Issuu

VETERANS

SAN DIEGO

Vol. 9 • Number 10 • October 2026

MAGAZINE

CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

Military-Veterans

IN TRANSITION Careers & Education

Veterans Face Higher Identity Theft Risks PTSD: Managing the Avoidance Quicksand

MENTAL HEALTH

BEYOND THE UNIFORM YOUR NEXT MISSION Supporting Military Spouses Through Education Service Doesn’t Stop at the Uniform SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

Buy a home with a $0 down VA loan Because you served your country, you’re eligible for the special mortgage benefits of a VA loan. As a top VA lender,1 we’ll guide you through the home-buying process and help you take advantage of the benefits you’ve earned.

VA LOAN FEATURES • Options with no down payment2 • No Private Mortgage Insurance required • Cash-out and interest rate reduction refinance options • Access to our RealtyPlus® program—you could earn up to $9,000 cash back3

Scan4 to learn more or visit navyfederal.org/valoan navyfederal.org/VALoan

Navy Federal is federally insured by NCUA. 1Navy Federal Credit Union was included in 8 Best VA loan Lenders in May 2026 by money.com (www.money.com/best-va-loans). 2100% financing subject to all VA rules, guidelines, and additional program requirements. All loans subject to approval. VA loans may include a funding fee, which may be financed up to the maximum allowed loan amount. Navy Federal has no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency. ³The program is only available for individual home purchases/sales in the contiguous US, Alaska, and Hawaii, excluding Iowa and all employer-sponsored relocations. You are not required to receive financing through Navy Federal Credit Union in order to receive the benefits of this program. The cash back is only available with the purchase or sale of your home through the use of a program-referred and -approved real estate agent, and is offered in most states, with the exception of Iowa, Alaska, and Oklahoma, and is not available in certain transactions with restricted agent commissions (including many new constructions, For Sale by Owner, or For Sale by iBuyer transactions). Your assigned agent can help you identify any transactions where the cash back would not be available. The amount of your cash back depends on the value of the property you are buying or selling. Obtaining the full $9,000 cash back requires transacting in a property valued at $3 million or greater. To calculate your potential cash-back amount, please visit the RealtyPlus website: https://navyfederalrealtyplus.com/. The cash-back offer is limited to one cash back per property with no limit on the number of times you may use the program. In some states, a gift card or commission credit at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back. In Kansas and Tennessee, a Mastercard® MAX gift card will be issued with preloaded points that are ready for spending at specified retail establishments after closing. State regulations in Kansas limit the dollar amounts and the type of incentive. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing in lieu of cash back. Please check with the program coordinator for details. All real estate commissions are negotiable. Contact RealtyPlus for terms and conditions. Seller listing fees apply. This program is offered, in part, by Anywhere Leads Inc., which may receive a co-operative brokerage fee as a result of a referral to any affiliated real estate companies, including Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, Coldwell Banker®, Century 21®, ERA® Real Estate, and Corcoran. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. This is an advertisement and not a solicitation for agent representation if your property is currently listed with an agent. Anywhere Leads Inc., 175 Park Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940. Licensed broker in the state of Texas. Broker license #9009191. 4Message and data rates may apply. Visit navyfederal.org for more information. © 2026 Navy Federal NFCU 10299 (5-26)

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

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*The VA Funding Fee is the responsibility of the borrower and must be paid for by borrower, either by including in their financed loan amount or by paying through closing. Seller will not contribute funds to the VA Funding Fee. *VA financing available to qualified veterans and active duty military. Pricing, incentives, and availability are subject to change. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete details. Eligible VA borrowers can move in for as little as $0 down payment and $0 for closing costs on select homes at Costas by Shea Homes (Chula Vista, CA). Seller will contribute up to $15,000 toward allowable closing costs with our Preferred Lender. If closing costs exceed $15,000, the buyer is responsible for the difference, unless seller agrees to additional funds. The VA Funding Fee is the responsibility of the borrower and must be paid for by borrower, either by including in their financed loan amount or by paying through closing. Seller will not contribute funds to the VA Funding Fee. Loan approval subject to credit and underwriting requirements. This is not an offer for an extension of credit nor a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Restrictions may apply. Not all applicants will qualify. Incentive conditioned upon Buyer using our designated Preferred Lender. All rights reserved. Buyers are not required to use our Preferred Lender and may choose to decline any incentives tied to the use of this lender. **One year of HOA dues paid at closing on qualifying purchases; restrictions apply. HOA DUES provided by Seller as a Closing Cost Incentive, have no cash value and are subject to Buyer’s compliance with all terms of the Contract and the Incentive Addendum. Receiving this Incentive may alter loan to value ratio’s and as a result may result in higher down payments. Incentive available on select inventory homes only and on Contracts written between 8/17/26 through 9/27/26, which close on or before 10/31/26. Homeowner solely responsible for actual payment of any fees or assessments beyond the total credit. Incentive not available in all states, and may not be available with certain lending programs. Dues will be calculated based on HOA Dues at time of contract. See Seller’s Community Representative for additional terms and conditions. Community Representatives Josephine Hastings (DRE# 01928237) and Alex Arce (DRE# 01823987) are licensed sales agents at Costas. Shea Homes Marketing Company (CalDRE #01378646), Construction: SHSC GC, INC. (CSLB #1012096). This is not an offer for real estate for sale, nor solicitation of an offer to buy to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Features, prices, incentives, and promotions are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

EDITOR’S LETTER

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com

Monthly Columns What’s Next In Transition Eve Nasby Human Resources Paul Falcone

Veterans in Business Barbara Eldridge

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com Welcome to San Diego Veterans Magazine! San Diego Veterans Magazine is a monthly publication dedicated to staying connected to what matters most to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. We highlight relevant topics, emerging trends, and vital resources within the military and veteran community. Our coverage includes key areas such as the transition to civilian life (careers and education), mental health, healthcare, community support, and organizations that provide essential programs and assistance. Our editorial content—featuring award-winning columns—is created for and often by veterans, industry professionals, and organizations actively engaged in serving the military and veteran community. Proudly supported by the City of San Diego and a distinguished network of veteran organizations, resource centers, coalitions, and advocates, we are honored to showcase the impactful work of so many dedicated individuals. Through every challenge, our team has remained committed to ensuring no opportunity is missed to provide meaningful resources and support to our veterans and military personnel. On behalf of our entire team, thank you to our readers and the military-veteran community for your continued support. With your encouragement, we strive to make a lasting difference and positively impact the quality of life for veterans, service members, and their families. Explore both current and past issues at: www.sandiegoveteransmagazinecom/archives

Mike Miller Editor-In-Chief

mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com 6

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

Risky Business Hadley Wood

Real Talk: Mental Health Hope Phifer

PTSD: Reclaiming Control Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Aging & End of Life Care Shelly Dew Legal Eagle Kelly Bagla, Esq. Midway Magic David Koontz

Cartoons For Veterans Jerry King Contributing Writers Wounded Warrior Project Disabled American Veterans (In-House) Correspondents Holly Shaffner CJ Machado Lori Noonan San Diego Veterans Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, #41 San Diego, CA 92126

(858) 275-4281

mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com

San Diego Veterans Magazine is published monthly. Submissions of photographs, Illustrations, drawings, and manuscripts are considered unsolicited materials and the publisher assumes no responsibility for the said items. All rights reserved

October 2026 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

8 Midway Magic - Volunteer

10 Cybersecurity Awareness Month

12 Military Members & Veterans Targeted 14 Risky Business - Cyber Scares

16 Honoring Veterans in Public Service 17 Kurdian For Congress 18 Legal Eagle - Prop 40

20 Military-Veterans In Transition (October 2026) 22 Beyond the Uniform - Your Next Mission 24 The Greatest Infrastructure in History

26 Applying Military Skills in the Civilian Workforce

30 Supporting Military Spouses Through Education 32 Cybersecurity and Service 34 Business for Veterans

36 From Navy Sailor to Police Officer

40 WIOA for Veterans and Military Families 42 Don’t Let the Name Fool You (VBC) 44 Real Talk: Mental Health Tips

46 PTSD: Managing the Avoidance Quicksand 52 Hospice and Palliative Care

58 San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC) SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

Volunteer Trudi Lang - Flying the Friendly Skies of Midway The decades between the 1950s and 1970s are considered by many as the “golden age” of airline travel. Flying on a commercial airliner was widely seen as a special occasion, and flight crews were often portrayed with the same level of glamor as the Hollywood elite. Following her pioneering 30-year career with United Airlines, Trudi Lang brought her trailblazing spirit, along with finely honed sense of elegance and sophistication to the USS Midway Museum. Celebrating two decades of leadership with the safety department, she’s been instrumental in building a volunteer corps at the museum that is the envy of San Diego. “I was so fascinated and stunned by the magnificence of Midway, that I wanted to be part of it,” remembered Lang, who joined the Midway family only a year after the museum opened to the public. “I applied to volunteer in the safety department in 2005. Back then everything was new, but as a safety professional with United Airlines, the idea of "safety first” was solidly ingrained in me.” A San Diego native, Lang started as a stewardess in 1970, with a position title change to flight attendant a few years later. Regardless of her designation, the travel bug dug deep and stayed a powerful force for 33 years.

“I knew the Midway was here and I wanted to visit,” said Lang, who has amassed more than 10,300 volunteer hours. “My father was a Navy lieutenant commander. He passed away in 1976, but I knew he would have loved this, so I guess volunteering for Midway was mainly a way to honor my dad.” What she found at Midway in the earliest days of the museum was a blank canvas. Her decades of ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences for millions of airline passengers made her the perfect volunteer to help build Midway’s safety department. “We had no formal training then, and very few safety volunteers, so learning what to do was really up to us to figure out,” said Lang. “It was challenging. I did orientation for new safety volunteers for many years and also wrote a simple safety training program with the help of my dear friend and safety lead Carole Hansen.” Lang’s efforts and dedication did not go unnoticed, and she quickly rose in the ranks of Midway’s volunteer safety team. “I was encouraged in 2006 to become a safety lead,” said Lang. “I saw a need for some organization for our leads, and our team, and having been a purser with the airlines, I applied those skills to give us some structure.”

“I wanted the adventure, and I got it,” said Lang, who was based in Chicago, Denver and finally Los Angeles while with United Airlines. “The travel, and meeting and working with new people was what made me stay. I’ve been to 42 states and 15 countries. Every flight was different, so it was never boring. I retired in 2003 as an international purser and in late 2004 I moved back to San Diego to be with my fiancé, Sam.” Once she moved back home, she found Midway and her second passion. 8

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

Trudi helps visitors during their visit to Midway.

Trudi with former Midway CEO, Mac McLaughlin, at the Midway American Patriot Award Gala.

In 2011, she was selected as the museum’s volunteer of the year. Ten years later, following Midway’s rebound from the COVID pandemic, Lang was asked to join the museum’s board of directors as the volunteer representative. The volunteer position on the board was originally a one-year assignment, but Lang’s stellar efforts were so impactful, she was asked to stay for a second year. “I formed a committee of volunteers of the year and we met with many of the department heads every six weeks or so to talk about how we could recruit and retain volunteers,” said Lang. “I would then report back on our status and progress during board meetings. I think we were successful in creating a positive advocacy for the volunteers.” Having been with the Midway for 21 years and holding multiple positions, Lang has seen the tremendous evolution of the museum from simple beginnings to being the most popular and visited naval ship museum in the world. “I feel so fortunate that I’ve been able to be a volunteer on the Midway team for 21 years as I’ve watched it change and grow,” said Lang. “I think Midway is now state of the art. We have some of the smartest volunteers and staff. They are visionaries and have built it all out to be as real as possible. It didn’t happen overnight. I think we’re evolving constantly. We’re iconic, and not just in San Diego.”

www.midway.org/contact/volunteer-opportunities

www.midway.org SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared the month of October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. Over the years it has grown into a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online risk and generate discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale. October 2026 marks the 23rd Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Did You Know? Cybersecurity began in 1971 when researcher Bob Thomas created the "Creeper" program on ARPANET, prompting Ray Tomlinson to invent "Reaper," the first antivirus software.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

Let’s work together to build a safer digitalworld. We can increase our online safety through the following articles and whether at home, work or school, these tips make us more secure when connected. Take time to discuss them with family, friends, employees and your community so we can all become safer online!

"It’s the great irony of our Information Age — the very technologies that empower us to create and to build also empower those who would disrupt and destroy." - President Barack Obama

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

Veterans Face Higher Risks of Identity Theft By Scott Hermann, CEO of IdentityIQ®

With October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, now is an important time to focus on how you are protecting your personal information. This is especially true for military members, veterans, and their families. That’s because, unfortunately, military members, whether active duty or retired, are at higher risk for identity theft. Scammers take advantage of their dedication and service toexploit their personal and financial information.

Alarming Statistics on Scams and Fraud in the Military Community Recent data underscores the growing challenge military families face when it comes to scams and fraud: • According to the Federal Trade Commission’s Annual Data Book, last year more than 93,000 fraud cases were reported by service members, veterans, and their families. Among these, 42,766 were imposter scams, costing victims more than $178 million. • Also, according to the FTC, retired military members reported $350 million in losses from fraud last year, up nearly 20% from the previous year. • Active-duty service members are 76% more likely than civilians to report the misuse of existing accounts, such as their bank or credit card accounts. • In total, the military community lost $477 million to scams last year, according to AARP.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Why Are Military Members Targeted by Scammers?

Military status, whether active duty or retired, can make you a target for identity theft and other fraud. Here are some key reasons why: • Steady income and/or government benefits attract criminals looking to steal personal information and money. • Scammers may want to impersonate military members or government agencies using fake military ID cards. • Active-duty military members have frequent relocations – making it harder to spot early warning signs of identity theft. • Data breaches at government agencies have led to the sale of servicemembers' personal information on the dark web. • Military members often need to share personal information, such as the highly sensitive DD214 form, to verify service. In the past, Social Security numbers were also used as a way to identify service members and veterans.

• Deployments can leave military members without immediate access or the ability to monitor their bank accounts or credit card statements. How Can Military Members and Veterans Help Protect Themselves from Identity Theft? When it comes to protecting personal and financial information, it’s important to stay ahead of identity thieves and take action. Here are steps military members and veterans can take to help protect their families and themselves: • Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager for added security. • Enable multifactor authentication when available. • Set up an active-duty alert with credit bureaus when deployed. This requires lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts. • Use an identity theft protection service that provides access to your credit reports and scores as well as realtime alerts for possible fraud. • Regularly review credit reports and dispute any inaccuracies with the major credit bureaus. • Monitor bank and credit card accounts monthly to identify possible suspicious activity. • Report lost or stolen military or veteran ID cards immediately. • Use antivirus software and virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect your devices and online activity. • Be cautious about where and when you share personal information.

Warning Signs of Identity Theft When your information has been compromised, there are a few warning signs that should prompt immediate action. Those include: • Unfamiliar transactions on credit cards or withdrawals from your bank accounts. • Inaccurate information on your credit report.

• Bills or other communications from companies you haven’t done business with. • Statements or other notices about credit cards or accounts you didn’t open. • Debt collection calls for unknown debts.

• Denied credit applications, especially if your credit was previously good.

• Missing mail or emails from companies you do business with. • Inaccuracies on your IRS account or Social Security statement. How to Report Identity Theft If you suspect identity theft, here are steps you can follow to report the fraud: 1. File a report with your local law enforcement agency. 2. Contact your state’s attorney general for legal assistance.

3. Report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 877-382-4357. 4. Freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus – Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®.

5. Reach out to your installation’s Personal Financial Manager (PFM) and Legal Assistance Office for financial and legal advice. Bottom Line

Military members and veterans are at greater risk for identity theft and fraud. However, there are steps you can take to help protect your personal information and reduce the risk of financial loss. This includes having identity theft protection services that monitor for threats to your identity and finances. IdentityIQ® Military Discount

Military members, veterans, and their families can begin protecting themselves now with IdentityIQ identity theft protection services. These services include identity and credit monitoring, real-time fraud alerts, device privacy and security, and $1 million in identity theft insurance, underwritten by AIG. In appreciation of your service, IdentityIQ offers a 25% military discount to military members, veterans, and their families. For more information, visit www.identityiq.com/veterans. SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

RISKY BUSINESS Insurance Info & Risk Management Tips By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com • Stay in the ‘Know’ – Make a point to read up on the latest ‘Bad-Actors’ in the Cyber world and know what the latest threats are. There are many media outlets that focus on this specifically.

CYBER SCARES If you have ever turned on your computer to find the ‘blue screen of death’ staring back at you, you know how scary that moment can be! All of us, and especially business owners, rely so heavily on our computers for our daily lives it is nearly impossible to think about living and working without them. Computers have become our lifeline to our connections, finances, research, clients, supply chains and more and when they are compromised, we are left in the dark. Cyberattacks have increased ten-fold in the last 9 years and it is a lucrative, big business all over the world. There are all types of attacks, but bottom-line cyber criminals are looking to access data to leverage for money. The primary types of attack include – Malware (includes Ransomware and Adware), Phishing, Spoofing, Denial of Service, Social Engineering, Insider, and now AI Threats. It seems like a game of Wack-A-Mole and staying on top of the threats can be a daily chore and pose an existential risk to most businesses. So, what can we do to minimize the risk of cyberattacks? Here are 10 considerations to add to your risk management for cyber control: • Cyber Liability coverage –This should be a piece of your insurance package and may be included in your General Liability or as a stand-alone policy.

• Train Employees to recognize threats – the cyber criminals are very savvy and will use all types of email and phone Phishing to lure in targets. Employees need to be trained to be aware and not give out sensitive information to unknown trolls. • Password Changes – Changing passwords can be a real pain, but it needs to be done frequently! Consider using a password manager such as KEEPER or RoboForm to assist in password management. • Anti-Virus Software – Every computer needs to have this installed but make sure you have the correct and updated versions. Connect with your IT person to recommend the best software for you and update as needed.

• Off-Board Employees properly – Terminated employees might be out for revenge. Access to company data, passcodes, equipment and sensitive information should be halted immediately when an employee is terminated.

• Back Up Data daily/weekly – Daily back up to a remote hard drive or USB should be part of your process. A cloud service like Carbonite can be helpful also.

• Create a Passcode for Friends and Family – Some really terrible cyber criminals use family and friends to get to your data by posing as loved ones in need. Create a secret passcode to use to identify whether the threat is real. • Go to the Source Directly – if you receive an email, phone call or letter with some type of threat from the IRS, Bank, a Vendor, Client, etc. It could easily be a Spoofing attack. Connect separately and directly with the source to verify.

• IT Professional – Every business should retain an IT person to call on a minutes notice to fix and remedy any computer issues.

It takes a lot of effort and diligence to be cyber secure and even with all of this, there is always a threat - but with the right measures in place, the risk can be substantially reduced.

• Stay in the ‘Know’ – Make a point to read up on the latest ‘Bad-Actors’ in the Cyber world and know what the latest threats are. There are many media outlets that focus on this specifically.

If you want to learn more about this subject or have questions about business insurance, please reach out to me at hadley@hlinwood-insurance.com

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

www.identityiq.com/veterans

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

Honoring Veterans in Public Service By the Lincoln Club Business League For many veterans, leaving active duty begins another chapter of service. Across San Diego County, former service members contribute through education, healthcare, government and volunteer work. Some continue serving in the reserves while building careers and raising families. The Lincoln Club Business League recognizes eight veterans seeking public office this year: Jim Desmond, Armen Kurdian, John McCann, Ricky Hoyt, Alan Kholos, Tanner Horsley, Rick Robinson and Randy Lenac. Their backgrounds reflect different paths through military and civilian life. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, a congressional candidate, served in the Navy before pursuing aviation. His civilian career includes 33 years as a Delta Air Lines pilot, business ownership and service as mayor of San Marcos. Fellow congressional candidate Armen Kurdian retired as a Navy captain after 25 years, including service as a naval flight officer and work in military acquisition. Chula Vista Mayor John McCann joined the U.S. Navy as an enlisted member and was later commissioned as a Naval Officer. He was mobilized to serve “boots on the ground” in Mosul, Iraq, during the War in Iraq. McCann continues to serve his country as a full Commander in the United States Navy Reserves while serving as Mayor and running for re-election. Coronado City Council candidate Ricky Hoyt is a Naval Academy graduate whose career included flying H-60 helicopters and V-22 Ospreys, instructing pilots and leading sailors. After active duty, he remained a Navy Reserve pilot while operating a small business in Coronado. Alan Kholos, a candidate for the Del Mar Union School District Board of Trustees, served seven years on active duty as an Air Force officer. His civilian experience spans engineering, business, law and public education. Escondido City Council candidate Tanner Horsley is a Marine Corps veteran whose civilian career includes information security. After military service, he pursued studies in information technology and business management. His ties to Escondido stretch from his years as a young Marine to raising a family there. 16

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

Oceanside Councilmember Rick Robinson, seeking reelection, is a Navy veteran and American Legion Post 760 member. His public service includes a firefighting career and service as Oceanside’s fire chief. Randy Lenac, a candidate for the Grossmont Healthcare District Board of Directors, served in the Marine Corps from 1975 to 2002, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He subsequently entered healthcare administration and joined the district board in 2014. These stories also offer an opportunity to recognize veterans whose contributions happen outside the public spotlight, and the families who support them. Their families have shared the responsibilities of military life, too. The Lincoln Club Business League thanks these eight individuals for their military service and extends that appreciation to veterans throughout San Diego County. Their service and their families’ sacrifices deserve lasting recognition. In addition to its candidate endorsements, the Lincoln Club Business League has endorsed Proposition 39 (Voter ID). In the upcoming elections, please remember to vote!

Decades Protecting From Above, Now Securing the Homefront

I also serve on the Board of Directors of the Veterans Writing Group of San Diego County, which gives veterans a place to connect and share their stories through memoirs, poetry, and personal short stories (www.veteranswritinggroup.org).

After 25 years in the Navy, I thought I understood what a hard pivot meant.

Today, I'm running for Congress in California's 49th District (KurdianForCongress.com), home to one of the nation's largest concentrations of active-duty service members, veterans, and military families.

I retired back to San Diego County, continuing my work in the defense and engineering community, solving complex technical and management problems. Just as before, everything I do is measured in terms of results and outcomes, holding myself accountable to the taxpayers.

I know what it means to serve and what our families sacrifice; I’ve lived it. It's the start of a new mission.

After Lindi & I adopted our son, things became personal. Now I had to think about the community where we're raising our family and the country our son will inherit.

It's more important than ever for patriots like us to stand together to protect what matters. Running for office is not about me; it’s about you. It’s about public service. In Congress, I'll treat affordability as one economic system, not a collection of separate problems. Managing complex systems is my specialty: eliminating redundancy, finding efficiencies, and using out -of-the-box thinking to cut costs and achieve better results, all the while ensuring accountability to the taxpayers.

That drew me into public service. I became active in local politics I became

"For 25 years, I solved tough problems for our Navy and made life-critical decisions under high pressure. Now I'm ready to solve the tough problems facing California and help make the SoCal dream real again."

active in local politics and ran for Vista City Council. I lost by just 30 votes. It was a hard pill to swallow, but the military taught me that when the mission doesn't go your way, you get back up and keep fighting.

— Armen "Burglar" Kurdian, U.S. Navy Captain (Retired)

Armen

Kurdian For Congress

LEADERSHIP

NAVY CAPTAIN (RET) AEROSPACE ENGINEER COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVER HUSBAND FATHER NEIGHBOR STILL SERVING

TRAINED BY SERVICE

He spent 25 years ensuring our service members came home. Now, he's fighting for the place we call home.

A safe return deserves a secure home front.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

VOTE BY NOV 3

MENTAL HEALTH

CIVILIAN VETERAN RESOURCES EMPLOYMENT

FOR A STRONGER CALIFORNIA DISTRICT 49

SCAN TO READ ARMEN'S PLAN FOR CALIFORNIA VETERANS

PAID BY FOR BY KURDIAN FOR CONGRESS | Photos in uniform do not necessarily reflect endorsement by the Dept of Navy or Dept of War | KurdianForCongress.com

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

legal Eagle

Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners By Kelly Bagla, Esq. www.BaglaLaw.com

PROP 40

THE BILLIONAIRE TAX VS. THE OFFSHORE TRUST: INSIDE CALIFORNIA’S PROP 40 AND WEALTH PROTECTION

The landscape of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in California is facing a massive legal shift. On November 3, 2026, voters will decide on Proposition 40 – the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act. If passed, Proposition 40 will impose a one-time 5% excise tax on the worldwide net worth of California residents and applicable trusts valued at $1 billion or more. Because this tax targets wealth globally, many are asking a critical question: can offshore asset protection structures shield wealth from a state-level wealth tax? The short answer is NO! CRITICAL MECHANICS OF PROPOSITION 40

Proposition 40 is engineered to prevent the standard exit strategies that ultra-wealthy individuals typically deploy. The legislation uses a lookback date. If you were a California resident on January 1, 2026, you are on the hook for the tax. Moving out of the state after the date does not eliminate your liability. Your worldwide net worth will still be officially valued on December 31, 2026. The act specifically targets “applicable trusts.” The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is granted broad powers to look through domestic and foreign trust structures to value asset distributions and beneficial interests. While directly held personal real estate is exempt, any real estate held via corporate entities, LLCs, or limited partnerships remains fully taxable. WHY OFFSHORE TRUSTS WILL NOT STOP THE WEALTH TAX

Many mistakenly believe that moving capital into an Offshore Asset Protection Trust in jurisdictions like the Cook Islands, or Belize legally removes those assets from the California tax bases. In reality, the legal frameworks overlap in dangerous ways. Offshore trusts created by U.S. citizens are almost always categorized as grantor trusts by the IRS and the California FTB. Legally, the government “looks through” the trust. The assets are still considered yours for tax 18

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

purposes, meaning their valuation must be included in your Prop 40 worldwide net worth calculations. Failing to report offshore assets to evade a state tax is criminal tax evasion. The FTB utilizes existing federal reporting frameworks, such as the FinCEN FBAR (Form 114) and IRS Form 3520, to audit global net worth. If an asset is disclosed federally, California will find it. While a foreign trustee can legally ignore a California court order to hand over trust funds, a California judge still holds personal jurisdiction over you. If a resident is ordered to repatriate offshore funds to settle a state tax debt and refuses, the judge can issue civil contempt sanctions, which can include immediate incarceration. STRATEGIC TAKEAWAY

Offshore asset protection remains an incredibly powerful tool, but its purpose is litigation defense, not tax avoidance. An offshore trust will beautifully insulate your wealth from future civil lawsuits, malpractice claims, or predatory business judgments. However, it cannot insulate you from statutory government taxes like Prop 40. To completely remove wealth from the scope of California’s aggressive tax reach, individuals must proactively sever all residency ties with the state, long before retroactive lookback dates are ever established. If you need help determining the best asset protection strategies, we can help. Timing is NOW. Click here https://baglalaw.com/contact/ to schedule your consultation. Becoming a business owner, you control your own destiny, choose the people you work with, reap big rewards, challenge yourself, give back to the community, and you get to follow your passion. Knowing what you’re getting into is smart business because the responsibility of protecting your business falls on you. Disclaimer: This information is made available by Bagla Law Firm, APC for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, and not to provide specific legal advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

Your next mission starts here. Whether you're pursuing a new career, higher

education, entrepreneurship, or trusted legal resources for veteran business owners, you'll find the support, insights, and practical guidance you need from successful transitioning service members, veterans, military-friendly employers, and schools. Visit Veterans-In-Transition and take the next step with confidence.

sandiegoveteransmagazine.com/category/veterans-in-transition

Military-Veterans

IN TRANSITIO 20

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

Military-VETERANS IN TRANSITION SDVM October 2026 ISSUE

22 Beyond the Uniform 24 Greatest Infrastructure Project 26 Military Skills Civilian Workforce 28 LAPU / Azusa Pacific 29 HealthStaff Training Institute 30 Military Spouses - Education 32 Cybersecurity and Service 33 Infused: Recruiting. Simplified

34 Business for Veterans 35 Knauss School of Business USD 36 Navy Sailor to San Francisco Police Officer 38 ICOHS College 39 San Diego Police Department is Hiring 40 WIOA for Veterans & Military Families 41 Dress for Success (WFFS)

ON SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

These experiences do not mean you have failed at transition. They mean you are working through a significant life change. Start With Identity, Purpose, and Direction Through REBOOT, we encourage transitioning service members and veterans to examine the beliefs, habits, and expectations they bring into civilian life. Your military experience remains a valuable part of who you are. It does not have to define every choice you make next. “What are you going to do when you get out?”

Start by asking yourself:

It is a question nearly every transitioning service member hears. Usually, the expected answer is a job title, a college program, or a business idea. Yet beneath that question lies something more personal:

• What activities give me energy and a sense of accomplishment?

“Who do I want to become in the next chapter of my life?” After 26 years in the Navy and years of helping fellow veterans navigate civilian life, I have learned that transition requires more than a résumé and a separation checklist. It requires time to understand yourself beyond the uniform— and permission to imagine a future that may look different from your military past. At National Veterans Transition Services, Inc., known as REBOOT, that is where our work begins. The Person Behind the Résumé Military service provides structure, shared purpose, and a community that understands your role. You know where you belong, what is expected, and how your work contributes to the mission. Leaving that environment can bring opportunity and uncertainty at the same time. Decisions about employment, education, where to live, and how to support your family become interconnected questions without a single clear answer. You may have strong qualifications and still feel unsure of your direction. You may accept a position that uses your skills but leaves you unfulfilled. You may enroll in school because it seems like the logical next step without knowing where that education will lead. 22

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

• Which strengths do I want to use in my next chapter? • What matters most to me and my family now? • What kind of contribution do I want to make? Your answers can help you evaluate opportunities with greater clarity. A career choice becomes more meaningful when it connects your abilities with your interests, values, and desired lifestyle. Give Your Next Step a Purpose Education can open doors, but it helps to know which door you want to walk through. Before selecting a degree or training program, explore the work it prepares you to do. Talk with people in that occupation about their daily responsibilities and qualifications. Apply that same curiosity to employment. Look beyond the job title and salary. Consider the workplace culture, opportunities to grow, and whether the position fits your strengths and family priorities. If business ownership interests you, begin with the customer. What problem can you solve? Who needs that solution? Military leadership and persistence can serve you well, but a business idea becomes stronger when tested through real conversations. You do not need every answer immediately. You need a direction and a practical next step.

Three Actions for This Month Write a personal mission statement. In two or three sentences, describe the person you want to become, the contribution you want to make, and what a fulfilling life means to you. Have one exploratory conversation. Speak with a veteran, employer, educator, or business owner in a field that interests you. Ask what the work is actually like and what they wish they had known before starting. Build your support team. Include your spouse or family, a trusted peer, and someone who can help you explore opportunities. Transition is personal, but you do not have to navigate it alone Take the Next Step With REBOOT Lite If these questions sound familiar, I encourage you to attend our next REBOOT Lite™ workshop. This three-day experience gives you dedicated time to explore your identity, purpose, and passion alongside others navigating their own next chapter. It is an opportunity to pause, reassess your direction, and begin connecting what matters to you with what comes next. REBOOT Lite is offered at no cost to transitioning service members, veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses across all service eras. Whether you are preparing to separate or have been out for years, you are welcome. You do not need a finished plan to begin. Visit www.nvtsi.org to find the next REBOOT Lite workshop and registration information. Your service gave you experience, discipline, and perspective. Your next mission begins by deciding how you want to use them. Give yourself three days to focus on your future. Maurice D. Wilson, MCPO, USN (Ret) Pres/ED National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. aka REBOOT Cell: 619-602-2577 | Office: 619-822-2704 Fax: 866-535-7624

E-mail: Maurice@nvtsi.org | Website: www.nvtsi.org Mission: To REBOOT the Lives & Careers of Transitioning Military, Veterans, and Spouses

Schedule a Meeting: https://calendly.com/maurice-nvtsi Stay Informed: Join our Mailing List https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3k3zpLP

Get Assistance: Transitioning Active Duty, Veterans, Spouses https://cmvr.infojiniconsulting.com/

Did you know? Your military discipline, leadership, and unique skills are highly valuable assets, not just memories; focus on transferring that mission-driven mindset, building new habits, and actively seek out a renewed sense of purpose, and remember, you are well-equipped to thrive.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

Transitioning out of the Military into the Civilian Workforce? Finding a job in the civilian workplace may seem easy at first. After all, you have learned skills, practiced leadership and demonstrated initiative that will make you successful wherever you go. The reality, though, is that In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating, and you may feel totally disillusioned. We can help. In our Veterans In Transition archives you will find helpful and informative articles about what’s next in transition, veterans in business, career, advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, veteran franchises, legal tips & resources for veteran businesses and much more...

For assistance in your journey please visit: https://tinyurl.com/vet-in-transition Veterans-In-Transition

VETERANS IN TRANSITION

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

The Greatest Infrastructure Project in History Isn’t Going to Build Itself By Alok Chanani, Co-Founder & CEO, BuildOps and former U.S. Army Captain Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, recently said that what’s coming from the AI boom is “the greatest infrastructure project in the history of mankind.” He’s right. The data centers, the power grids, the physical backbone required to run it — all of it has to be built. Maintained. Kept running around the clock. The kicker is … we don’t have the workforce to do it. Not even close. Across the country, commercial contractors — the crews building and maintaining hospitals, schools, energy systems — cannot find enough skilled people to keep up with demand. Projects are delayed. Work that matters are sitting undone. Mike Rowe, who I had the chance to share a stage with at our annual user conference, Forge, put it plainly: we’re not ready for what’s already here, let alone what’s coming. The gap between what the country needs and the people trained to deliver it is massive. And it’s growing fast. So, who fills it? I’d argue the answer is already out there. They just took off their uniforms. Service Doesn’t Stop at the Uniform At our annual user conference, I ask veterans in the room to stand up. It’s never a small number. And there’s a reason for that. People who’ve served are drawn to service work. The trades are, at their core, about showing up for other people — keeping the lights on, the water running, the buildings standing. That’s a calling. And it maps directly onto what the military builds into you: the discipline to do the work right, the accountability to own the outcome, and the instinct to protect the people next to you. On a jobsite, you can see the mission. You can measure the outcome. You can stand behind the result. For veterans, that environment doesn’t feel foreign. It feels right. 24

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The trades don’t reward people who wait for perfect conditions. They reward people who execute under pressure, adapt when plans fall apart, and lead the person standing next to them. That’s not something you learn on a jobsite. That’s something the military already built into you. Why I Ended Up Here When I transitioned out of the Army, I was drawn to the people doing the work that keeps everything running. That pull eventually led me to co-found BuildOps, an AI-native platform built specifically for commercial contractors Working alongside contractors across the country, I kept seeing the same thing: not a lack of demand — a massive shortage of skilled people. The work is there. The opportunity is real. The pipeline isn’t keeping up. That’s why we launched Tyson for the Trades (www.tysonforthetrades.com) - an initiative focused on building the workforce the industry desperately needs. It’s about elevating the trades as a serious, dignified career path and creating real access for people ready to do the work. The discipline, the precision, the ability to lead under pressure — those qualities don’t expire when the uniform comes off. They belong on a jobsite. The Mission Continues Taking off the uniform doesn’t mean stepping away from responsibility. It means choosing where to carry it next. The country needs people who move toward the hard work. Who shows up when it matters. Who lead with accountability and take pride in what they build. The greatest infrastructure project in the history of mankind isn’t going to build itself. That’s the mission. And it has your name on it.

Alok Chanani is co-founder and CEO of BuildOps, an AI-native platform built for commercial contractors, and a former U.S. Army Captain who served in Baghdad. https://buildops.com

Did you know?

The greatest infrastructure project in the history of mankind isn’t going to build itself.

Veterans are a natural fit for tech jobs because military service builds a foundation of discipline, adaptability, and high-pressure problem-solving that modern technology roles demand.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

For assistance in your journey please visit: https://tinyurl.com/vet-in-transition Veterans-In-Transition

VETERANS IN TRANSITION

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

Applying Military Skills in the Civilian Workforce By Kaitlyn McCue Wounded Warrior Project The transition from military to civilian life can be daunting. It’s full of change, from everyday routines to professional expectations. Even the language of the civilian world can feel foreign, creating an invisible barrier between experience and opportunity. In fact, in the latest Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Warrior Survey, difficulty translating military skills to the civilian workforce was one of the top three reported barriers to obtaining employment or changing jobs. But veterans don’t have to navigate this transition alone. Redefining and Re-Finding Purpose After Service

“One of the most common challenges when transitioning out of the military is simply figuring out what comes next,” said Greg Martin, career and financial readiness director at WWP and a 30-year Marine Corps veteran. “There’s not much training in that — no mission brief for what those actual steps look like when the papers are signed.”

It’s time to get honest about the parts of your service that truly energized you. Look past the pieces you tolerated or “just got through.” Use that lens as a filter when you search through potential opportunities. Guide to Translating Military Skills to Civilian Language

Always assume that the person on the other end of your

resume has zero military experience. A hiring manager or human resources professional may know the basics, but it’s important to tailor your resume to the specific needs of the employer. Examples of Translating Skills

How to use common military phrases and skills on a resume for a civilian job.

The hardest parts of the transition to the civilian world are often overlooked, beyond the job search. Losing structure, community, identity — these parts of the puzzle can take time to navigate, but they’re just as important as the first step. So, what does come next? Where do you start when the boots are off? Rediscovering yourself. To figure out the next career move, you must first figure out who you are outside of your rank and unit, and what you want to do. Ask yourself: • What am I passionate about? • What’s important to me in a job? • What skills and experiences do I already have? Translate your skills and experience.

Civilian employees can’t decode your DD-214, but they need to understand and appreciate the origin of your skills. Start building your network

Your mission found you in the military. Now, it’s time for you to find your next one. Start having intentional job interests, make connections in the field, and build your LinkedIn and professional brand. 26

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

“It’s also important to remember that the skills you learned in the military, all of the techniques you’ve mastered, and challenges you’ve navigated, are transferable and can be leveraged for a new role,” Martin said. “In most cases, if presented in the right way, they’re highly valued assets in the civilian workforce.”

Veterans sometimes overlook these skills as “just a part of the job” in the military. But post-service, skills such as teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving can set you apart from other candidates. Both soft skills and technical expertise should be highlighted in your resume and in interviews. “Remember that this process, from writing the resume to completing the final interview, is about getting the employer to understand and appreciate what you’ll bring to the table. It’s easy to avoid talking about yourself because of how it makes you feel; we’re not used to talking about ourselves rather than the team,” Martin said.

What do I “really” need to highlight in my resume and interviews?

Focus on impact and results. You should confidently communicate what you’ve led, the actions you’ve taken, and the measurable impact, such as improved efficiency, reduced risk, or delivered outcomes. Military-specific details should be translated into business value by emphasizing leadership, accountability, and scope in terms that employers understand, including team size, budgets, or performance improvements.

But it’s key to landing a job with purpose, not just a paycheck. Remember to highlight the impact of your experiences, not just your teams. Own what you did, and don’t undersell. Frequently Asked Questions Where do I start?

Take the time to relearn yourself and determine what you truly want to do next. Don’t rush into the next phase or an immediate job. Take time to decide if you want to dive into the civilian workforce or even lean on your educational benefits to earn a degree or certification first.

Where can I go for help in navigating all of this?

• Transition programs and resources are available to you. Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors to Work® program offers career coaching, skills translation assistance, networking opportunities, and other skills development opportunities.

• WWP also partners with USAA to help service members prepare for life after the uniform through Transition Ready, a program that teaches about resume writing and interviewing, budgeting and financial planning, filing for VA benefits, and more. • You can also participate in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) offered directly from the military.

The transition from military to civilian life isn’t just about changing careers. It’s about translating a lifetime of leadership, discipline, and dedication into new opportunities. With the right tools and support, what once felt unfamiliar can become a space to thrive. “You’re not starting over, or losing everything you built,” Martin said. “You’re carrying forward skills that have already been tested, proven, and earned in a new way.”

How do I ensure civilians understand what I’m trying to translate? There can be a communication gap between civilian

employers and veterans trying to explain their skills and accomplishments. You can bridge this gap by taking the time to translate your military jargon into civilian job titles and experiences. Remember that while civilians may not be familiar with military structures or vocabulary, you can highlight adaptability, resilience, and leadership in a way that helps them to start learning.

Greg Martin

To learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org or call 888.997.ALUM (2586) to connect with the WWP Resource Center.    SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

“It Takes a Village”: Supporting Military Spouses Through Education A Military Spouse’s Journey Balancing Service, Family and Education

San Diego Veterans Magazine sat down with Sara Doran, military spouse and student at National University, and Meg O’Grady, Senior Vice President of Military and Government programs at National University. Sara talks about her experience navigating school and family responsibilities as her husband is deployed, and how instrumental National University’s Nest Healthy Learning Center has been with helping her stay on track toward earning her degree. Meg shares how wraparound support services help military spouses and Veterans persist in their education and career ambitions. The university has recently announced the opening of its second Nest location in Escondido. SDVM: Can you tell me a little bit about your background and experience as a military spouse? Sara Doran: I have been a military spouse for over 8 years, which has consisted of multiple deployments and trainings that have lasted a few months. My family and I have also constantly had to adapt to change and start over in new places – new education systems for my children and immersing ourselves in different communities – as well spending a lot of time away from family and support systems. Prior to being a military spouse, I was also in the Marine Corps for over 4 years as an avionics technician where I provided electrical components to F-18s and F-35s. I left active duty as a Sgt with many awards and certifications. I think having experienced military life from both sides has given me a unique perspective on the challenges military families face.

SDVM: How have you been navigating college during your husband’s deployment with work and family responsibilities? Sara Doran: My husband’s deployment has been seven months so far. Navigating college during this time has definitely not been easy, especially with no family nearby to help. My boys are pretty much always with me, so I fit schoolwork in wherever I can, whether that’s around their schedules or after they go to bed. Some days are harder than others, but finishing my degree is really important to me. I know in the long run it will all pay off. This experience has shown me that I am able to fulfill all my goals of being a mom, wife and future HR leader. SDVM: Can you share what National University’s The Nest is and how you are benefiting from it? Sara Doran: The Nest is National University’s co-learning center which provides comprehensive services to support the unique needs of working adults who are balancing education with their personal and professional lives. The space houses a collaborative environment where students can study, connect with peers and access student success and writing coaches, loaner laptops, WIFI and more. The Nest also provides on-site childcare through National University’s partnership with the Toby Wells and Escondido YMCA. This aspect of the Nest has been a huge help in allowing me to focus on my schoolwork. My boys love going, the staff are amazing with them and it makes me feel good knowing they are somewhere they feel safe and

SDVM: What inspired you to go back to school and pursue a Master of Art in HR management? Sara Doran: After leaving the military, I knew I wanted to do something that was bigger than just being a wife and mom. I had built so much momentum from completing my bachelor’s degree in general studies with a focus in management that I didn’t want to stop. From there, I went straight to pursue my master’s with National University. I chose HR as a career pathway because I’ve always enjoyed working with people, and I really like the recruiting and staffing side of the profession. I’m excited to continue furthering my education in the field and seeing where it takes me on a professional level. 30

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

www.nu.edu

comfortable while I am focusing on pursuing my education. It really has given me a taste of the saying “it takes a village,” which I don’t always have. The Nest has recently expanded to a second location from its main campus in San Diego, in Escondido. It’s great to see that even more families in the Inland Empire will be able to receive the same support and services that I have found to be very important as a student. SDVM: What advice would you give to other military spouses who thinking about going back to college? Sara Doran: Don’t wait for the perfect time because with military life there probably never will be one. There will always be moves, deployments and unexpected things that come up, but you can still make time for yourself and your own goals. It might not always be easy, but I’m really glad I didn’t let that stop me. SDVM: How can wraparound support services help military spouses and Veterans persist in their education and career ambitions? Meg O’Grady: Wraparound support services help military spouses and Veterans remain enrolled by ensuring that their well-being, family stability, and career trajectory matter just as much as what happens in the classroom. This includes offering flexible learning options – four-, eight- or twelveweek courses, offered online, on-site, or in hybridlearning formats – that make it easier to continue through relocations, deployments, caregiving responsibilities, or changing work schedules. Benefits guidance and emergency financial support can help students manage the cost of their education. We’ve also learned that mentor and peer networks are essential in helping students navigate their education journey, in which they can connect their academic work to meaningful employment opportunities. By coordinating these resources, universities can help military-affiliated students overcome barriers, stay on track academically, and successfully pursue their educational and career aspirations.

Did you know? Military spouses are building brighter futures while balancing military life, family and education. Despite frequent moves, deployments and changing circumstances, many pursue college degrees and career goals—proving their commitment to growth is just as strong as their commitment to family.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

Transitioning out of the Military and living your Best Life. Your service prepared you for the mission. Now it’s time to define your next one. For veterans and military spouses, take that same mission-driven mindset into civilian life. Set new goals. Build new habits. Discover new opportunities. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and seek out a renewed sense of purpose. You are equipped, experienced, and capable of more than you may realize. Don’t just live after the military—thrive, pursue your purpose, and live your best life.

For assistance in your journey please visit:

• https://tinyurl.com/vet-in-transition Veterans-In-Transition • https://tinyurl.com/SDVMArticles Article Archives

VETERANS IN TRANSITION

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

Cybersecurity and Service: Navigating Education and Career with Military Precision By Carly Donner

only gave me new skills but also renewed my existing CompTIA certifications. These kinds of credentials are essential for staying competitive in the job market, whether you’re aiming for a role in the military or the civilian sector. I’d recommend students pursuing cybersecurity prioritize certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These are recognized across the industry and give you a solid foundation on which to build your career. Balancing work and school can be challenging, especially with a demanding job like mine. That’s why I went with a competency-based program that allowed me to work toward my degree at my own pace. With constant travel and unpredictable hours, fitting in homework often meant late nights in hotel rooms or long weekends spent studying. Since I didn’t have to attend scheduled lectures or group projects, I could carve out time to study based on my other commitments. Since completing my degree, a lot of doors have opened. The certificates I earned during the program keep me competitive in my current MOS and will be a huge asset when I return to the fleet. I’ll be able to step back into collateral billets like Information System Security Officer or System Admin, making me more valuable to my unit. Beyond the military, this degree has set me up for a smooth transition into civilian cybersecurity roles whenever I decide to leave the service.

Cybersecurity & Service Getting into cybersecurity has been a rewarding but challenging journey for me, especially while balancing a full-time career in the military. My role involves overseeing various support functions—everything from admin to legal, facilities, and IT—across six states and 265,000 square miles. Yet, despite the heavy responsibility, I found myself drawn back to the technical side of my primary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in Communications, which I hadn’t been able to practice much in my current billet. That’s why I decided to pursue a master’s degree with a focus on cybersecurity. For anyone looking to enter the field of cybersecurity, credentials are key. My program at Western Governors University (WGU) embedded industry-recognized certifications into the curriculum, which was invaluable. For instance, earning the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker certificate was part of my program, and it not 32

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

The need for cybersecurity professionals is growing, and having both practical experience and academic credentials makes me feel confident about my future.

“For military members and veterans considering continuing education, I’ll say this: it is hard, but it is also easier than you think even with the demands of service life. Plus, the payoff is so worth it. Not only will you gain knowledge and skills that make you more effective in your current role, but you’ll also be preparing yourself for life after the military. Take advantage of educational benefits like Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill and keep pushing yourself—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.” - Carly Donner

infused.work

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

BUSINESS FOR VETERANS By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com

Is Getting the Year Done, Putting You in Overwhelm? When I have asked my solopreneur/small business owners how they plan and keep track of their work I usually find they keep overwhelming lists of to dos. As we approach this last quarter of the year I ask them and I ask you, what's your plan to finish the year strong? Having just finished preparing my notes for the Mind Masters 4th Quarter Strategy workshop I always stress that a specific plan of action is essential to progress and success. A worthwhile plan is more then a to do list, it is a design, a blueprint. • Action steps implement the chosen strategy and tactics to realize chosen goals and results. • Action steps or action planning is a tedious, but critical, part of the planning process. It is a matter of spelling out step by step each of the accountability steps that must be completed. It requires careful thinking about the timing involved and the manpower requirements.

Activities

Results

Projects

Commitments

Some of the things we do are routine, but we still need to be reminded about them, while projects or results require a more detailed list for completion along with time frames. It helps balance everything you do - in your work, home and personal life. On a weekly basis, when you do your planning, it is easy to choose the things from each list that must be done within that time frame. Each day, based on your schedule you can easily funnel specific actions down knowing you have allotted the time to complete them. Regardless of your year-to-date results, you and I both know that no matter how good or bad your results have been, you can always do better - much better, because EVERYTHING COUNTS!

• Action steps with completion dates can also provide a measurement of progress towards any objective. Breaking each task down to small steps keeps the process from being overwhelming. It allows time for skill development. Complex skills take practice. Small action steps increase the mastery of the game, which adds to the passion, and creativity needed to sustain the motivation for winning. Over the years my own experience of working with a PDA caused me to be overwhelmed. I went back to a system that had helped me put organization into my to do list. It’s called a Planner Pad (www.plannerpad.com). It has been the key for me to take control of my plans, projects and goals once I have clearly defined what I wanted to accomplish in all the areas that require attention. Yearly, quarterly and monthly planning has been an important aspect of Mind Masters from day one – but having a way to filter those plans into productive action needed a tool that would get me the results I wanted. The key is to categorize your high priority, high payoff items first, both business and personal. They can be referred to as: 34

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

About the Author

Barbara Eldridge has built a solid reputation as a Results strategies specialist, within industry and business over the past 40 years. Her unique message, since starting Mind Masters 30 years ago for entrepreneurs and small business owners, continually stresses vision, purpose and values as the key elements of business philosophy. Her undying compassion for the entrepreneur’s journey, her tireless capacity to listen, and her sincere enthusiasm for other’s success have insured her growing influence and her own mastery with Mind Masters. www.mindmasters.com

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

From Navy Sailor to San Francisco Police Officer By Holly Shaffner

“Being able to talk to people, figure out what they are going through, and what they need is a huge portion of the job. I enjoy interacting with the public, and engaging in what I call verbal judo.” - Officer Cindy Ovares

Changing careers can be exciting, exhilarating, and filled with trepidation. Meet Officer Cindy Ovares who has made the transition numerous times – from active-duty service member, to student, massage therapist, teacher, and now police officer. The life experience she gained in those previous longterm jobs set her up to be successful today. She is doing what she’s always wanted to do – have a career that is challenging and rewarding. Cindy was like many seniors in high school as she contemplated what she would do after graduation. When the Navy recruiter called the house looking for her brother, the recruiter instead got an eager, independent 17-year-old woman who wanted to find adventure. Just a few months later, she was off to “see the world” and start her first career. As an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Petty Officer Ovares was a jet engine mechanic. It was a male-dominated job, and she wanted to prove that anything a man could do, she could do better. She attended military schools in Florida and Virginia to learn her trade, and was later stationed in Lemoore, California. She was attached to VFA-22, an F/A-18 Super Hornet squadron, that deployed on ships. After serving four years on active duty, she earned Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits, and chose to leave the Navy to attend college. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and being a fluent Spanish speaker, she was hired to be a high school Spanish teacher. The job was gratifying; but also, under resourced, understaffed, and had little room to grow professionally. She wanted something new and challenging, was drawn to the community where she grew up, so, in her late 30s she applied to be a police officer. 36

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Officer Ovares was accepted to the San Francisco Police Academy and has been an officer for the last three years. She is a foot patrol officer working in the Tenderloin District – a 50-block area that has a storied history, and has been known for homelessness, drugs, and crime. “Being able to talk to people, figure out what they are going through, and what they need is a huge portion of the job. I enjoy interacting with the public, and engaging in what I call verbal judo,” said Officer Ovares.

As a Latina giving back to her community, she admits that the job comes with highs and lows. Officer Ovares recommends a career in law enforcement for those military members looking to make a smooth transition to a new chapter. To learn more about the San Francisco Police Department, or to connect with recruiter, go to: www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/careers

For Officer Ovares, the parallels between serving in the military and serving in law enforcement made the transition go smoothly: • Routine – You know what to expect before your shift begins (what time to report, what uniform to wear, the structure of the day). • Camaraderie – The bond between fellow officers is like the bond between your fellow military brothers and sisters. • Variety – Every day is different with different assignments and duties, so the job is never boring. • Benefits – Include a competitive salary, paid vacation days, floating holidays, and sick days, healthcare, retirement, and special pay for certain assignments and being bilingual. SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

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Veterans Chamber of Commerce By Joseph Molina veteransccsd@gmail.com www.nationalveterans.org

WIOA for Veterans And Military Families The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wioa offers incredible funded programs designed to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military or veteran spouses launch meaningful civilian careers. While many look to this program for traditional employment, WIOA actually places a powerful, strategic emphasis on entrepreneurship. If you want to bypass the corporate ladder and build your own business, WIOA provides the funding, training, and resources needed to succeed as a small business owner. Transitioning to civilian life or navigating the frequent moves of military family life requires flexibility, and small business ownership offers the ultimate professional portability.

and financial statements. The course may include additional topics, but these are essential topics for new entrepreneurs. The National Veterans Chamber of Commerce actively helps the military community maximize these exact benefits. They provide dedicated support to guide you through the eligibility and application process smoothly, connecting your entrepreneurial drive with the right government funding source. We at the NVCC are always happy to help those interested and committed to achieving their goals, just let us know where you are, and we can help you arrive to your entrepreneurial destination. Take a look at the program to help you decide if this is a path is for you. veteranschamber.online/wioa

WIOA directly supports this path by covering the costs of essential business training, professional certifications, and technical education. These resources help you develop critical skills in financial management, marketing, and strategic planning, ensuring you can build a sustainable enterprise in high-demand industries. This is a great resource that offers guidance and training on how to build your business by providing the needed foundation and exploring entrepreneurial ideas. New and Innovative ideas are the trademark of entrepreneurs. Navigating government programs can feel complex when you are trying to launch a new business, but you do not have to do it alone. What you should expect from an WIOA Entrepreneurship course: Complete courses should include topics such as the entrepreneurship Mindset, Financing options for new entrepreneurs, business plan development, licensing and permits needed to start your business, Marketing and Promotion and of course how to track your profit 40

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

The National Veterans Chamber of Commerce Joseph Molina National Director/Founder josephmolina@nationalveterans.org www.nationalveterans.org

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

Don’t Let the Name Fool You By Phil Kendro As children, we learn to crawl, walk, and then run. We begin with the simplest tasks, and only after mastering one step are we ready to take on the next. Military service follows a similar progression. We begin with initial training, move on to specialized schools, and eventually lead others in our respective fields. Whether someone serves a single enlistment or makes the military a career, however, that service eventually comes to an end. That creates a significant challenge. Service Members may spend months or even years training for their military occupational specialties, yet many receive only a few days of preparation for the transition back into civilian life. San Diego is a community in which Veterans and Military Spouses are both “blessed and cursed”. We have an extraordinary number of support organizations and dedicated community leaders, but the sheer number of available programs can be overwhelming, leaving many transitioning Service Members unsure where to begin. This was a quandary that I personally faced with good friends Kevin Cortes and Brian Grana all recognizing this reality. We developed the concept for an organization that could help Active-Duty Service Members and Veterans navigate the transition process. The following month, we held the first Veterans Beer Club (VBC) meeting at Second Chance Beer Company, a valued partner and friend for many years that, unfortunately, is no longer in business. Only five Veterans attended that first gathering, but the idea was simple. Within just a few months, attendance had grown to dozens of people.

The formula was straightforward: host a gathering each month at a different brewery somewhere in San Diego County and create a relaxed environment where people could connect. There were no membership dues. Attendees purchased their own food and beverages, did some networking, posed for a cheesy group photo that helped with social media outreach and preserved the memory of the event, and then went right back to networking. Although our events were held at breweries, we emphasized from the beginning that Veterans Beer Club was not a “drinking club.” The location might bring people through the door, but the mission was always about “Brewing Authentic Connections.” 42

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Our mission rests on three central purposes. First, VBC assists transitioning Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses, who have been an important part of our organization for many years. We connect members with multi-day and multi-month transition programs, share information about important events, introduce them to leaders across industries, and personally connect them with organizations that can help. Second, we help translate military service into community service. We encourage Veterans and Military Spouses to translate their “military service to community service” through nonprofit organizations, volunteerDaniel programs, civic groups, Evan

and public service. This work produces three important results: it improves our communities, places Veterans and Military Spouses in meaningful leadership roles, and creates new relationships. Through volunteering, people often meet future friends, mentors, employers, and community partners while learning about jobs and other opportunities they might otherwise never have discovered.

VBC’s success is also rooted in our belief in collaboration and cooperation over competition. Through partnerships and jointly hosted events with organizations such as Coast Guard Sector San Diego, the San Diego Military Advisory Council, the San Diego Padres, other professional sports teams, major universities, and numerous community groups, we have expanded our ability to declare, “We are here to help.”

Third, VBC preserves the sense of camaraderie established during military service. It provides a trusted network and a safety net of resources for Veterans and their families. By supporting, vetting, and working alongside reputable organizations that genuinely serve Veterans and Military Spouses, we also strengthen our local communities. VBC continues to engage senior Veterans and business leaders throughout the region, harnessing their experience and their passions.

VBC has become a Venn diagram connecting many of the leading organizations that support Active-Duty Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses, and there is always room in that tent for more. It has also become the “crawl, walk, run” of networking groups, preparing members to confidently engage with organizations outside the military community and expand their personal and professional opportunities. Networking can be intimidating for newcomers and introverts, but VBC creates a welcoming environment that makes it easier for everyone to connect, build relationships, and flourish.

One of the greatest outcomes has been watching VBC members return after completing their own successful transitions. They may initially attend because they are looking for employment, resources, or help navigating their first or even fifteenth career change. Once they find their footing, however, they frequently come back to help other Veterans and Military Spouses. We jokingly say that when a VBC member joins a company or organization, that person becomes a “virus,” spreading through the organization by bringing other talented Veterans and Military Spouses into the business and making it stronger.

From that first gathering of five Veterans, Veterans Beer Club has grown to more than 40 chapters across the United States. It is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a National Board and a record of helping thousands of Veterans and Military Spouses find employment, become more engaged in their communities, and discover a place where “Everyone knows their name.” So, what are you waiting for? Visit vbcsandiego.org or veteransbeerclub.org, and find Veterans Beer Club on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

Real Talk: Mental Health By Tami Brown, Case Manager The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD

Mental Health Tips for Veterans Adjusting to Post-Military Life As a retiree, the most difficult part is not leaving the uniform behind but having to retrain my mind and mannerisms that have been ingrained for 20 plus years. A common challenge I have faced, besides shifting from the military mindset, finding my own sense of purpose, and adjusting to my career change is navigating the change in my daily structure. While active duty, you are trained to think in this way: “To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late.” So, I found that when I was running late to any civilian appointment, event, or other engagement, my anxiety levels went through the roof. I would show up and apologize for being late (when I was literally on time), the response would be “oh, you’re not late at all.” The emotions run off the charts when I get such a relaxed answer; it is difficult for me to downshift. This is a process I am always working on and being aware of it is one way I manage anxiety. In addition, I have had to figure out new ways to take care of my mind. I have been involved in sports and fitness activities all my life, including military physical training. However, I realized this has not been enough to manage my stress levels. Returning to martial arts, however, has been tried and true for me to relieve stress, allows me to refocus, as well as satisfy my athleticism and need to keep learning. Outside of physical activity, I have taken up gardening (quite the opposite of martial arts). It is in this silence where I can also find peace. Learning how to solve problems, getting my hands in the soil, and going out early every morning and evening to check on my progress gives me a sense of accomplishment. Also, reaching out for help can feel like a slippery slope because I feel like I never know if someone is going to understand what I have to say, and the way I say it. I have realized my brain has a way it is used to communicate, and articulating my points may not be conducive to a civilian. As you can tell, there are many challenges when making the move from military to civilian life, and it’s not just one or two things from which we have to be aware of. 44

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As you can tell, there are many challenges when making the move from military to civilian life, and it’s not just one or two things from which we have to be aware of. There are a multitude of challenges veterans go through with just the idea that we no longer have an “automatic safeguard” with our military community when we take off that uniform. While overwhelming at times, it's important to remember that you do not have to navigate these challenges alone. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, finding a renewed sense of purpose, rebuilding your support network, or simply adjusting to a new way of life, help is available.

The Cohen Clinics at VVSD provides confidential, highquality mental health care for veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and self-awareness. Just as we learned to rely on our teams while in uniform, there is a community ready to support you after service. No matter where you are in your adjustment journey, know that hope, healing, and help are within reach. By Tami Brown, Case Manager The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD vvsd.net/cohenclinics

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PTSD: Reclaiming Control By: Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Psychologist and Trauma Expert

Managing the Avoidance Quicksand In this series, I’ve written about the wide range of symptoms and behaviors that can accompany PTSD. This month, I am going to focus on one that has an important impact on life, namely avoidance. First, some background. Our complicated bodies, brains and minds usually work together, much of it out of our awareness, because all the systems are in synch. But think, what if one system goes out of whack? As an analogy, what happens if we lose our cell phone or internet access, how many things we depend on are suddenly not working?

that recollection is that the actual challenge was not as bad as imagined. Another tip is to take a daily or weekly inventory of things you are avoiding, then choose one that might be most manageable. Set a commitment to tackle that challenge and review afterwards. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as expected, or at least, it’s over. Find a companion or support person, maybe another veteran or a family member. Let them know that you may need some assistance to put yourself into a fearful situation. Trust that they will be willing to help. Reducing isolation often makes tackling avoidance more possible.

We are wired to seek avoidance of pain, fear, distressing uncertainty, or markers of danger. With PTSD, intrusive memories of trauma(s), reminders of an incident, or nightmares are intense and out of immediate control. We have learned to avoid pain and danger as a matter of course: watch before crossing, don’t stick your finger in an open flame. In those circumstances, avoidance makes perfect sense. With PTSD, an exaggerated, trauma-triggered avoidance pattern often sets in. What others seem to manage readily, or we used to, no longer seems possible. As a result, life begins to shrink. Avoiding crowds, noisy or unpredictable situations, new relationships or friendships, even avoiding sleep in anticipation of nightmares: these will vary with the individual, but the core process is an adaptive coping skill that has intensified and backfired. With avoidance, come isolation, shame, loss of confidence, all pathways to depression.

The payoff can be considerable. One of my most cherished events in offering our Freespira therapy to veterans came from a wrap up session reported by his coach. This vet, a special forces guy, said that the sign that he was better was that he had been able to take his five year old daughter to the movies for the first time in her life. That simple story says so much: tackling his avoidance opened up areas of his life that had been tightly shut. Find you own way to look for your own opening.

Avoidance is one ingredient that can interfere with talk therapies. Even though the evidence is strong for the exposure-based therapies, it can be a tough sell to engage in or stick with a therapy that involves revisiting trauma reminders and memories. Left unchecked, avoidance in daily life begins to erode quality of life. The solution? Increase your expectation that you can manage the thoughts, feelings, memories, and situations that trigger you. Remind yourself of the challenges in your life that you have faced and overcome, and usually 46

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Dr. Cuyler is chief clinical officer of Freespira, an FDA-cleared non-medication treatment that helps people with panic and PTSD manage their symptoms by learning how to regulate their breathing. www.freespira.com

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

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Veteran Resources & Support Navigating the wide range of resources available to veterans can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

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AGING & END OF LIFE CARE By: Shelly Dew, CFRE, CDE Director of Philanthropy Hospice of the North Coast www.hospicenorthcoast.org

Hospice and Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference As a hospice professional, I know the words hospice and palliative care can be confusing. I also understand that conversations about death and dying can be difficult, especially when they involve someone we love. If you’ve heard these terms but aren’t quite sure what they mean, you’re not alone. The simplest way to think about it is this: palliative care focuses on helping people live as well as possible with a serious illness, while hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life when an illness has reached its final stage. Palliative care can begin at any point during a serious illness and can be provided alongside treatments intended to cure or manage the disease. It helps relieve pain and other symptoms while addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs. A palliative care team may include physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists who work alongside a patient’s existing healthcare providers. They can help patients and families manage symptoms, navigate difficult decisions, and understand what to expect as an illness progresses. Hospice has a different focus. To be eligible, a physician must determine that a person has a life expectancy of approximately six months or less if the illness follows its expected course. At that point, the focus shifts from trying to cure the illness to providing comfort, support, and the best possible quality of life. Hospice offers an interdisciplinary team that may include nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care providers, volunteers, and physicians. Hospice may also provide medications related to the terminal illness, medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, and oxygen, and other supplies needed for comfort and care. But here’s something I wish more people knew: hospice is not about giving up, and hospice does not cause someone to die. It’s understandable to worry that choosing hospice means the end will come sooner. In reality, the underlying illness causes the decline, not hospice. When people wait until very late in those six months to begin hospice, they may have less time to benefit from its support. Starting earlier gives patients and families more time to manage symptoms, ask questions, make plans, and have a team beside them. 52

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In my work, I see hospice as a way of giving people more support, not less. It can mean having someone to call when symptoms change, receiving help with personal care, or simply having someone who understands what you’re going through. Hospice also helps families understand what to expect and make decisions that reflect a loved one’s wishes. For Veterans, there can be additional layers to consider. Military service can shape how someone approaches illness, independence, and asking for help. Taking the time to listen to those experiences helps us understand what matters most to each Veteran. That’s why we encourage you to know Hospice of the North Coast before you need us. Learning about hospice doesn’t mean expecting the worst. It means being informed and knowing where to turn when support is needed. Call us anytime to learn more, ask questions, or have a friendly conversation about your options. Hospice isn’t about shortening the journey. It’s about making sure you don’t have to walk it alone.

Shelly Dew serves as Director of Philanthropy and Community Outreach at Hospice of the North Coast, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to compassionate end-of-life care, comfort, and support for patients sdew@hospicenorthcoast.org | hospicenorthcoast.org

hospicenorthcoast.org SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

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On a Mission to Serve Our Military While the military pledges to support and defend our country, this commitment can come at the cost of behavioral health. At Thousand Branches Wellness in Mission Valley, we honor the sacrifices of servicemen and women by proudly providing specialized mental health treatment for veterans and military service members.

If you or someone you love is struggling, call our 24/7 intake line 619-202-8586 for a level-of-care assessment.

Some of the issues we address: • PTSD • Depression and anxiety • Grief and loss • Relationship challenges • Work and career concerns

Our personalized programs can include: • Individual therapy with a licensed clinician • Weekly group therapy sessions • Medication management We understand the distinct challenges of military life and are dedicated to supporting those who have bravely served.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

3838 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 380 San Diego, CA 92108 ThousandBranchesWellness.com Physicians are on the medical staff of Thousand Branches Wellness – Mission Valley, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Thousand Branches Wellness – Mission Valley. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 254432318-4433814 11/25

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

RESILIENCY. GROWTH. BELONGING. Led by veteran facilitators, MOSAIC experiences blend physical activity, mindfulness, and resiliency education to rediscover strength, purpose, and connection in everyday life. Weekend programs open to all service members including active-duty, reservists, and veterans. https://tinyurl.com/apply-mosiac Apply today.

themosaicfoundation.org SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / October 2026

JOIN THE FORWARD MOVEMENT

THE SAN DIEGO VETERANS COALITION IS A COALITION OF OVER 150 UNIQUE NON-PROFITS, BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES ALL UNITED BY THE GOAL OF SUPPORTING MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY IN THE ARMED FORCES, THEIR FAMILIES, AND THEIR CARETAKERS.

SAN DIEGO VETERANS COALITION COMMUNITY • COLLABORATION • COOPERATION The San Diego Veterans Coalition was organized in 2009 and incorporated as a non-profit on May 24, 2011. Using the Collective Impact Model, SDVC is a premier San Diego County-wide monthly convener of over 150 unique member and participating organizations, businesses, and agencies, as well as convening many of that body in our four action groups, and other activities and events. The Collective Impact Model is based on leveraging relationships with other veteran and family serving organizations so that we may provide veterans and their families with a complete array of services and other opportunities. Many of the organizations that belong to SDVC specialize in one field (education, housing, employment, healthcare). Knowing what services each other provides, we can offer comprehensive support to our local Veteran community. We are proud to work alongside a wide variety of non-profit and for-profit organizations, as well as governmental agencies and individuals. The SDVC is a catalyst that inspires collaboration and cooperation among service partners to deliver premier support for Veterans in the San Diego region and beyond.

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ONWARD OPS Sponsors all complete a VA-Certified Sponsor Training Course and the Community Integration Coordinators are all validated as best-in-class, trusted, and capable partners in their local region. Our national network, working with the department of defense, the department of veterans affairs, and the department of labor, brings a team together in one common mission: to securely provide the information and relationships needed to help every transitioning service member successfully make the journey out of the military and into civilian life.

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com October 2026

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As the nation marks 250 years of independence, Liberty Station stands as a powerful reminder that America was forged by bravery and remains anchored in liberty. To learn more, please visit libertystation.com/events/250th-anniversary

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