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MVA Monthly Thread Newsletter - July 2026

County of Los Angeles, California sent this bulletin at 07/31/2026 03:00 PM PDT

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

JULY 2026
ISSUE 7 | VOL 2

UPCOMING EVENTS

Featured Event

Warrior Heritage Foundation is hosting two online With Your Shield (WYS) information sessions this month for veterans, transitioning service members, and military families. Featuring Scott Schimmel, co-founder of The You School and Vector Accelerator, these one-hour sessions introduce a military transition program designed to help the entire family navigate life after service through guided self-discovery, meaningful conversation, business education, and practical planning for the next chapter.

Information Sessions:

LEARN MORE ABOUT WYS

All Events this Month

Mondays - Sepulveda Bunker Social @Sepulveda VA

Mondays - West LA Bunker Social @West LA VA

August 6 - Offices Closed - Monthly Staff Training Day

August 6 - WHF With Your Shield Info Session: Your Next Chapter Deserves More Than a Resume @Virtual

August 7 - WHF Veteran Service Days - Backpack Giveaway Volunteer Opportunity @BHPH

August 12 - WHF With Your Shield Info Session: Transition is Disorienting, It Can Also Be a Turning Point @Virtual

August 19 - Veterans Advisory Commission Meeting @BHPH

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

SEE FULL CALENDAR

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

Individual Spotlight

Emby Gonzalez
Veterans Services Representative II

"I have been working with Emby Gonzalez for several months and she has been a huge help in assisting my 94-year-old father with receiving Veterans benefits. She works very hard and is always willing to go the extra mile."

—Mary Davidson
Daughter of a Veteran

June Monthly Award Winners

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

Veterans Service Officer:
Alfonso Garcia (MVA)

Battle Buddy:
Julian Saavedra (VPAN SD5 - VST)

Support Line Agent:
Brandon Dorfman (DMH VMFS)

DMH VMFS Support Service Staff:
Gualberto Rabanales

Community Partner:
Bryan Palomera (PATH)

Creative Solution:
Michael Acosta (VPAN SD2 - SHARE!)

Honorable Mentions - June

This category recognizes nominees who have already won the same category during the current fiscal year and are therefore ineligible to win again.

Veteran Service Officer:
Emby Gonzalez (MVA),
Keith Niesen (MVA), & Ricky Valenzuela (MVA)

VMFS Support Staff:
Ani Galstyan

MVA Support Staff:
Layla Romero

Nominations for July Awards

The County Veteran Service Awards have been updated for FY2027 with new award categories, an enhanced recognition structure, and expanded participation opportunities to better recognize those making a difference for veterans, service members, and their families across Los Angeles County while encouraging broader community recognition and engagement.

New monthly Unit and Unit Supervisor awards now recognize excellence across MVA, DMH Veteran Military Family Services, VPAN, Supervisorial Districts, Service Provider Areas, and partner teams. The Battle Buddy category has also been renamed Peer to better reflect those serving in peer support roles.

Nominations are open through Saturday, Aug. 1, at 11:59 p.m. There is no limit to the number of nominations. Simply include the nominee's name, organization, and a brief 3–4 sentence explanation of how they have gone above and beyond in serving veterans, service members, and their families.

NOMINATE NOW

Spotlight on Benefits & Services

Services for Vets Navigating the Justice System

The Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' Justice-Involved Veterans (JIV) services support eligible veterans navigating the criminal justice system by connecting them with benefits, treatment, and community resources. Early connection with JIV can expand access to diversion opportunities, coordinated services, and resources that promote successful reentry.

EMAIL JIV TO GET CONNECTED

Discharge Upgrades & Record Corrections

A discharge upgrade or correction of military records may expand access to earned VA benefits. Depending on individual circumstances, a favorable decision may improve eligibility for VA health care, disability compensation, education benefits, and other benefits. MVA's accredited Veterans Services Officers can help eligible veterans understand their options and navigate the review process.

CONNECT WITH A VSO

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

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MVA's Homeless Services Division (HSD) supported eligible unhoused veterans during the House Our Vets Housing and Resource Fair on July 22 by providing housing navigation and benefits assistance.

VIEW ALL PHOTOS

The Veterans Advisory Commission meeting on July 15 brought commissioners and community partners to Bob Hope Patriotic Hall for updates and discussions supporting veterans across Los Angeles County.

VIEW ALL PHOTOS

The East LA Vet Fest and Car Show welcomed veterans, service members, their families, and community members to the East Los Angeles VA Clinic on July 11 for a day of community, recognition, and support.

VIEW ALL PHOTOS

Staff training on July 9 featured department updates, community partner presentations, employment resources, peer support, professional development, and recognition of outstanding team members.

VIEW ALL PHOTOS

VPAN SD4 - Veteran's Stand Together (VST) collaborated with artist Paul Anand on The Ward That Never Closed, an immersive installation at Hospital of Emotions inspired by veterans' experiences.

VIEW ALL PHOTOS

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