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The official monthly newsletter of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs |
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Veteran Turns to Support & Stability
An outreach operation became a turning point for a 73-year-old Army veteran, as a network of support quickly got him into stable housing and renewed his motivation to stay on track.
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Food Distribution for Foster Families
 A food distribution at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall brought veterans and volunteers together to support foster families through a shared commitment to service.
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From Incarceration to Impact
A justice-involved Marine Corp veteran transforms his life and now helps others rebuild stability through Veterans Treatment Court and coordinated support.
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Now Hiring: MVA Chief Deputy
Los Angeles County is hiring a Chief Deputy to help lead veteran services and expand access to housing, benefits, and support across the County.
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Service Spotlight
Emmanuel Lopez & Isabella
Bob Hope Patriotic Hall
"Overall, my visit was a very positive experience! I obtained the paperwork that I needed for DMV, and I finally had a reason to visit the Patriotic Hall, which I've driven by MANY times in the past, while not knowing what it was all about! Now, I do!"
— James Dukas
From Post-Service Feedback Submission
March Award Winners
LA County Veteran Service Award winners gain recognition, advance to the quarterly competition, and boost their professional profiles.
Veterans Service Officer:
James DeBacco (MVA)
MVA Support Service Staff:
Carmen Vartanian
Battle Buddy:
Rosa Rodriguez (DMH VMFS)
DMH VMFS Support Service Staff:
Valerie Molina
Community Partner:
Alison Kripp (Veteran Specialist Homeless Services)
Creative Solution:
Andy Rodriquez (DMH VMFS)
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March Honorable Mentions
This category recognizes individuals who are nominated in a category they have already won during the current fiscal year. While they remain eligible for recognition, past recipients cannot compete in the same category more than once within a single fiscal year.
Veteran Service Officer:
Emby Gonzalez (MVA) & Esmeralda Alamillo-Gadut (MVA)
Battle Buddy:
Veronica Hernandez (VPAN SD1 - JVS) & Gerardo Perez (VPAN SD1 - JVS)
MVA Support Staff:
Javier Ybarra & Ashley Cohen
DMH VMFS Support Staff:
Claudia Segura
Nominations for March
The LA County Veteran Service Awards recognize individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in service to veterans and their families, making a meaningful and lasting impact across communities through their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those they serve.
- Anyone in the military & veteran community can nominate and vote
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Due: May 2 (by midnight)
- Voting is the following week
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Featured Event
Career readiness shapes access to opportunity. A free Career Readiness Fair at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall on May 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. offers veterans hands-on support, from resumes to interview preparation and career development resources for upcoming job opportunities.
The event brings key resources together, including professional portraits, haircuts, and guided sessions designed to help veterans build confidence and show up ready for new opportunities.
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Meet with a VSO for CalVet Fee Waiver Assistance
Eligible dependents can reduce or eliminate tuition costs through the CalVet College Fee Waiver, with VSO support available to help complete the application and access this benefit.
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Learn to Play Guitar with Fellow Veterans
Veterans can learn guitar through free weekly lessons hosted by VPAN SD2 SHARE! at El Camino College Veteran Resource Center, with instruments, snacks, and guided instruction.
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 On April 25 at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, the Warrior Heritage Foundation hosted a food distribution with MVA and USC volunteers to support foster families by packing and distributing food boxes to more than 100 families.
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 On April 23 at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, MVA staff training focused on professional growth, network development, and Bring Your Youth to Work Day, highlighting service and engagement across the community.
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 At this month’s Veterans Advisory Commission meeting, updates covered job opportunities through Power to Workers, SB 888 Property Tax developments, and legislative efforts impacting veterans.
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 At Bob Hope Patriotic Hall on April 8, the House Our Vets Housing and Resource Fair connected veterans with housing opportunities, support services, and partners focused on helping them find a place to call home.
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 On April 8 at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, MVA presented its work and key priorities during a Quality and Productivity Commission visit, reinforcing focus on service, accountability, and community impact.
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Explore photos from events, programs, and more that capture moments of service, connection, and community impact, highlighting MVA’s work and strong community partnerships across Los Angeles County.
VIEW ALL MVA ALBUMS
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