The California Veteran Magazine - Spring 2024

THE CALIFORNIA VETERAN

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

WINNERS & BANQUET

EVERYTHING WE DO, WE DO FOR VETERANS A MEDAL-PINNING 80 YEARS IN THE MAKING

EVERYTHING WE DO, WE DO FOR VETERANS

A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE COMMANDER

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VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNERS AND BANQUET

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PATRIOT’S PEN WINNERS

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A MEDAL-PINNING 80 YEARS IN THE MAKING

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2024 CALENDAR OF KEY DATES & EVENTS

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MOAA® SB770 LETTER

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HOW TO CONVINCE SOMEONE TO GET HELP FOR THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

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7 RESOURCES YOU CAN USE TO MANAGE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

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SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER

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THE CALIFORNIA VETERAN IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES, DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA

It is an online magazine published four times a year to keep our members informed about important news affecting the VFW and veterans.

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

A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE COMMANDER

WINTER 2023

VFWCA.ORG

“REACH OUT TO YOUR FELLOW VETERANS, CHECK IN ON THEIR WELL-BEING, AND OFFER A LISTENING EAR. SOMETIMES JUST REACHING OUT, EVEN IF YOU HAVEN’T SPOKEN TO THE PERSON IN A WHILE, CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE AND PROVIDE THE SUPPORT NEEDED.”

-Tim Bryant, State Commander

To our Comrades, Brothers, and Sisters, As we enter the spring season, let us embrace the spirit of renewal and growth. Spring brings new beginnings and the promise of fresh life, both within nature and within ourselves. It’s a time to reflect on what new beginnings we can cultivate within our own hearts and within our great department.

In the midst of life’s challenges–whether they stem from work, family circumstances, or any other life situations–let us remember the power of connection. Reach out to your fellow veterans, check in on their well-being, and offer a listening ear. Sometimes just reaching out, even if you haven’t spoken to the person in a while, can make all the difference and provide the support needed. Let’s make it a habit to do buddy checks, lifting each other up in both good times and times of need.

Spring also presents us with a chance to rejuvenate our Posts, nourishing the bonds of camaraderie and goodwill that define our organization. Let this season mark the beginning of the VFW Department of California coming into full bloom, where we not only uplift

ourselves but also elevate our entire community. Together, let’s cultivate the seeds of positivity and growth, ensuring that our organization flourishes like never before.

Membership, while our national goal is to reach 102% membership, let us shift our focus from the grand scale to the individual Post level. Rather than being overwhelmed by massive national or departmental targets, let’s first focus on what our own Posts need to succeed. By setting our sights on a more manageable goal at the Post level, our aspirations will become more attainable and realistic. Also remember Our March Madness membership promotion – renew your annual membership this month, and the Department will cover your second year.

Finally, in the spirit of spring, let us embrace new beginnings and seize the opportunity to make a difference. Here’s to a season of renewal, camaraderie, and collective achievement.

Respectfully,

Tim Bryant State Commander

STATE COMMANDER

Tim Bryant

For over 30 years, I have had the opportunity to be a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in many capacities, but this year, serving as you Sr. Vice Commander, I have learned more than I thought possible. The leadership from the top down continues to push all of us into working harder for the organization, providing opportunities in our communities through the programs offered, and instilling leadership and comradeship within ourselves.

We have 4 months remaining and a lot of work to get accomplished. It is time to set the leadership for the 24-25 year with nominations in March and elections in April. We need to work on any deficiencies that were identified during our Post and District Inspections, continue our work with community

service projects all while working on recruiting, reinstating and retaining our members.

This is not the time to slow down, it is time to pick up steam to reach those pinnacle achievements of All State and All American honors while we head into State and National Conventions. Please know that as officers of the Department of California, we have been where you are, and are here to assist. There is nothing better than watching and mentoring others achieve success and recognition within the organization, no matter which post or district you are a part of. Utilize the tools and training materials on the Department and National websites to guide you as we enter into the last quarter of the year. Stay strong comrades, you have got this.

“THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO SLOW DOWN, IT IS TIME TO PICK UP STEAM TO REACH THOSE PINNACLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF ALL STATE AND ALL AMERICAN HONORS WHILE WE HEAD INTO STATE AND NATIONAL CONVENTIONS. PLEASE KNOW THAT AS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA, WE HAVE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE, AND ARE HERE TO ASSIST.”

-Deborah Johnson, Senior Vice Commander

SENIOR VICE COMMANDER

Deborah Johnson

California State Winners

1st – Eliza Bourne of San Juan Capistrano

Sponsored by Post 9934, District 2

2nd – Rebecca Lavond of Acampo

Sponsored by Post 8254, District 17

3rd – Katareena Roska of San Gabriel

Sponsored by Post 2070, District 11

4th – Evelin Rubio of Burney

Sponsored by Post 5689, District 8

5th – Elizabeth Allen of Fresno

Sponsored by Post 8470, District 9

Honorable Mentions

District 1 – Viraj Shirhatti of Poway

Sponsored by Post 9327

District 3 – Gracie Raxter of Menifee

Sponsored by Post 1956

District 4 – Shreyas Kulkarni of Cerritos

Sponsored by Post 7243

District 5 – Daniel Cabrera of Acton

Sponsored by Post 3000

District 6 – Katelyn Rushing of Lake Isabella

Sponsored by Post 7665

District 7 – Marissa Sabo of Arroyo Grande

Sponsored by Post 10978

District 10 – Fendi De Amicis of Pleasanton

Sponsored by Post 6298

District 12 – Adelyn Wu of San Jose

Sponsored by Post 344

District 13 – Valeria Chun of Ripon

Sponsored by Post 1051

District 14 – Yelisavieta

Valenska-Viazemska of Miranda

Sponsored by Post 6354

District 15 – Aurora Osburn of Reno

Sponsored by Post 3758

District 16 – Rebecca Youtsey of Dixon

Sponsored by Post 8151

From all of the student entries and VFW members who promoted the program, to the judges and program leaders, thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s program!

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNERS

“What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?”

Each year the Voice of Democracy program encourages high-school students to reflect on and respond to a patriotic theme. The audio essay-based program awards more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives to students across the country. This year’s theme was “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?” Our nation’s youth was asked to think about the fundamental values and principles that uphold our democracy, both historically and in contemporary society.

The California State Winner, Eliza Bourne, spoke about the importance of Democratic ideals not just in broad terms related to the governing of our country, but how they specifically apply to her everyday life. Eliza’s winning essay acknowledged how democracy can be present in all types of situations in modern-day society, and how important it is to pay attention to this.

Eliza Bourne is in the 11th grade at San Juan Hills High School. She is sponsored by Post 9934 in District 2. Eliza will move on to compete in the National Voice of Democracy contest this Spring in Washington D.C.

Congratulations to all the district winners and state winners of the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy program!

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY BANQUET

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY BANQUET

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY BANQUET

PATRIOT’S PEN WINNERS

“How Are You Inspired by America?”

The Patriot’s Pen essay contest is an annual scholarship competition for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students to express their views on a patriotic theme. Each year, students from across the nation submit an essay based on the annual topic. The 2023-2024 theme was “How Are You Inspired by America?” Every year nearly 68,000 students enter the youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards.

The Department of California’s First Place Winner was Ryan Palesano, an 8th grader at Scotts Valley Middle School in Scotts Valley. Ryan was sponsored by Post 4103 in District 12. His essay has been sent to the VFW National Headquarters as a nominee for the National Patriot’s Pen Essay.

Congratulations to the winners and finalists across the state, and thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Patriot’s Pen essay contest!

Learn more about the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest HERE, or by visiting https://vfwca.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=74118 .

Annual Award Programs by the Numbers

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY PROGRAM

718 students participated

$52,345 in scholarships awared $27,486 in other program expenses

PATRIOT’S PEN PROGRAM

1,868 students participated $33,300 in scholarships awared $8,614 in other program expenses

TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM

92 Teachers participated

47 Posts participated $4,116 in stipends for the teachers

Did you honorably serve in a foreign conflict?

Do you still want to serve?

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

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

A Medal-Pinning 80 Years in The Making

By Odin Rasco, Mountain Democrat Reporter

“YOU’RE GOING TO HEAR A STORY THAT STARTED 80 YEARS AGO, WHEN I WAS 4 YEARS OLD AND SAL WAS 18. THE STORY OF WHAT I CALL A 13,000-MILE MEDICAL EVACUATION.”

Retired United States Navy Lt. James “Jim” Goodspeed

Standing in front of a collection of friends and family Dec. 5 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10165, World War II veteran Salvatore Giovanni Gigante, 98, received two medals that had been owed for more than 80 years.

The VFW Post was filled with attendees to the annual holiday dinner that preceded Gigante’s medal-pinning ceremony; it was the first event held in the building since the first floor was flooded out during the heavy storms in late 2022 and early this year. The room was beautifully decorated for the event, with the Placerville Garden Club taking two days to put things together.

After dinner had been served, retired United States Navy Lt. James “Jim” Goodspeed –who had recently been named Veteran of the Year for 2024 during the county’s Veterans Day ceremony – began to regale guests with Gigante’s incredible story.

THE STORY

“You’re going to hear a story that started 80 years ago, when I was 4 years old and Sal was 18,” Goodspeed began. “The story of what I call a 13,000-mile medical evacuation.”

Gigante was living in El Cerrito the day Japanese forces struck a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor; he was 16 years old when he heard the news about the attack that shocked the nation over the radio.

Commander of VFW Post 10165 Lenny McAdams, right, pins Salvatore Gigante’s Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals to his jacket for the first time in a ceremony more than 80 years in the making while Gigante’s wife, Veronica, stands by him.

PHOTO BY ODIN RASCO, MOUNTAIN DEMOCRAT

“I knew what was to come next because my Pa and my uncle Tony had fought in WWI and told me about their experiences while in the military,” Gigante stated.

With the Bay Area being the next-closest major American target to Pearl Harbor (as the Zero flies), Gigante witnessed his neighborhood and the entire area prepare for the worst. Neighborhood watches went out to ensure lights were out at night, to make navigation of potential enemy planes harder, and fears of Japanese submarines attacking targets such as the Golden Gate Bridge were ever-present, he recalled.

Though he knew some who lied about their age to join the military as soon as they could, Gigante had to wait. When trying to enlist in the Navy before he turned 18, he was turned away because he was too thin, weighing in at a slight 110 pounds.

“They said I needed to go home and eat a lot of bananas and come back when I gained some weight to try again,” Gigante recounted.

Eventually, Gigante was called to service, and was drafted into the Army in 1943 right after he had turned 18. Due to his diminutive frame, Gigante remembers his uniform had to be special ordered because he was too short. After training had completed and he had already begun to show his skills as a talented marksman, Gigante sailed to the South Pacific.

Even before the injury that would send Gigante on a thousands of miles trip for treatment, his time stationed in Papua New Guinea was less than easy. He at one point caught Dengue Fever, and was laid out in a coffin-like box filled with ice to keep his temperature down. After he had recovered, he was sent to defend military installations against Japanese attacks; it was during one such attack that a bomb severely injured Gigante’s leg.

The local MASH unit cleaned the injury, but said there was no more they could do. A second MASH said much the same, after which Gigante was taken to a hospital in Hawaii, and later three hospitals in California. All along the way, doctors delivered the same prognosis.

“They said ‘we are going to cut off your leg and leave you with an eight inch stub,’” Gigante explained. “This was a shock to me! I asked if there was any way they could save my leg, but the doctors said no.”

Eventually Gigante was sent to a Navy Hospital in Pleasanton, where a doctor did take on the task of saving Gigante’s leg — a process that involved installing five metal rods into his leg

to hold it together for a year. The procedure was a success, and Gigante has been walking on both legs ever since.

MORE TO THE STORY

Though he showed bravery in his conduct and had more than qualified for a Purple Heart, the paperwork that his officers needed to file for Gigante’s medals never got put together, until Goodspeed took on the task himself. Goodspeed’s contributions don’t stop there, though. When awarding Gigante his longawaited Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Goodspeed mentioned that the star had been sent missing a ribbon; the ribbon attached to the medal was taken from Goodspeed’s.

“It’s my privilege to be honored like this, absolutely,” Gigante told the Mountain Democrat. “After 80 years, thanks to Jim Goodspeed. He went to bat for me.”

“This is long overdue, and it’s great of them to do this for him,” Gigante’s wife Veronica said. “I’m glad he got his medals now, and they weren’t just delivered to me after he’s dead.”

Gigante, an El Dorado County resident since 1975, is a member of a rarified group these days; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are just over 122,000 WWII veterans still around. Even while being awarded his own medal, Gigante stayed humble and recognized his story was just one of many.

“There’s so many guys from our generation that are just finally receiving these medals,” Gigante said. “Some of them are still waiting.”

Salvatore Giovanni Gigante, 98, smiles in front of friends and family as he wears the two medals he had waited more than 80 years to be awarded, flanked by his wife Veronica and VFW Post 10165 Commander Lenny McAdams.

PHOTO BY ODIN RASCO, MOUNTAIN DEMOCRAT

2024 Calendar of Key Dates & Events

JANUARY 1

JANUARY 15 (3rd Monday)

JANUARY 20

JANUARY 27

JANUARY 26

JANUARY 26-28

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 15

FEBRUARY 19 (3rd Monday)

FEBRUARY 28

MARCH

MARCH 2-6

MARCH 3-7

MARCH 24

MARCH 25

MARCH 29

MARCH 31

APRIL

APRIL 1

NEW YEAR’S DAY

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

VFWCA BIRTHDAY

SIGNING OF THE VIETNAM PEACE ACCORD IN 1973

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY BANQUET

2024 MIDWINTER CONFERENCE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

SINKING OF U.S.S. MAINE, 1898

PRESIDENTS’ DAY

LIBERATION OF KUWAIT OPERATION DESERT STORM 1991

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

NATIONAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY EVENTS

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

START OF KOSOVO CAMPAIGN 1999

MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

END OF OPERATION RESTORE HOPE SOMALIA 1995

MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

SCOUT OF THE YEAR DUE TO DEPARTMENT

APRIL 15 TAX DAY

APRIL 18-21

APRIL 22-25

MAY

MAY

MAY 1

MAY 7

MAY 8

MAY 27 (Last Monday)

SENIOR VICE COMMANDERS / ADJUTANT TRAINING

ACCREDITED SERVICE OFFICER TRAINING

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

LOYALTY DAY, ANNUALLY

MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY

VE DAY: GERMAN UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER SIGNED, 1945

MEMORIAL DAY

JUNE PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

JUNE LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

JUNE 6 D DAY: ALLIED INVASION OF EUROPE, 1944

JUNE 12

JUNE 14

JUNE 18-23

WOMEN VETERANS DAY

FLAG DAY, ARMY BIRTHDAY

STATE CONVENTION

JULY 4

JULY 27

JULY 27-31

AUGUST 4

AUGUST 22-25

AUGUST 31

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 2

INDEPENDENCE DAY

SIGNING OF THE KOREAN ARMISTICE IN 1953

NATIONAL CONVENTION

COAST GUARD BIRTHDAY

COMMANDER IN CHIEF’S HOMECOMING

END OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 2010

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH

VJ DAY: JAPAN SURRENDERED, 1945, ENDING WORLD WAR II FIGHTING

SEPTEMBER 2 (1st Monday) LABOR DAY

SEPTEMBER 5

SEPTEMBER 6-7

SEPTEMBER 9-12

SEPTEMBER 11

SEPTEMBER 15–OCTOBER 15

SEPTEMBER 17

SEPTEMBER 18

SEPTEMBER 20 (3rd Friday)

SEPTEMBER 29

OCTOBER 9

OCTOBER 13

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 5

NOVEMBER 10

NOVEMBER 11

NATIONAL BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION MEETING

FALL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

PATRIOT’S DAY

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

CITIZENSHIP DAY / CONSTITUTION DAY

AIR FORCE BIRTHDAY

POW MIA RECOGNITION DAY

VFW DAY

START OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM – AFGHANISTAN 2001

NAVY BIRTHDAY

AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH

ELECTION DAY

MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY

SIGNING WORLD WAR I ARMISTICE, 1918, VETERANS DAY

NOVEMBER 28 (4th Thursday) THANKSGIVING

DECEMBER 7

DECEMBER 13

DECEMBER 20

DECEMBER 24

DECEMBER 25

DECEMBER 31

PEARL HARBOR DAY

NATIONAL GUARD BIRTHDAY

SPACE FORCE BIRTHDAY

CHRISTMAS EVE

CHRISTMAS DAY

NEW YEAR’S EVE

California Council of Chapters

Military Officers Association of America

To the California State Veterans Commanders Council

SB 770 was recently signed into law by Governor Newsom (September 2023) and now a proposal, which seeks to eliminate Medicare in California and establish a “state run health care system”, is moving its way through the State Legislature. SB 770 requires that the State of California prepare a proposal to seek a 1332 Waiver from the Health & Human Services Secretary, which would pave the way for a massive health care tax being imposed on California residents and employers. SB 770 has set in motion that a 1332 Waiver proposal be completed by the end of 2024 that will result in the elimination of Medicare and all private health coverage in California, replace it with a costly, $400 billion-dollar untested health care system run by state government, and require the largest tax increase in state history.

California lawmakers have made several attempts over the past years to create a “single payer health care system, such as AB 1400, introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra in 2022. AB 46 placed a $400 billion-dollar cost on a proposed single payer, state run health care system in California. AB 1400 also mentioned a 15% payroll tax and an income based “health care tax” to help fund a single payer health care system in California. Californ ia’s disabled veterans, who are entitled to no cost health care from the Veterans Administration, could find themselves paying an imposed “health care tax” based on that disabled veteran’s income or spouse’s income. Disabled veterans who are self-employed or small business owners could find themselves subject to a payroll tax to fund a single payer health care system in California. Veterans who are entitled to Medicare could find themselves paying an additional health care tax based on income, above the dollar amount that Medicare already sets each year. Military retirees who are entitled to Tricare for Life would experience a massive disruption to their Tricare medical benefits, currently provided by the federal government. Our active-duty military families stationed at installations throughout California would have their Tricare medical benefits disrupted and current coverage changed. Military families may find themselves subject to a state health care tax for the federal Tricare benefits earned while serving our country. A self-employed military spouse may find themselves subject to a 15% payroll tax. CALMOAA has raised these concerns to both state and federal legislators and has asked that any 1332 Waiver submitted to the Secretary of Health & Human Services MUST contain language to exempt and protect our disabled veterans, veterans entitled to Medicare, and our nation’s active-duty military families stationed at installations in California from any future imposed taxes to fund a state-run health care system.

A policy advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce, Preston Young recently wrote:

“For those who think dismantling our health system is a good idea, here are a few specific concerns to consider: SB 770 / single payer proponents seek to eliminate all private health coverage in California and force all Californians into a new untested health system – with no ability to opt out or choose private coverage instead. Study after study shows Californians like their health coverage and Medicare, and strongly support protecting their right to choose it, and strongly support protecting the Medicare coverage seniors have earned. The waiver sought by SB 770 would redirect roughly $200 billion annually to the new single payer health system. But that system is projected to cost more than $500 billion/year. The missing $300+ billion a year would be raised by new, higher taxes on payroll, employers, and the goods and services Californians purchase.”

I agree that every resident in California should have access to affordable and quality health care. I agree there are changes that can be made to improve the access and cost in California. A state run, single payer health care system, will not only be disruptive and much too costly, but also take away your right to choose your medical provider and impact the quality of medical care available in California. California is already on the road of ensuring health care for all Californians and seeking a 1332 Waiver and establishing a state-run health care system at the cost of over $400 billion dollars is not the answer.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey L Breiten, 3rd Vice-President. Legislative Affairs National MOAA: website: www.moaa.org NEVER STOP

SERVING. ®

HOW TO CONVINCE SOMEONE TO GET HELP FOR THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

By Stan Popovich

There are many reasons why some people are reluctant to get help for their mental health or addiction issues.

In addition, many people are not sure what to do when encouraging someone to get the help they need for their mental health.

As a result, here are seven suggestions on how to convince a person struggling to get some assistance.

1. Talk to the person instead of talking at them: Nobody wants to be lectured or yelled at. The person who is struggling is scared and they need help in overcoming their fears and resistance to getting some guidance. Treat others the way you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed.

2. Find out why the person won’t get help: Ask the individual who is struggling the reasons why they are reluctant to get some assistance. Although most people may not admit it, a sense of fear of the unknown and/or some kind of frustration are usually the main factors. It might take a few tries, however, try to find out what is stopping your friend from getting treatment.

3. Address the reasons why the individual won’t get help: Once you get the reasons why he or she won’t get some help, the next step is to find the ways to address those factors that are preventing the individual from getting assistance. Addressing one’s fears and concerns may convince them to take some action that will get their life back on track.

4. Get some advice from a professional: Talk to your doctor or a mental health counselor for recommendations on how you can help someone who is struggling. A medical professional in the mental health field will be able to give you some ideas and options that you can use to help convince someone you know to get some help.

5. Find someone who understands: Try to find someone who used to struggle with their mental health for their advice. For example, a person who used drugs and alcohol in the past could use their past experiences and insights to convince the individual to seek treatment. A person who used to struggle with addiction or their mental health may be better able to relate to the person who is struggling.

6. Get them to attend a support group: Another way to convince someone to get help is to get them to go to a mental health support group. This may or may not work depending on the individual, but it is still worth a try. A person who goes to a support group can at least listen to those who are also struggling, which may convince the person to get some assistance.

7. Be persistent: Continue to be persistent with your loved ones in getting them the help they need. Keep in contact with your doctor and any mental health counselor on your progress. If things do not improve, continue to find other alternatives in getting the person some help.

BIOGRAPHY

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear,” which covers a variety of techniques that can drastically improve your mental health. For more information, please visit Stan’s website at www.managingfear.com.

7 RESOURCES YOU CAN USE TO MANAGE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

By Stan Popovich

Are you having trouble finding places to get some assistance for your mental health?

Nowadays, many places have waiting lists, and some places can be very expensive. This can be very frustrating when you need help right away.

As a result, here are 7 options you can use to start the process of getting some assistance as quickly as possible.

1. Contact your doctor: Your doctor is a great source in finding available mental health resources in your area. Explain your situation to your doctor and ask if he or she knows of anyone that can help you. Chances are your doctor will be able to give you some referrals.

2. Go to the nearest hospital: Your local hospitals can give you immediate assistance for your mental health issues. The people who work at a hospital know of other professionals in your area that can provide you with additional treatment. In addition, some hospitals may offer various mental health services that are available to the public.

3. Talk to the insurance companies: Your insurance company can provide a list of mental health services and other treatment programs that are covered in your health plan. If you do not have health insurance, you could still contact some of those companies and see if they can point you in the right direction regarding your current circumstances. There could be some affordable programs in your area that you do not know about.

4. Talk to the local churches: Your local churches may know of programs in your area that you could go to in overcoming your anxieties and stresses. Many churches offer mental health and addiction programs that anyone can take advantage of. A priest or minister can also provide additional advice to your situation.

5. Find a support group: There are all kinds of mental health support groups that can help you with your issues. Go to a support group in your area and meet people who are also struggling with addiction and depression. A person can go on the internet or talk to some of the local mental health organizations to get more information about what is in their area.

6. Network with your others: Many people have dealt with fear and anxiety sometime in their life. Talk to the people that you trust to see if they have any suggestions on where you can go for some assistance. Make sure that your friends can keep things confidential and do not get into the habit of giving out too much personal information to others.

7. Contact your local mental health organizations: There are many private, public, nonprofit, and governmental organizations that specialize in various mental health services that you can talk to for some assistance. The people at these places can give you some ideas on where you can find some mental health programs and counselors that can help you right away.

Purple Heart/OIF-OEF Membership Campaign

Are you a Purple Heart Recipient or a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom?

You may be eligible to have your first year’s membership dues paid for by the VFW Department of California. Join today and be part of the oldest combat veteran organization in the nation.

For more information, please contact: info@vfwca.org

SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER

#VeteranVoices

We want to hear from you, our fellow veterans. Starting this month, we will be sharing stories from our members on the California VFW Facebook page.

STORIES WILL HIGHLIGHT:

• Upcoming Community Events

• Veteran History and Remembrance

• Important Local and National News

• Plus Other Veteran Stories and Photos You Wish to Share

Do you have a story to share? Need a platform to get the word out? Message our Facebook page, @VFWCA today! Our team will share it with followers using #VeteranVoices.

#TheCaliforniaVeteran #vfwpostpride

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR NONPROFITS

As a nonprofit organization it is vital that we can connect with our audience. We need to reach our current members, recruit new members, and connect with our communities. Social media is the key for achieving our mission. It is important to know how to utilize your social media pages.

SHARE YOUR IMPACT

Social media pages can be a platform for telling your story. Use your pages you talk about the impacts you have made for veterans, their families, and your community. This includes:

• Events you have hosted

• Fundraisers you have run

• Services you offer

• And more

PROMOTE AN EVENT OR CAMPAIGN

If you have an event coming up or a membership campaign going on, social media can help spread the word. By posting about the event and encouraging others to share, you can increase your audience size and make a bigger impact.

RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS

Non-profit organizations thrive on volunteer efforts. When you connect with your community online, you can encourage people to volunteer time and resources to serving our veterans. Volunteers can help with:

• Fundraising efforts

• Post maintenance

• Services for veterans

• And more

COMMUNICATE IN TIMES OF CRISIS

Times of crisis can be especially difficult for veterans who have experienced trauma and hardships. But social media can bring people together. By creating spacing for connecting, sharing resources and offering support, you can make a difference in the lives and wellbeing of others during even the most trying times.