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The official monthly newsletter of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs |
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Partners Create Pathway Home
Across Los Angeles County, partners are uniting to move veterans who are experiencing homelessness into safe, stable housing with the support and dignity that they deserve.
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Helping a Veteran Stay on the Road
 A collaboration between VPAN SD5, Village for Vets, and community partners helped a veteran overcome a costly vehicle repair and regain stability.
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VAGA hosts Annual Thanksgiving
 VAGA brought veterans, families, and community partners together for a Thanksgiving celebration filled with resources, connection, and appreciation.
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Justice delivered to Veteran's Widow
 After nearly two decades of denials, MVA Veteran Service Officers helped a surviving spouse secure long-overdue benefits through persistent advocacy and support.
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Featured Event/Activity
 USC is inviting veterans who have used CVSO services to complete a 20–30 minute survey on their experiences. Eligible participants will receive a $25 gift card.
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All Events this Month
Events listed reflect those MVA | VPAN will be hosting or participating in.
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1st Quarter - Quarterly
Award Winners
Quarterly Award winners earn added recognition, receive special prizes, and advance to the annual LA County Veteran Service Awards.
VPAN Supervisorial District:
JVS-SD1
Program Manager:
Leo Chirinos (JVS-SD1)
Veterans Service Officer:
Michele Felix
MVA Support Service Staff:
*TIE* Layla Romero & Christina Reyes
Battle Buddy:
Veronica Hernandez (JVS-SD1)
Support Line Agent:
Gladys Romero (MVA)
DMH VMFS Support Service Staff:
Claudia Segura
Community Partner:
Everett Alexander (JVS SoCal SSVF)
Creative Solution:
Jessica Zarley (JVS SoCal SSVF)
Volunteer:
Wesley Frierson (MVA)
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October Award Winners
LA County Veteran Service Award winners gain recognition, advance to the quarterly competition, and boost their professional profiles.
Veterans Service Officer:
Emby Gonzalez (MVA)
MVA Support Service Staff:
Stephanie Guerrero
Battle Buddy:
Wilson Gomez-Hernandez (Goodwill-SD3)
DMH VMFS Support Service Staff:
Phillip Chaidez (DMH VMFS)
Community Partner:
Fernando Sanchez (LAPD)
Creative Solution:
Joe Leal (JVS-SD1)
Volunteer:
Pricilla Kwan-Neal (MVA)
Nominations for November
The LA County Veteran Service Awards honor those going the extra mile for veterans and families.
- Anyone in the military & veteran community can nominate and vote
- Nominations Due: November 29 (by midnight)
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Spotlight on Services & Benefits |
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 Through the LA County Assessor’s Office, veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for yearly property tax exemptions that ease financial strain—an important opportunity as the year closes and filing deadlines approach. Disabled veterans may also be eligible for expanded exemptions, helping ensure families receive the full benefits they’ve earned.
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 Through the HUD-VASH program, House Our Vets connects veterans with stable housing and rental support that strengthens long-term stability—an essential resource as the need for affordable units continues to grow across LA County. Property owners can also partner in this effort, helping more than 1,600 veterans secure the homes they’ve earned since 2022.
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 Veterans and families gathered at Patriotic Hall for VAGA’s 9th Annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner to share a meal, celebrate service, and connect with community partners.
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 MVA joined leaders, partners, and community advocates at the JCOD Together We Thrive Summit to discuss housing, justice, and the coordinated work moving veterans toward stability.
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 Veterans and families gathered in SD5 for the Final Salute event, honoring service, supporting end-of-life planning, and connecting with vital County and community resources.
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 This month’s staff meeting included training from the Alzheimer’s Association on supporting veterans and families, followed by a celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps birthday.
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