California Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you looking for someplace special to visit on Veterans Day? There are several National Park Service sites in California that commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. Here are four: Cabrillo National Monument Fort Point National Historic Site (shown here) Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park Learn more at tinyurl.com/crcuj3fx.

Marine veteran Robert Chase was awarded the Secretary of the Army Award for Valor for his heroic actions in helping rescue a man and his dog from an overturned vehicle last November. Chase risked his life to help with the rescue. Shortly after pulling out the driver and his dog, the vehicle exploded, engulfing the car in flames. The commendation recognizes civilian employees and private citizens who perform an act of heroism or sacrifice with voluntary risk to their safety in the face of danger, both on and off the job. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth presented Chase, a senior fisheries biologist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District, with the award on September 5, during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Chase served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years. He said his military, CPR, and first aid rescue trainings all helped. Chase noted, “I’m a disabled combat vet so, to me, it was just a reaction type deal. At the end of the day if I’m ever stuck in that scenario, hopefully someone does the same thing.” 📷 Photo and information from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Welcome Home! The USS Russell and USS Theodore Roosevelt both returned home to San Diego after long deployments overseas. We salute all of our brave servicemembers and honor the sacrifices of those military families who keep the home fires burning. 📷 Photos from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Happy 11th birthday, Veterans Home of California-Redding! The Home opened its doors to residents on October 25, 2013. #Redding #MyCalVet

October 26 is Day of the Deployed, an opportunity to recognize all those active-duty servicemembers who are working 24/7 to protect our freedoms. We honor their service today and every day. We also acknowledge the sacrifices that military families make during deployment. 📷 Photos from the U.S. Department of the Defense.

Sailors assigned to Naval Base Ventura County participated in the Bells Across America for Fallen Servicemembers Ceremony, held onboard the Seabee Chapel in Port Hueneme on September 26. The ceremony is held annually to recognize and honor those sailors who have fallen within the last 12 months and the families left behind. 📷 U.S. Navy photos by Lieutenant Junior Grade Drew Verbis.

This week is Veteran Buddy Check Week. All veterans are encouraged to check in with ten of their battle buddies, to make sure they’re okay. Many of your friends may be doing well, but others may need help. Take the pledge and talk to ten! Get resources at https://lnkd.in/epyREwUT.

Learn more about CalVet Home Loans at a webinar on Thursday, October 24, at 10 a.m., sponsored by CalVet's California Assistance Transition Program (CalTAP). All servicemembers, veterans, and their families are invited. 🏠 A representative from the CalVet Home Loans Division will be live to discuss the eligibility process from start to finish and answer questions. Register now at https://lnkd.in/g9kBQy46.

Happy 11th birthday, Veterans Home of California-Fresno! 🎂 🎉 The Home officially opened its doors to residents on October 18, 2013.

Holly Holtzen was officially sworn in as administrator of the Veterans Home of California-Yountville on September 20. Holtzen is shown here with her husband Brian Taylor and CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin. Before joining the Home, Holtzen was Interim Program Manager of Financial Resiliency at the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Holtzen served as State Director of AARP from 2019–24. She held several positions at the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, including Acting Executive Director from 2018–19 and Chief Operating Officer from 2017–19.