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The official monthly newsletter of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs |
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Journey from Skid Row to Escrow
After overcoming homelessness, addiction, and incarceration, Army veteran Keith Sanders is now a homeowner and helps fellow veterans build stable futures as a Peer Support Specialist.
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Women Veterans Summit 2026
 Women veterans from across the country came together for the first national Women Veterans Summit, exploring leadership, wellness, career growth, and resources that support continued success.
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Opening Doors to Stability
 MVA's Homeless Services Division continues to exceed housing goals through coordinated services that help more veterans obtain permanent housing and achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
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Featured July Events
 Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with events across Los Angeles County. See featured opportunities to honor military service, explore history, attend commemorative ceremonies, visit special exhibits, and participate in community celebrations, many hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Whether you're looking to learn something new, pay tribute to those who served, or take part in a local event, you'll find a variety of America 250 activities happening in July.
 Explore new opportunities at the 5K for Change: Harbor Community & Workforce Activation. This community event brings together wellness, workforce development, and valuable resources while connecting attendees with employers, training programs, and organizations supporting career growth. Whether you're participating in the 5K, exploring career pathways, or accessing health, wellness, and community resources.
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Upcoming July Events
Events listed reflect those MVA | VPAN will be hosting or participating in.
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July Monthly Award Winners
LA County Veteran Service Award winners gain recognition, advance to the quarterly competition, and boost their professional profiles.
Veterans Service Officer:
Joel Castellanos (MVA)
MVA Support Service Staff:
Robert Alvarez
Battle Buddy:
Valerie Molina (DMH VMFS)
DMH VMFS Support Service Staff:
Johanna de la Cruz (DMH VMFS)
Community Partner:
*TIE* Hector Castillo (Goodwill SoCal) & Deputy Juan Medrano (LASD VHOST)
Creative Solution:
Reymundo Borjon (MVA)
Honorable Mentions
This category recognizes nominees who have already won the same category during the current fiscal year and are therefore ineligible to win again.
Veterans Services Officer:
Emby Gonzalez (MVA) & Keith Niesen (MVA)
Battle Buddy:
Veronica Hernandez (VPAN SD1 - JVS SoCal
VMFS Support Staff:
Ani Galstyan & Valerie Molina
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Individual Spotlight
Keith Niesen
Veterans Services Representative III
 "Hi LA County Military and Veterans Affairs, I want to commend you and your staff, particularly Keith Niesen for helping me, Joseph Silva, and my brother in Law, Donald Bailey.
We are veterans from the 1990’s and did not know we were entitled to some benefits from the VA. After speaking to Keith Niesen, he informed us we were eligible and got me a 70% rating and my brother in law is awaiting an appointment for rating.
We were told years ago by other VA personnel that we weren’t eligible whatsoever, so for years we missed out on benefits. If it weren’t for Keith assisting us by giving information and helping us put in for benefits, we would still not have any benefits.
I truly believe it’s through your leadership that helps your staff help us veterans and we want to thank you and Keith Niesen for everything, plus top notch service from the LA County Veterans Administration, please give him a pay raise."
—Joseph Silva
U.S. Air Force Veteran
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Spotlight on Benefits & Services |
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MVA Housing Support
 MVA helps veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness access housing navigation, financial assistance, personalized support, and coordinated services to secure and maintain stable housing. Learn how to connect at mva.lacounty.gov. For urgent housing needs after hours, call 877-424-3838 or dial 211.
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CalVet Home Loans
 CalVet Home Loans help eligible veterans buy a home in California with no down payment on most loan products, expanded eligibility, competitive financing, and trusted guidance backed by more than 100 years of expertise make homeownership more accessible for veterans and their families.
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 Women veterans connected with wellness resources, VA benefits, and community organizations during the June 26 Her Service, Her Strength Women's Veteran Resource and Wellness Fair.
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 Veterans, service members, and their families accessed healthcare, housing, VA benefits, peer support, and community resources during the June 20 Antelope Valley Veterans Stand Down event.
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 The June 12 Women Veterans Summit: Expanding Horizons welcomed women veterans for a day of learning, networking, resource sharing, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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 Donald Thrasher celebrated a major milestone during the June 10 Lancaster Veterans Treatment Court graduation, reflecting resilience, accountability, and a commitment to a brighter future.
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 Laughter took center stage at the June 6 SCV Vets Comedy Show, where veterans, military families, and community members enjoyed an evening of humor, camaraderie, and shared experiences.
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 The June 5 Service Connection Event at Blue Butterfly Village connected veterans with VA benefits, housing assistance, peer support, and community resources to support long-term stability.
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