were honored in ceremonies across California yesterday. (Photo: Don Barrett)
UPDATE: The House of Representatives has passed a bill that will raise the debt ceiling without compromising Veterans benefits for fiscal year 2023. The bill will go to the Senate where it is expected to pass.
Our final California Veterans news roundup includes a promising update on the looming U.S. debt crisis, a new appointment to CalVet, relaxing mask mandates at VA medical facilities, and more.
Readers are encouraged to send Veterans-related stories to news@calegion.org.
Statewide: California Veterans news
- A potential agreement has been reached by President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to avert a U.S. default. The proposed debt ceiling bill includes full funding for VA medical benefits, including those outlined in the PACT Act. It is unclear if other Veterans benefits will be impacted by the agreement. As of Tuesday, leadership from both sides was working to win over enough support to pass and sign the bill.
- On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that U.S. Navy Veteran and former CalVet Deputy Secretary Lindsey Sin will be the next Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs. During the announcement, Newsom said, “Lindsey is the definition of a public servant — never losing sight of who she is serving, and tireless in pursuing her mission…she has dedicated over two decades of her career to our country and this state as an officer in the U.S. Navy and a leader for Veterans.”
- As of May 30, most mandatory mask requirements at all VA medical facilities are no longer in effect. Our full article: VA Relaxes Masking Requirement at Medical Facilities
Fresno Veterans news
- An American flag belonging to the Marine Corps League Detachment 14 was stolen prior to a Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Liberty Cemetery in Fresno. Event organizers were able to replace the flag before the ceremony could begin. However, it is unclear if there is an active investigation into the theft.
San Diego Veterans news
- Navy Aviator Radioman 3rd Class Walter “Uncle Bert” Mintus, whose remains were recently uncovered and returned after his aircraft was presumed to have been shot down on July 27, 1944, was honored at a Memorial Day Ceremony at Mount Soledad.
Recent Veterans articles & videos from California American Legion
- Legion: Letter to the Editor: on California Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans
- News: Kern County WWII Veterans Memorial Unveils 174 New Names in Ceremony
- News: San Diego Automotive Museum: Honoring San Diego’s Military Legacy
- Legion: 2023 History Book Contest
- News: New RAND Corporation Study Finds Veterans Are Less Likely to Support Extremist Groups
- News: Fallen U.S. Marine Veteran’s Remains Return Home After Year-Long Search in Ukraine
Important Veterans & Military Holidays in May
- May 1 — Silver Star Service Banner Day
- The Friday before Mother’s Day — Military Spouse Appreciation Day
- May 8 — Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (World War II)
- The last Monday in Day — Memorial 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.