MVA TODAY
The Monthly Newsletter for
LA County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
MVA by the Numbers
MVA VSO’s continue to serve the LA County veteran community. During the month of April:
- Over 2,900 veterans were served at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall (does not include MVA field offices).
- 2041 claims were filed
- $963,700 was awarded in lump-sum amouts (Source: Vet Pro).
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Win Tickets to See A Soldier's Play at the Ahmanson
The Pulitzer Prize-winning thriller, 'A Soldier's Play' will be at the Ahmanson Theatre for a limited run until June 25th.
Visit MVA’s Instagram account @LACMVA and like us for a chance to win a pair of tickets!
For more information or to buy tickets, visit https://www.centertheatregroup.org/
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MVA Goes to Washington
MVA Director Jim Zenner joined other LA County Directors and Board Supervisors Mitchell, Horvath and Hahn on a trip to Washington DC during the last week of April to meet with Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Marcia Fudge, various White House officials including Ambassador Susan Rice, Domestic Policy Adviser to the President, as well as Veterans Affairs Chief of Staff Tanya Bradsher.
Conversations centered on how service connection creates barriers for some of our homeless veterans, putting them over-income. The LA County Board of Supervisors is supportive of our crucial advocacy for the men and women that serve our country and call LA County home.
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VSO Boosts Award Rate for OEF/OIF Veteran
Afghanistan and Iraq era Marine Corps veteran Mario Sibrian first met Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Joel Castellanos at Mayor Garcetti’s house last November during a reception to recognize local veterans and community-based veteran organizations.
Sibrian works for the National Veterans Foundation, and mentioned to Castellanos that he’d previously applied for support from the VA due to upper respiratory issues, but got a service rating of only 10%. He asked Castellanos for help, and after the correct paperwork was filed, Sibrian visited the VA for the necessary medical evaluation in February. Last week, the veteran was awarded an elevated rating of 40%, which provides additional monthly payments and better healthcare eligibility.
If you or a family member need assistance with veteran benefits/claims, remember that MVA VSO’s are accredited and offer their services free-of-charge.
Memorial Day Events
Of the two official United States holidays recognizing the commitment of members of America's military services, Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while defending our country.
25th Annual Tribute to Veterans and Military Families, Arcadia Park:
Join LA County Board Supervisor Kathryn Barger on May 27th to celebrate the 25th Annual Tribute to Veterans and Military Families, a longstanding 5th District tradition that provides Supervisor Barger the opportunity to thank veterans, service members, and their loved ones for their commitment to a lifetime of service. Programs, services, and benefit info will be available.
LA Fleet Week is “an annual, multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services.” The event is being held over the extended Memorial Day Weekend from Friday, May 26th through Monday, May 29th. The free event includes tours of active duty ships, live entertainment, aircraft flyovers, military displays and equipment demonstrations, and much more. Check the website for details and information regarding parking and shuttle options.
For active military, check Military.com’s Base Guide to find your local installation and find out what events are planned for Memorial Day near you.
May is also National Military Appreciation Month, and many businesses offer special discounts to veterans over Memorial Day Weekend. Visit the Military Appreciation Month Discount Center to find out what offers are available throughout May.
The LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA) provides assistance to LA County veterans, active service members, national guard, reserves and their families with resources, programs, services and state and federal benefits, including: compensation and pension claims, burial benefits and services, medical and mental health referral, education and vocational rehabilitation, home loans and grants applications, employment and job placement assistance, DMV veteran designation, legal service referrals, appeal processes, incarcerated veterans and aid and attendance.
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