MVA Monthly Thread Newsletter - December 2025

The official monthly newsletter of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

DECEMBER
ISSUE 5 | VOL 1

TOP NEWS

Veteran Guided Toward Stability

Through coordinated county outreach and peer support, partners came together to help a U.S. Army veteran and his wife transition into interim housing with dignity, trust, and veteran-centered care.

Celebrating Excellence in LA County Veteran Services 

Los Angeles County partners recognized Fiscal Year 2025 LA County Veteran Service award recipients whose work reflects leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serving veterans and their families.

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Oversight Hearing Highlights CHAMPVA Service Delivery

During a Subcommittee on Health Oversight Hearing, MVA Director Jim Zenner testified in his CVSO role with the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers on CHAMPVA program operations.

WATCH TESTIMONY

Veterans and Transition Age Youth – Services

Some veterans separate from service before age 26 and fall within the Transition Age Youth (TAY) age range. LA County DMH offers mental health and supportive services for eligible TAY veterans.

LEARN MORE

MVA Veteran Housing Navigation Program Launch

Los Angeles County launches the Veteran Housing Navigation Program (VHNP) to help veterans experiencing homelessness or justice involvement navigate countywide systems into stable housing.

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Bob Hope Patriotic Hall Centennial Celebration

Los Angeles County will mark the 100th anniversary of Bob Hope Patriotic Hall with a centennial celebration at the Hall on Feb. 21, 2026, honoring its legacy and future role serving veterans and families.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Featured Event

Gloria Molina Grand Park invites the community to ring in 2026 at NYELA, a free New Year’s Eve celebration.

January Events

• Mondays - Sepulveda Bunker Social @Sepulveda VA

• Jan. 1 - Holiday Closure - New Year's Day

• Jan. 2 - Deadline for December CVSA Award Nominations

• Jan. 8 - Staff Training - Office Closure

Events listed reflect those MVA | VPAN will be hosting or participating in.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

FY25; Annual Award Winners

Annual Award Winners receive top-level recognition, special prizes, and are honored at the LA County Veteran Service Awards.

Veterans Service Officer:
Keith Niesen (MVA)

MVA Support Service Staff:
Veloice Crosby Jr.

Battle Buddy:
Enrique Conchas (JVS-SD5)

Support Line Agent:
Jorge Marcia (DMH VMFS)

DMH VMFS Support Service Staff:
Alejandro Vasquez

Community Partner:
Anthony Rodriguez (CalVet)

Creative Solution:
Hector "Manny" Arroyo (JVS-SSVF)

Volunteer:
Norma Pena (DMH VMFS)

Individual Spotlight

Ricky Valenzuela
Veterans Claims Assistant II

From post-service client feedback in December: "Ricky Valenzuela is the best hands down VSO I've worked with. I appreciate his work and expertise. The County is very lucky to have him. He is dedicated and works very hard to assist the Vets he encounters."

—Guy Blackwell

Nominations for December

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
• Due: Jan. 2 (by midnight)

1st Quarter FY26;
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)

MVA Support Service Staff:
*TIE* Layla Romero and
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)

November; Monthly Award Winners

LA County Veteran Service Award monthly winners gain recognition, advance to the quarterly competition, and boost their professional profiles.

Veterans Service Officer:
Cherry Villanueva (MVA)

MVA Support Service Staff:
Brianna Banuelos

Battle Buddy:
Christopher "C.J." Banning
(DMH VMFS)

DMH VMFS Support Service Staff:
Ani Galstyan

Community Partner:
Laura Hernandez (JVS SSVF)

Creative Solution:
Aimee Bravo (SoCal Grantmakers)

Spotlight on Services

Through Cope Notes, veterans and community members can receive daily mental health support delivered by text message—offering encouragement, grounding prompts, and peer-informed insights right when they’re needed. Personalized, private, and easy to use, Cope Notes helps support mental well-being throughout the day, no matter what you’re facing.

Through the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN), veterans can connect with peers who help navigate urgent financial challenges and plan for longer-term stability. VPAN peers assist during emergencies and work alongside veterans to identify benefits, budgeting resources, and sustainable paths forward that support financial resilience over time.

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

Department staff gathered for a holiday celebration to connect, reflect on the year’s work, and recognize the team behind our shared mission.

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Veterans and partners gathered at the American Legion National Commander’s Luncheon to honor service and strengthen partnerships.

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Veteran service partners gathered to recognize recipients of the Countywide Veterans Service Awards for their commitment to veterans and families.

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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.

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