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The official monthly newsletter of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs |
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Loss, Resilience, and the Power of Peer Support
Through tragedy, Marine Corps Veteran George Casillas found purpose: building networks of peer support to strengthen veterans, prevent suicide, and ensure no one struggles alone.
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Stand Downs Create Pathways to Growth and Connection
 Two major stand downs this September, the San Gabriel Valley Heroes in the Shadows Stand Down and the Compton Veteran Stand Down, showcased the power of community partnerships.
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MVA Helps Family Secure Benefits After Long Pursuit
 Surviving spouse Lolita Olivarez gained closure after years of uncertainty, honoring her late husband’s Marine Corps service with help from Veterans Claims Assistant Joel Castellanos.
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Featured Event
 Join veterans each Monday at Sepulveda VA Campus for the Sepulveda VA Bunker Social, 11am–1pm. Enjoy food, connect with peers, and explore resources that strengthen community and foster well-being.
ALL DATES
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August Award Winners
Monthly award winners gain recognition, advance to the quarterly competition, and boost their professional profiles.
Veterans Service Officer:
Ricky Valenzuela (MVA)
MVA Support Service Staff:
Christina Reyes
Battle Buddy:
Eric Friend (VPAN JVS-SD5)
DMH VMFS Support Service Staff:
Kathleen Jimenez
Community Partner:
Deputy Corey Reddy (VMET SD5)
Creative Solution:
Jorge Marcia (DMH VMFS)
Volunteer:
*Tie* Wesley Frierson (MVA) &
Vivaldo Torrez (MVA)
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Nominations for September
 The LA County Veteran Service Awards, presented by MVA, DMH–VMFS, and community partners, honor those going the extra mile for veterans and families.
- Anyone in the military & veteran community can nominate and vote — you don’t need to be a veteran or work for government
- Nominations Due: October 3rd (by midnight)
- Voting: The following week
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 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides a tax-free monthly benefit to surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members who died in the line of duty or Veterans lost to service-related conditions. With support from MVA’s Veteran Service Officers, families receive trusted guidance to navigate applications, secure earned benefits, and find stability after loss.
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 Transportation Support through VPAN
As part of its wide-ranging support, the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) connects those in need with transportation assistance for medical care, benefits, employment, and more. By working with trusted partners, VPAN ensures that transportation barriers do not prevent access to essential services—helping veterans build stability, strengthen wellbeing, and stay connected to their community.
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 The National Veterans Foundation celebrated 40 years of service at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, honoring its mission, legacy, and impact.
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 At Victory Remembered, veterans, families, and allies gathered aboard the SS Lane Victory to honor the 22 nations that fought in the Korean War.
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 The Sepulveda VA Bunker Social brings veterans, families, and neighbors together each Monday to share food, support, and community.
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 At the Compton Veterans Stand Down, VPAN SD4 partnered with SHARE! to expand support and connect veterans and families to housing and resources.
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 A Suicide Prevention Awareness Coffee Chat united providers to strengthen connections for veterans through peer support and community care.
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 The SCV Veterans Collaborative “Marching On” brought veterans, families, and partners together to strengthen support programs.
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 The SGV Heroes in the Shadows Stand Down connected veterans, families, and service members with resources through VPAN SD1 and partners.
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 The Justice-Involved Veterans Subcommittee met to advance efforts that improve outcomes and support for system-impacted veterans.
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 MVA and American Legion members raised the flag at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11 with remembrance and tribute.
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 Explore photos from events, programs, and more. Follow us to see the moments that honor service and highlight MVA’s impact.
ALL MVA PHOTOS
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