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The official monthly newsletter of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs |
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LA County Unites in Honor of Veterans & Families this November
Across Los Angeles County, communities are joining together to honor veterans, express gratitude, and connect them with the benefits, services, and lasting recognition they’ve earned through their sacrifices and service.
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Local Services Remain Open During Federal Shutdown
 As the federal shutdown disrupts essential services, LA County remains a stable source of support and connection for impacted veterans, service members, and their families.
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Partnership Helps Surviving Spouse Honor Veteran
 Through partnership and compassion, MVA and local veteran organizations helped a surviving spouse overcome hardship and reclaim the dignity her husband earned through service.
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Featured Event
 The Veterans Day Celebration at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall is hosted by the Warrior Heritage Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
This family-friendly event will feature classic movie screenings, live music, food trucks, raffles, and a family zone with games and bounce houses. All proceeds benefit With Your Shield, the Warrior Heritage Foundation’s Military Transition Program supporting veterans returning to civilian life.
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Individual Spotlight
Joel Luna
Veterans Claims Assistant II
 "I am writing this letter to express my sincere appreciation for one of your outstanding Veterans Service Officers, Joel Luna. Throughout the past year, his dedication, attention to detail - in assisting me every time I came into the VPAN office at the Gardena location & then at the Hawthorne location, whether I had an appointment or not. He took the time to listen, to care, to investigate & assisted me in filling out the many forms that VA requested.
His expert knowledge in the VA claims process is to be commended. I always left his office feeling calm, confident about the process. After years of being Denied DIC Benefits for my late husband's Military service, I was finally awarded DIC benefits & it's all because I had an Officer that took the time to follow up with me & to make sure that all paperwork was completed accurately."
—Mrs. Harriet Sanderlin
Surviving Spouse of Vietnam Veteran Dwight Sanderlin
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September Award Winners
LA County Veteran Service Award winners gain recognition, advance to the quarterly competition, and boost their professional profiles.
Veterans Service Officer:
Michele Felix (MVA)
MVA Support Service Staff:
Layla Romero
Battle Buddy:
Christine Rangel (VPAN VST-SD4)
Support Line Agent:
Gladys Romero (MVA)
DMH VMFS Support Service Staff:
Cindy Farias
Community Partner:
Everett Alexander (JVS SoCal SSVF)
Creative Solution:
Freddy Marion (VPAN Goodwill-SD3)
Nominations for October
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: November 1 (by midnight)
- Voting: The following week
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 West Los Angeles Food Hub
The West Los Angeles Food Hub provides nutritious food and compassionate support to Veterans facing food insecurity. Operated by VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, the Hub offers fresh produce, proteins, and grains while connecting Veterans to dietitians, social workers, and vital resources that promote health, dignity, and stability.
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 Housing Support and Resources
Through MVA and the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN), Veterans facing housing challenges can access trusted guidance and connection to resources that restore stability and hope.Through collaboration with “One Team” partners, Peer Specialists and Veteran Service Officers provide trusted guidance to help Veterans find stability and a place to call home.
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 MVA joined the Taste of Soul connecting with the community to share resources, celebrate service, and honor the voices of Los Angeles County veterans.
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 This month’s Veterans Advisory Commission meeting welcomed new commissioners John Oppenheim and Raul Barragan.
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The Next Mission Summit: New Horizons in Veteran Wellbeing & Resiliency brought leaders and peers together in discussion.
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 In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month a American Sons was screened at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, honoring the life and legacy of Cpl. JV Villarreal.
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 MVA and VPAN joined the Camo to Careers Awards Luncheon & Veteran Hiring Fair connecting Veterans and employers at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall.
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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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