California VFW

VFW Post 6024 & Auxiliary enjoyed a wonderful backyard BBQ party at Auxiliary member Thomas & Judy Walling’s home in Mission Viejo. It was a great time for all who attended! Thank you Thomas and Judy for hosting this awesome get-together for your post. ☀️🍖🇺🇸⛱️

from California VFW -

"Ralph H. Johnson VA proudly supports She’s the Veteran, a trailblazing organization founded by Army combat Veteran Brooke Jackson Kahn.

With a mission to empower and improve the lives of women Veterans through community building, mental health support and groundbreaking research, She’s the Veteran is making a profound impact on the fastest-growing segment of the Veteran population..."
https://news.va.gov/132938/shes-the-veteran/

She’s the Veteran - VA News She's the Veteran has a mission to empower and improve the lives of women Veterans.

VFW Post 9934 (Dana Point, CA) comrades & auxiliary handed out free popcorn, chips, flags, & pinwheels at this week's Dana Point Concert in the Park, which featured a Billy Joel and Elton John Tribute. 🇺🇸🎶🍿

If you're in the area, check out the event calendar for the rest of the Concerts in the Park series at danapointchamber.com.

On Saturday, Post 8900 (Fresno, CA) held the Grand Reopening of their Post after the roof collapsed in July 2023. Financial donations to make this happen came from the community, City of Fresno, a few major corporations, and fundraisers. Additionally, many contractors graciously donated supplies and labor to accomplish this reconstruction project in only eleven months. Members also donated a lot of labor and time toward this project--overall, a community project.

Pictured is Immediate Past District 9 Commander Ron Hardy who was given a plaque for his assistance in seeing this project through; Annalisa Perea, Fresno City Council President, who was given a plaque for her participation through the City; and Post 8900 Commander Willie Tate, who's leadership made the project happen. Plaques were also given to contractors, suppliers, and additional individuals who played a major role in this project.

Well done to all!👏🇺🇸

"I thank each and every one of you for your expressions of love and gratitude for the fact Donald Trump’s life was saved by a turn of his head. But you and I know this (hate - division) is not over. As much as we abhor violence, especially when it comes to our democracy, we who have faced evil, know there is only one way to deal with it and that is eliminate it. It cannot be reasoned with nor appeased. It must be destroyed. If you know the prayer of St. Michael I ask you to pray it. Those who perpetrated this attempt will be exposed and justice WILL be served." – VFW Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento

VFW National Commander Denounces Political Violence “The democracy that we hold dear, the very democracy generations of American veterans have fought for and died to protect around the world, holds no place for political violence - we denounce it unequivocally.

"An active tornado season, historic flooding and other severe weather have impacted millions of Americans this year. As we step into a strong forecasted hurricane season, it’s important for Veterans and their families to know that the VA is here to help. In the wake of a disaster, here are some resources available to you..."
https://news.va.gov/132965/disaster-assistance-and-resources-for-veterans/

Disaster assistance and resources for Veterans - VA News In the wake of a disaster, here are some resources available to Veterans and their families.

This week we introduce you to Peer led training and let you know about the online Post Service Officer training available that you can take at your own pace and time.



https://conta.cc/3Wjv5SA

The latest Department of California news National Hire a Veteran Day, Training, Training and more Training Everything We Do, We Do for Veterans Armed Forces Day Roughly 200,000 military members retire or separate from the armed services ever

VFW Old Baldy Post 2085 in Ontario, CA would like to thank the Local Carpenters Union and the United Brotherhood Of Carpenters & Joiners Of America for volunteering their time and lending a helping hand to Post 2085. The VFW greatly appreciates your time and help; we love to see communities come together to help one another. Keep up the great work!

VFW Post 9934 (Dana Point, CA) members spent a day at the Dana Point Harbor recruiting with five of the District 2 Officers. Collectively, they spoke to about 100 veterans and community members: listening to their stories, laughing, and enjoying the day with the community. Great job to everyone who helped support this great event. 🇺🇸

The Color Guard for Post 8470 (Kerman, CA) presented the Colors at the annual Fireworks Extravaganza celebration for the 4th of July in Kerman. Pictured alongside Congressman John Duarte. 🇺🇸🎆 We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

"Women Veterans deserve the best prosthetic and sensory aids designed to fit their lifestyle and body based on their unique health care needs.

VA offers comprehensive and advanced prosthetic devices, sensory aids and rehabilitation services. We know that size and appearance matter. We’re further enhancing options so you can choose items that meet your personal style and body type..."
https://news.va.gov/132558/prosthetic-options-for-women-veterans/

Prosthetic options for women Veterans - VA News VA empowers women Veterans with innovative prosthetics and customized style choices.

Happy Independence Day from the VFWCA! 🇺🇸 Today, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, we also greatly thank all of the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to fight for our freedom, liberty, and life. We hope that everyone has a fun and safe holiday. Happy 4th!❤️💙🎇

"America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand."— President Harry S. Truman

VFWCA District 2 presented their second 2024 VFW Post 6024 Deputy of the Year Award to Deputy Alex Santo on Wednesday, June 26th. Deputy Santo is a member of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Southwest Command.

The award was presented by VFW Post 6024 Law Enforcement Liaison, Chuck Wright. Deputy Santo was also presented the 2024 VFWCA District 2 Public Servant Law Enforcement Award, presented by VFW Post 6024 Commander, John Carson.

Many members of the Southwest Command were present to show their support for Deputy Santo, including his Commander Virgil Asuncion. Congratulations Deputy Alex Santo! 👏

"For military spouses, the emotions, pressures and challenges of finding a new job, especially during a relocation, can feel overwhelming..."
https://news.va.gov/132432/va-military-spouse-employment-transferability/

On Wednesday evening, Commander of District 9, Ron Hardy, installed the new Post Officers for Post 1864 (Visalia) for the upcoming 2024/25 year. The Post also hosted a nice dinner before the Installation. Congrats to the new officers! 👏🇺🇸

🌺 The Super Bloom Is Coming Soon! 🇺🇸

The VFW Dept of California 2024-2025 challenges all Posts to participate in the Buddy Poppy "Super Bloom" Display Contest! Let's showcase our creativity and dedication by promoting the Buddy Poppy in these three exciting categories:

1️⃣ Public Promotion of Poppy Campaign: Window displays, booths, parades, posters, and more.
2️⃣ Memorial or Inspirational Displays: Wreaths, plaques, patriotic themes, and more.
3️⃣ Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies: Centerpieces, corsages, pictures, novelty pieces, and more.

🎨 Prizes, recognition, and celebration await the winners in each category! 🌟

📅 We're allowed two entries per category at the National Convention. Stay tuned for more details on the Department's website.

📧 For more information, contact our 2024-2025 Buddy Poppy Chair, Comrade Rebecca Robison, at [email protected] or 402-541-4381 (text).

Let's make this Super Bloom unforgettable! 🤩🇺🇸

On this day in 1950, the Korean War began. Let us honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who courageously served in the fight for freedom.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California has been installed for the 2024-2025 year! Congratulations to the elected and appointed Officers and Chairman at the Department, District, and Post levels. Special congratulations to our State Commander Deb Johnson, SVC David Kuta, JVC Paula Jansen, QM Rodger Meier, Chaplain Frank Correa, JA Dusty Dalgleish Napier, Surgeon Rick Linares, State Inspector Kenny Lindberg, and Chief of Staff Daniel Jennings. Also, a special thank you to Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmient for being Deb's Installing Officer, as well as the guidance provided as the officers take on their new positions. Finally, a shout out and congrats to Auxiliary President Sharonda Lewis! We are looking forward to an amazing year, Team California! 🥳👏🇺🇸

That's a wrap! Another great VFWCA Convention now in the books. Including training sessions, electing and installing the officers for the 24/25 year, endless shared camaraderie, and so much more. Thank you to everyone who attended! 🇺🇸

"Gardening is good for body, mind and spirit, and VA gardening opportunities help Veterans dig deep in support of their Whole Health. Veterans nationwide are benefitting from gardening programs that allow them to move the body, connect with peers, prepare healthy foods and improve their overall sense of well-being..."
https://news.va.gov/131908/veterans-dig-into-whole-health-with-gardening/

Our 2024 State Convention is underway! 🤩🇺🇸 Here are a few shots from the first day of convention, spent attending classes on Commander, QM, Adjutant, Trustee, Service Officer, parliamentary procedures, dashboard, and membership training.

Our 2024 State Convention is underway! 🤩🇺🇸 Here are a few shots from the first day of convention, spent attending classes on Commander, QM, Adjutant, Trustee, Service Officer, parliamentary procedures, dashboard, and membership training.

Raymond Wong, Commander of VFW Post 4618 91st Division/Chinatown San Francisco, poses with baseball legend Willie Mays in 2019 at the former Presidio Army Base. Raymond recalls how he thanked Willie Mays (US Army Veteran) for his service and presented him with a VFW Buddy Poppy which he gladly pinned onto his lapel. May Willie Mays rest in peace.🕊️⚾️🇺🇸

This National Independence Day, we join a grateful nation in celebrating the promise of freedom, equality, and justice for all. https://bit.ly/3zh14ty

Over the weekend, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525 was a part of the CBCA Clayton BBQ & Brews Festival held at Oakhurst Country Club. Thank you to everyone who attended and welcome to the newest Post and Auxiliary members. We are happy to have you in our VFW family! 🇺🇸

The VFW Department of California extends warm Father's Day wishes to all dads today!💚 We especially honor our military fathers for their sacrifices and hope you enjoy a fantastic day with your families.

"It’s PTSD Month, but Let’s Talk About Posttraumatic GROWTH Instead. 'Choose Growth Campaign' Delivers a Narrative of Hope..."

Read more: https://news.va.gov/132042/ptsd-month-lets-talk-about-posttraumatic-growth/