The California Veteran Winter 2025

THE

WINTER 2025

CALIFORNIA

VFWCA.ORG

VETERAN

EVERYTHING WE DO, WE DO FOR VETERANS

A LOOK INTO VETERAN HOMELESSNESS PAGE 10

EVENTS FROM POSTS AROUND THE STATE PAGE 18

EVERYTHING WE DO, WE DO FOR VETERANS

WINTER 2025

VFWCA.ORG

INSIDE THE ISSUE

A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE COMMANDER PAGE 2

COMMANDER KUTA’S ALL-STATE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM GOALS PAGE 5

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT ROBBIE NORMAND PAGE 6

A LOOK INTO VETERAN HOMELESSNESS PAGE 10

CLOVIS POW/MIA REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY PAGE 12

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR HUMANITY AFTER TRAUMA OR PTSD PAGE 13

VFW DAY OF SERVICE 2026 PAGE 15

VFWCA SPONSORS KFR DRAGSTER PAGE 17

EVENTS FROM POSTS AROUND THE STATE PAGE 18

VETERANS FREEBIES OR DISCOUNTS PAGE 25

THE CALIFORNIA VETERAN IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES, DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA It is an online magazine published four times a year to keep our members informed about important news affecting the VFW and veterans.

Click here to Subscribe to our Mailing List to Receive Quarterly Issues of the California Veteran Magazine!

MESSAGE FROM THE STATE COMMANDER

FALL 2025

VFWCA.ORG Hello Comrades and Auxiliary Family, I’d like to thank everyone for their commitment to supporting the California Veterans of Foreign Wars in its mission to help ALL veterans and their families.

STATE COMMANDER David Kuta

I consider myself and Serene very lucky to have all y’all as our extended family and friends. As our comrades and Auxiliary members, you demonstrate your sense of pride in doing the best job you can do for our Veterans as well as our organizations. As the State Commander, you have my deepest respect for helping those that cannot help themselves and need a message, a feeling that someone cares about them and what they have given in service to us, the country that promised they would care for those who gave of their lives to serve a higher cause than just themselves. That is the unifying characteristic of most Veterans in that they all do not ask to be cared for, to be paid back for their service. I always get told that they want the “other guy”

to be taken care of because “they need it more”! They will fight to ensure “the others” get taken care of first before they ever ask for anything themselves.

I say that it is our job, our mission to fight for those who ask for nothing for themselves. We must seek out help for those who want the “other guys” to get taken care first! This is our mission we all took an oath to uphold.

I want to remind you of the fact that many people in our lives and circles sometimes put on a brave face, but suffer internally, more so at this time of year. If you have someone just pop into your mind for no reason, give them a call, or just check in on them please, as you may make a difference in their world and you may just save a life by showing you care!

Y’all are one of the many reasons I’m thankful and I wish you all a very Happy Holiday season!

David Kuta State Commander VFW Department of California

“IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE JUST POP INTO YOUR MIND FOR NO REASON, GIVE THEM A CALL, OR JUST CHECK IN ON THEM PLEASE, AS YOU MAY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR WORLD AND YOU MAY JUST SAVE A LIFE BY SHOWING YOU CARE!” -David Kuta, State Commander

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WINTER 2025 · VFWCA.ORG

It has been a busy time here at the VFWCA, especially with the Western Conference, Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day all back to back. It is so nice to see everyone celebrating and sharing on social media. Keep up the good work!

We have had many membership drives, and Buddy Poppy drives recently. I hope they were all very successful. In the coming weeks, we will be finishing up inspections and then we will be able to work on the items that need to be corrected. If you need any help, don't hesitate to reach out to your district inspector or the department inspector.

The holidays will be here in a blink of an eye. Prepare for them now by starting to check up on your members, make sure that they're doing OK, see if they need anything and invite them to the events that your post is going to be having for the holidays. You can also use this opportunity to update your membership roster, and your unpaids.

Some reminders, we are getting very close to the end of the second quarter so we need to make sure that our dashboards are up-to-date. You should be getting all your reports in now, it's the time to get any corrections done that are needed. Please don't wait till the last minute when it's time to look at qualifications for All State. Make sure you're checking out the program dashboard tool on vfw.org and you're getting those items taken care of, such asVOD/PP ENTIRES VMS PAID. Registering for your post day of service and planning your event should start very soon. Let's see if we can beat last year's record! The still serving website has lots of ideas for day of service activities and May will be here before you know it.

Have a joyous holiday season and be safe.

Paula Jansen State Senior Vice Commander

“THE HOLIDAYS WILL BE HERE IN A BLINK OF AN EYE. PREPARE FOR THEM NOW BY STARTING TO CHECK UP ON YOUR MEMBERS, MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE DOING OK, SEE IF THEY NEED ANYTHING AND INVITE THEM TO THE EVENTS THAT YOUR POST IS GOING TO BE HAVING FOR THE HOLIDAYS.” -Paula Jansen, Senior Vice Commander

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SENIOR VICE COMMANDER Paula Jansen

Did you honorably serve in a foreign conflict?

Do you still want to serve?

Then YOU belong as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

As defenders of freedom, we want to welcome today’s military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group. At the VFW, our mission is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans while offering important programs and services that support veterans, service members, their families, and our communities.

Visit vfw.org/Join or email info@vfwca.org to learn more and join today!

NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS.

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

Robbie Normand For many veterans, the path to service goes far beyond their time in uniform. For Robbie Normand, that journey started long before he joined the Air Force. At the age of 13, he joined DeMolay, a youth organization sponsored by the Masons, where he learned the principles of Robert’s Rules of Order, developed leadership skills, and understood the importance of service. Many skills that would later help him in both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of the Cootie. By the time he graduated from high school, he had served twice as Master Counselor of his chapter.

FOR MANY VETERANS, THE PATH TO SERVICE GOES FAR BEYOND THEIR TIME IN UNIFORM. FOR ROBBIE NORMAND, THAT JOURNEY STARTED LONG BEFORE HE JOINED THE AIR FORCE.

After finishing high school, Robbie joined the Air Force as a Korean linguist. He became a member of the VFW in 2009 after multiple tours in Korea and a deployment to Iraq. He immediately felt at home there. His passion and dedication quickly set him apart, earning him an invitation to join the Military Order of the Cootie.

The Cooties, founded in September 1920, are known for blending good humor with dedicated service. Sporting their signature red hats and lively traditions, the Cooties “Keep ‘em Smiling in Beds of White” through thousands of hours of volunteer work at VA hospitals and raising funds for the VFW National Home for Children. For Robbie, being invited to join in 2011 was an honor that linked him to a deeper tradition of service within the VFW family.

When Robbie left the Air Force in 2013, his commitment to veteran service continued. He returned to Korea as a contractor in 2014 and took on leadership roles in both the VFW and the MOC. By 2015, Robbie was serving as an officer in each organization, first as Jr. Vice Commander for both the VFW and Hide Gilmet, then as Sr. Vice Commander. He

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WINTER 2025 · VFWCA.ORG

Keep ‘em Smiling in Beds of White

The Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars

advanced quickly through the ranks, participated in district and department events, and explored the broader possibilities of what these groups could achieve.

maintained his positions, staying committed. Over three years, he drove more than 100,000 miles to attend meetings in Las Vegas.

A career move to Las Vegas in 2016 placed Robbie at VFW Post 10047, home of Pup Tent 2, where fellow members recognized his leadership and persuaded him to transfer.

Soon, he was representing Nevada at the district level and, by 2018, holding multiple leadership roles for both the VFW and the Cooties. While living in California for work, Robbie

By 2021, Robbie’s dedication earned him national recognition. He was elected as the first-ever representative for Western Pup Tents not affiliated with a Grand, and at the Supreme Scratch, the Cootie’s national convention, he was encouraged to run for Supreme Junior Vice Commander.

Although initially hesitant, Robbie ultimately accepted the challenge and ran for the position. While campaigning, he raised nearly $50,000 to shave his 8-inch-long beard, helping to repay the money the Cooties spent on buying a snow plow for the VFW National Home.

In 2022, Robbie was elected Supreme Junior Vice Commander. This leadership role has taken him across the country, traveling tens of thousands of miles each year to support the VFW and the Cooties. Through all his travel and dedication, Robbie continues to embody the Cooties' mission of service, humor, and compassion for veterans and their families.

To learn more about the Military Order of the Cootie, the “Honor Degree of the VFW”, visit www.lotcs.org.

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WESTERN CONFERENCE ARTICLE The VFW Western Conference 2025 was held in Boise, Idaho on November 6-9, 2025. The conference included a variety of sessions to plan a great year ahead, along with social events to boost camaraderie within the western states.

The VFW Department of California would like to extend a congratulations to all the recently elected officers of the 2026-2027 VFW Western Conference, and a special congratulations to VFW California members: The Western Conference of the VFW is one of the four conferences within the National Organization. It comprises the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, the Pacific Regions, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

• Treasurer Deborah Johnson • Chaplin Frank Correa • Finance and Fundraising Committee Chair Paula Jansen • Time and Place Committee Member Ronald Hill

L.A. COMIC CON 2025 VFWCA brought the excitement to L.A. Comic Con with an amazing recruiting crew and welcomed 48 new members!

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EVERYTHING WE DO, WE DO FOR VETERANS

vfwca.org

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A LOOK INTO VETERAN HOMELESSNESS

In 2024, 28% of all veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States resided in the state of California. According to The 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 9000 veterans in California were experiencing homelessness during the time period they investigated, but the number is likely much higher. California has one of the highest populations of veterans in the nation, so it is not surprising to see that California also has the highest population of homeless and unsheltered veterans in the nation.

Homelessness is associated with multiple threats to physical health and mental wellbeing for veterans. And striking statistics on homelessness are not limited to only California.

Statistics about homeless veterans across the nation are proving the need for more support and better accessibility for resources and assistance.

The VFW Department of California is committed to helping our nation’s veterans, including through VFW Service Officers. Service Officers are accredited and certified by the VA and fight for the rights of our Nation's veterans on a daily basis. These highly trained professionals, specializing in all programs administered by the VA, stand ready and willing to provide whatever assistance is required. This includes services designed to prevent homelessness, and housing programs for veterans and their families currently experiencing homelessness. These services are available at no cost to veterans and their dependents and one does not have to be a member of the VFW to receive our services.

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans: • 51% of individual homeless veterans have disabilities • 50% have serious mental illness • 70% have substance abuse problems • 50% are age 51 or older

Learn more about VFW Service Officers and assistance through the VFW here: vfwca.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=74108

Across the nation and right here in California, homelessness is an ongoing concern for our veterans of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and more. Homelessness does not discriminate and no matter what demographic they belong to, our veterans deserve better. The numbers are improving, but there is more work to be done.

There are many organizations across the state and the nation who are also working hard to address the ongoing needs of our veterans. From large groups and small non-profits,

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WINTER 2025 · VFWCA.ORG every day Americans are working together to support those who sacrificed so much for our country. Check out a few of these organizations: CALIFORNIA VETERANS ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION

www.cavaf.org/ MISSION STATEMENT: To serve veterans and other individuals and their families who are homeless, at risk, and low income. To restore and improve lives by alleviating homelessness through information, advocacy, and service.

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF VETERAN SERVICE AGENCIES

californiaveterans.org/ ABOUT: Founded in 1995, the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA) is a consortium of five non-profit veteran service providers working in partnership to address the needs of California’s veterans. CAVSA’s geographic diversity facilitates the delivery of direct services in both urban and rural regions throughout the state, stretching from Eureka to San Diego.

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) webpage has a variety of resources and information on housing for veterans: www.calvet.ca.gov/veteran-services-benefits/housing No matter when someone separated from their military service, whether they served for a few years, or a few decades, every veteran deserves the benefit of receiving the support and resources they have earned.

NATIONAL COALITION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

nchv.org/ MISSION: The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) will end homelessness among veterans by shaping public policy, promoting collaboration, and building the capacity of service providers.

For additional resources through the VFW Department of California, check out the resources page on our website: vfwca.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=74089

Changes in the Number of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness by State, 2023-2024*

*Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress.

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CLOVIS POW/MIA REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY Along with The Association of the United States Army, the VFW Department of California hosted a powerful ceremony on National POW/MIA Recognition Day to honor the courage and sacrifice of our prisoners of war and missing in action service members. According to current estimates, “more than 80,000 American service personnel are missing from previous conflicts and 38,000 are estimated to be recoverable” (www.war.gov/Multimedia/Experience/POW-MIA/).

The VFWCA honors the brave service members who were prisoners of war and remembers those who are still missing.

Their sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten. We remain committed to the mission of bringing our heroes home.

The VFWCA POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony is an annual event. This year, the event was held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District, in Clovis, CA. Department officers, auxiliary, and many others were in attendance, paying tribute and standing united to ensure these heroes are never forgotten.

We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with this important issue, and learn more about how they can get involved and support the cause.

Learn more about the VFW involvement here: www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-security-foreign-affairs

“MORE THAN 80,000 AMERICAN SERVICE PERSONNEL ARE MISSING FROM PREVIOUS CONFLICTS AND 38,000 ARE ESTIMATED TO BE RECOVERABLE.” -www.war.gov/Multimedia/Experience/POW-MIA/

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RECONNECTING WITH YOUR HUMANITY AFTER TRAUMA OR PTSD Veterans that are carrying emotional wounds struggle to come to grips with the effects of the memories inscribed in their minds. That pain, grief, anger, and mourning are appropriate normal human feelings. Human feelings! The emphasis is on the humanness of those feelings. We were trained in the military to do what I like to call “stuff and deny”. Stuff your feelings down somewhere and hide them. Deny you are affected and hurting. “Stuff and deny, stuff and deny!”

How effective is that? We know the answer. It seems to work for a while and then… We stuff and deny while we are working hard accomplishing our mission but what are we left with? Our mission, deployment or service may be completed but we still carry the “emotional baggage.”

Many of us prefer terms like “emotional baggage” to nefarious sounding diagnoses’ like PTSD, or others. God forbid we admit we are human!

The problem is that the baggage we carry has to be dealt with eventually. We can pay now or pay later. It may be a lot safer to stuff and deny now but that only leads to worsening cumulative effects on your mind and body.

Pain, grief, anger, fear, and mourning are normal human emotions and there is a critically important positive to that. In the midst of the negative and painful emotions it is those very emotions that remind us that we are still human after all. It reconnects us with that human feeling side of ourselves. Even though we were trained, and perhaps even made to feel we were superhuman warriors that can deal with anything thrown our way, we find we still have human feelings inside ourselves. Those feelings may be perceived and felt as weakness or a cause for shame and feelings of failure but those very emotions are what makes us human. We are supposed to react that way. We are supposed to feel.

All of you reading this are human. It is OK to be human. It is normal to have distressing feelings.

Try to reconnect with your humanness through this. And it may sound familiar but the best way to come to terms with this: talk to your fellow veterans. They get it. They understand. That’s one of the most important benefits of belonging to organizations like the VFW. Let’s talk sometime.

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STATE CHAPLAIN Frank Correa

“ALL OF YOU READING THIS ARE HUMAN. IT IS OK TO BE HUMAN. IT IS NORMAL TO HAVE DISTRESSING FEELINGS.” -Frank Correa, State Chaplain

Happy Holidays FROM THE

WINTER 2025 · VFWCA.ORG

VFW DAY OF SERVICE 2026 Each May, the VFW Day of Service signifies an opportunity for veterans to come together to serve their communities in ways both large and small. This includes events aimed at veterans, and events put together to help other members of the community.

The VFW Day of Service was born from the VFW Still Serving Initiative, which was introduced in October 2020.

The initiative aims to showcase the ways America’s combat veterans continue to give back to others. Across America, veterans give back at higher rates than non-veterans.

According to the 2021 Veterans Civic Health Index: • Veterans average nearly 30% more volunteer hours per year.

• Nearly 40% more veterans belong to groups working on community issues.

• Veterans outpace civilians by 15% in charitable donations May will be here before we know it. Now is the time to start thinking about the initiatives and events your Post might want to host for the 2026 Day of Service. Some ideas from past years include both events you can host and group volunteer opportunities you can have Post members participate in.

EVENTS:

• Food drives for local food banks • Blood drives • Park clean ups • Veteran resource fairs • Collect personal hygiene items for unhoused veterans VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Volunteer at local schools to read to children • Volunteer with a local animal shelter to clean cages, build something or help socialize animals • Volunteer at a local food bank to help unpack trucks, sort donations or stock shelves • Visit a local nursing home to socialize or do an activity

IMAGES FROM TODAYSVFW.ORG

More ideas and examples can be found here: todaysvfw.org/vfw-day-of-service-resources-event-ideas/ You can also partner with other Posts near you to host joint events. No matter how you choose to participate in Day of Service, your efforts are valued and your work is appreciated. todaysvfw.org/vfw-day-of-service-resources/

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VFWCA SPONSORS KFR DRAGSTER The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California proudly sponsored the KFR Dragster at the Famoso Dragstrip in Bakersfield, where the car represented VFWCA in style with the logo displayed on its side. It was the last race of the season and the KFR team took home the 2025 CHHR Championship title and finished as Hot Rod Heritage Series runner-ups!

State Commander Dave Kuta was there to show his support and cheer them on during the race. He also spent time connecting with veterans and encouraging VFW membership among those who are eligible.

Learn more about Kaiser Family Racing: www.instagram.com/kfr.topfueldragster/

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EVENTS FROM POSTS AROUND THE STATE Check out what has been going on around California!

VFW POST 67

VFW Post 67 (Sacramento) unveiled a powerful new mural honoring Veterans, a major project that reflects hard work, creativity, and dedication.

Community members, volunteers, and local leaders came out in support of this meaningful addition to the Post.

Incredible work!

VFW POST 1525 VFW Post 1525 (Concord) members brought spirit and community to Oktoberfest in Clayton to connect with locals and share camaraderie, showing that serving and supporting the community is something we can all celebrate.

VFW POST 1956 VFW Post 1956 (Menifee) proudly supported the Buckle Up BBQ with the Menifee Police Department at Texas Roadhouse.

The event featured free car seat checks, family fun, giveaways, and plenty of BBQ. Focused on safety and dedication to community connection.

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WINTER 2025 · VFWCA.ORG

EVENTS FROM POSTS AROUND THE STATE VFW POST 2075 District 4 Commander and Post 2075 (Hawthorne) Commander Tim Ibarra had the honor of serving as the Keynote speaker at the City of Gardena’s 56th Annual Veterans Day service.

Commander Ibarra reflected on his service as a Marine, and VFW Post 2075 members are proud to stand behind him as he continues to advocate for veterans, support military families, and strengthen the communities in District 4 through leadership and service.

VFW POST 2487 VFW Post 2487, in conjunction with American Legion Post 166 hosted the 10th annual Los Banos Veterans Day Parade.

With District 9 Commander Maryann Enciso serving as a reviewing officer, the event brought the Los Banos community together to celebrate service, sacrifice, and appreciation for all military veterans and their families.

VFW POST 2680 VFW Post 2680 (Placerville) hit the Auto Excellence car show for a membership drive, and it paid off. The post proudly signed 9 new members!

What an incredible turnout and great connections made with fellow veterans.

VFW POST 2814 VFW Post 2814 (Atascadero) hosted a fundraiser for the Atascadero High School Band, helping students hit the right notes while giving back.

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EVENTS FROM POSTS AROUND THE STATE VFW POST 2967 VFW Post 2967 members joined Irreverent Warriors for their Silkies Hike over the weekend in Huntington Beach, enjoying a day of camaraderie and fun with fellow veterans.

VFW POST 3199 In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, VFW Post 3199 (Modesto) raised money during their Friday night dinner fundraiser to support Team 3 Sisters in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement.

VFW POST 3787 Eighth-grade students from Innovation School visited VFW Post 3787 (Mission Valley), where they interviewed local veterans, including the Post Commander, Senior Vice Commander, past commander, and post and auxiliary members.

These young students are connecting with veterans and learning all about service, sacrifice, and what it means to serve our nation.

VFW POST 3788 Members of Kearny Mesa VFW Post 3788 spent the day lending a hand at Ross Elementary School, helping plant five new trees on campus. Their efforts brought smiles to teachers, staff, and students. Veterans continuing to serve their communities beyond the uniform.

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WINTER 2025 · VFWCA.ORG

EVENTS FROM POSTS AROUND THE STATE VFW POST 4647 & DISTRICT 17 State Commander Dave Kuta joined District 17 and Post 4647 NASCAR NAPA 150 at All American Speedway in Roseville for an amazing membership drive, connecting with the community and welcoming new members to the VFW family.

VFW POST 5477 VFW Post 5477 (Imperial Beach) made a difference in their community when members volunteered at the IB Neighborhood Center, packing over 100 bags of food to support local families in need. They are still serving and giving back!

VFW POST 5867 VFW Post 5867 (Lakeside Carter-Smith) had an amazing time hosting their community Trunk or Treat! The event brought fun and excitement to the local kids and community, with witches, pirates, princesses, and more, helping make the day a huge success!

VFW POST 6024 Four Vietnam veterans from VFW Post 6024 (Mission Viejo), Trustee Russell Johnson, Commander Harry Steelman, Sr. Vice Commander Rene Macare, and Jr. Vice Commander Ned Costa, visited The Wall That Heals during its stop at Grijalva Park in Orange, CA. The exhibit features the official three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

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EVENTS FROM POSTS AROUND THE STATE VFW POST 7420 VFW Post 7420 (Don Diego) and its Auxiliary continue to serve those who’ve served us with the support of Feeding San Diego and San Diego Food Bank. Every two weeks, the post hosts a food distribution event that brings veterans and community members together for connection, care, and camaraderie.

VFW POST 7907 Members of VFW Post 7907 (Poway) Linda Pool, Jessica Al-Amin, and SVC Paula Jansen joined with their families to take part in the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention walk in San Diego.

Together, they walked to honor those that we’ve lost, support those who are struggling, and continue to raise awareness. Mental Health Matters.

VFW POST 8470 Commander Ron Hardy of VFW Post 8470 (Kerman), along with fellow board members of the Armed Forces Honor Banner Committee, received commendations from Congressman Adam Gray for their outstanding dedication to honoring the service and sacrifice of active-duty members and veterans in the Kerman community.

VFW POST 8900 Two veterans proudly represented VFW Post 8900 (Fresno) in the Sacramento Century Challenge, completing a 100-mile cycling journey! They embodied the enduring spirit and strength that define the VFW community. What an outstanding achievement!

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EVENTS FROM POSTS AROUND THE STATE VFW POST 9148 VFW Post 9148 (La Mirada) teamed up with We Are Vets to cook and serve meals to homeless veterans at the VA hospital.

A Post member, Jessie, donated the food for the event and is working to launch his own nonprofit focused on providing meals and care to those in need.

VFW POST 9242 VFW Post 9242 (Hollister) and their Honor Guard was named the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year by the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce!

This recognition highlights their unwavering commitment to supporting veterans, their families, and the local community.

Congratulations!

VFW POST 9650 VFW Post 9650 (Anderson) Greg Wilson and Commander Trevor Brooke presented a $25,000 check to the Anderson Police Department to support the purchase of their new K9.

Community service remains at the heart of Post 9650's mission, serving veterans, supporting first responders, and strengthening the community they call home.

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Click the link below to subscribe to the digital distribution list of The California Veteran, and to receive news updates from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California.

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WINTER 2025 · VFWCA.ORG

VETERANS FREEBIES OR DISCOUNTS The California Veteran Magazine is excited to be including valuable information on how our readers can access an array of exclusive Veteran Discount programs. From a variety of companies, these discounts are a small token of appreciation for your service. Stay tuned for details on how you can take advantage of these special offers, designed to support you in your daily life and beyond.

The VFWCA is not affiliated with these companies, and has not been paid for their inclusion in any list or article.

FANATICS:

MICHAELS:

L.L. BEAN:

Football season is in full swing, and there’s no better time to show off your favorite teams in style all season long.

Fanatics is showing appreciation for those who served by offering a 15% discount. To take advantage of this offer, veterans can follow these simple steps:

The holidays are approaching, so it’s time to stock up on supplies for festive crafts, handmade gifts, and holiday decor. By registering through the Michaels Rewards program, veterans get a 15% discount on their entire purchase, both in-store and online.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Verify Eligibility: Select your favorite sports merchandise, and at checkout, verify your eligibility status.

1. Verify Eligibility: Visit the Michaels website, scroll down, select “About Us”, and then select “Michaels Military Discount”.

L.L. Bean is an ideal spot to find thoughtful gifts for the holiday season.

From cozy flannels and warm boots to durable outdoor gear, there’s something for everyone. Check out their holiday collection and enjoy a 10% discount for all veterans. Getting these exclusive savings is easy; just follow a few simple steps.

2. Sign In or Create ID.me Profile: Continue to sign in.

2. Sign In or Create Michaels Rewards account: Continue to sign in.

3. Enjoy the Savings: 15% off your favorite team’s merchandise, exclusions apply. www.fanatics.com

3. Enjoy the Savings: 15% off your favorite crafting finds. www.michaels.com

1. Verify Eligibility: Visit the L.L. Bean website, scroll down, and select “Military & Family Discount” and select “Verify Your Eligibility”.

2. Create SheerID Profile: Continue to sign in.

3. Enjoy the Savings: 10% off with a special verification code to find holiday gifts for you and your family. www.llbean.com

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VETERAN WINTER 2025

VFWCA.ORG

THE CALIFORNIA VETERAN 9136 Elk Grove Blvd., #100 Elk Grove, CA 95624