News
Brochure: Disaster Assistance to Veterans
Sunday, February 2, 2025 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
Following a disaster, the VA can assist you if you encounter challenges. This brochure, published by the OFFICE OF OPERATIONS, SECURITY, & PREPAREDNESS OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND RESILIENCE provides contact information for most of the benefits services and programs the VA offers to veterans.
The brochure does not list medical center, clinics, or Vet Center information. Veterans should contact their VA Medical Center or Community Based Out-Patient Clinic for medical assistance.
Disaster and Emergency Assistance: Southern California Wildfires, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton
Sunday, February 2, 2025 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
Visit this site for factual disaster relief assistance.
Directors of the VA Center for Women Veterans and Minority Veterans Were Dismissed
Sunday, February 2, 2025 | Category: Health Care - National
Both appointed directors were dismissed on January 29, 2025. These and other VA staff changes were directed by President Donald Trump’s Administration.
Southern California Wildfire Information for Veterans
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | Category: State Veteran Affairs - California
CalVet compiled resources to help veterans and their families stay informed and recover from the Southern California wildfires. Please visit the provided link.
Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January 1-31)
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | Category: Human Trafficking/Sexual Exploitation - International
The Department of Defense “Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP)” initiative:
Vision
The Department of Defense (DoD) sustains an effective program to combat trafficking in persons in both its domestic and international environments.
Mission
To institutionalize Department of Defense Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) policy and programs and set conditions for effective prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnering activities in concert with, and supportive of, national efforts.
Guiding Principles
Reduce the risk and incidence of trafficking in persons within DoD's garrison and deployed operations
Identify victims and help alleviate suffering
Improve monitoring and reporting
Identify criminal activity
Educate stakeholders on DoD's stance on trafficking in persons
Train all DoD personnel on combating trafficking in persons
Inform contractors of DoD CTIP policies and best practices
Source: U.S. Department of Defense Website “Combatting Trafficking in Persons”, January 2025
Wreaths Across America Day (December 14, 2024)
Sunday, December 1, 2024 | Category: History/Heritage - International
Website Description:
‘Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 4,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.’
The laying of wreaths occurs on a Saturday in December annually. The date is posted on the “Wreaths Across America” website.
October 18th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Military Women’s Memorial (Chartered 1997)
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | Category: History/Heritage - National
The Military Women’s Memorial is a one-of-a-kind tribute to America’s Servicewomen, past and present. The Memorial features an education center, interactive exhibits, a world-class collection of military women’s stories.
October 1st is the annual memorial dedication anniversary day.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | Category: Mental Health - National
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is October 1-31 annually.
If you or someone you know needs help, they can reach in to the services listed below. Visit these sites by copying and pasting the provided links into a computer search engine.
VA Intimate Partner Violence information and services:
https://news.va.gov/124744/intimate-partner-violence-assistance-program-2/
https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/intimate-partner-violence.asp
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/
Within the military, domestic violence officially became a separate crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice when Past-President Donald Trump signed the annual defense authorization act into law in 2018. Visit this link for more legislative information:
https://www.womenvetsusa.org/history/observances-info.php?Domestic-Violence-Awareness-Month-67
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Sunday, September 1, 2024 | Category: Mental Health - National
September is the month designated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Governmental and non-governmental agencies provide services to veterans and their families.
Veterans, military, National Guard, Reserve members, and those who support them can access the 24/7 “Veterans Crisis Line”:
Dial/click 988 and then, Press 1
Text 838255
Chat online by clicking “Chat online” on the ”Veterans Crisis Line” website
June is PTSD Awareness Month: Resources for Veterans
Saturday, June 1, 2024 | Category: Mental Health - National
The Department of Veterans Affairs hosts the “National Center for PTSD,” a national resource for research, treatments and connections to assist individuals experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other traumatic stress. This site offers information for veterans, caregivers, family and friends.