Dear Fourth District Resident,

Serving those San Bernardino County veterans who risked everything in defense of us all is a very high priority.

I'm gratified that under the leadership of the Board of Supervisors, San Bernardino County has an outstanding Veterans Services Department. In the last fiscal year we helped our veterans receive over $51 million dollars in federal benefits, more than any other county in southern California.

By comparison, San Diego County government recovered $40.3 million for their veterans, $25.9 million in Riverside County, $ 9.5 million in Los Angeles County and $5.1 million in Orange County. 

An important way to show respect for veterans is to respect their time. Our veterans department set an admirable goal that 90% of veterans who make an appointment with our department are seen in an hour or less, compared with 84% in the prior year.  I'm pleased to report that Frank Guevara and the department under his care has achieved that goal with 92% percent of veterans seen in an hour or less; and I hope we can get that percentage up to one hundred in the future. 

Nothing demonstrates respect and honor for military service more than making sure that every Veteran has a home. One of the county accomplishments I'm most proud of in my first term is housing every single homeless veteran in San Bernardino County by the end of 2015.

Of course, this is a moving target in a fluid population, but we work on it every day.  In the last year, we were able to place 253 homeless veterans in permanent housing, with 65 more remaining homeless by choice. 

Helping veterans is personal with me. I am currently a proud member of the California State Military Reserve. Being a member of our military team gives me a new perspective on what it means to serve. 

As we approach Veterans Day, and on every day, I hope all of us find ways in word and deed to thank and honor American veterans. 

Sincerely,

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