Veterans' Events Calendar October 2024

HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE

Laughter will Help Release PTSD
"Hearty laughter helps dislodge illogical logic in the head, so we can access the truth in our hearts."

What if the key to breakthrough is not getting opposing parties to agree – but getting them to disagree agreeably?
Swami Beyondananda

Good judgment comes from experience.
A lot of experience comes from bad judgment.
Unknown Cowboy

VA encourages Veterans to get screened for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) any time they experience symptoms that could be related to PTSD and seek treatment if needed.

Veterans who would like to know more about PTSD and how to address it can explore VA’s virtual resources below.

Read More: https://news.va.gov/132587/five-virtual-resources-on-ptsd-screening-day/

Take the PTSD TEST: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/screen/

Find a VA facility near you: https://www.va.gov/find-locations?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=footer&utm_campaign=VetResources


Be sure to check out some of the exchange deals you can get
https://publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/veterans#24VA

Be sure to Finish Your VA Claims Within One Year for the Most Backdated Benefits

Did you submit an intent to file (ITF) a claim for VA disability compensation within the last year? You must act fast! You only have 365 days from when you submitted your ITF to complete it. Read more to learn everything you need to know about submitting your full claim.

Read More https://news.va.gov/131550/finish-your-itf-benefits-claim-one-year/?utm_source=feature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VetResources&utm_id=29MAY2024

Or watch this video:

It’s never too late to file a claim or ITF for the benefits you deserve. You can file one by logging into, or creating, a VA.gov account and submitting online. You can also submit to a VA regional office near you, or work with a trained professional, like a VA accredited representative or VSO, to get help filing a claim for disability compensation. Other options include calling 1-800-827-1000 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST or by fax using 844-531-7818.
 

3 Tips for VA Disability Claims

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AzKEqpzcAM


VA Sepulveda 16 Oct @1000 hrs
VA East Los Angeles 9 Nov @1000 hrs
VA Santa Maria 11 Dec @1000 hrs


The California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) is a program designed to inform and connect veterans of all eras to their earned federal and state benefits as well as provide continued support and assistance as their needs change over time through five unique pathways:

  • Core Curriculum: (Veteran 101, CA Benefits, Financial Literacy)

  • Education: (Selecting a School, Educational Benefits, UC & State Schools)

  • Employment: (Apprenticeship, Job Search, State E​mployment)​

  • Entrepreneurship: (DVBE, Business Centers, Business Resources)

  • Service Providers (Attorneys, Employers, Primary Care, Supportive Housing) 

In addition to our virtual workshops, CalTAP also offers in-person workshops throughout California to inform and connect veterans of all eras to their earned federal and state benefits. These workshops are absolutely free for you to join and enjoy!

Please visit the CalTAP webpage for upcoming workshops and archives, and the CalVet YouTube channel for more information.

 

Upcoming Virtual Workshops

Oct 17

Navigating the VA Healthcare System

Join our free virtual workshop providing an overview of the VA Healthcare System. This event is a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). Participants will receive valuable insight into our VA Healthcare System. Learn about eligibility criteria, veteran access, and navigation of VA healthcare services.
This briefing is open to all veterans, service members, and their family members.

Register

Oct 24

CalVet Home Loans

The California Department of Veteran Affairs (CalVet), California Transition Program
(CalTAP) would like to invite service members, veterans, and their families to attend our upcoming webinar which will provide resources for those interested in learning more about CalVet Home Loans.
A representative from the CalVet Home Loans Division will be live to discuss the eligibility process from start to finish and answer questions. Free.

Register

Upcoming In-Person Workshops

 Oct 03

California Benefits Overview: Los Angeles Air Force Base

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP), offers a full array of transition assistance. We serve to connect veterans, service members, and their families with California resources geared to ensure a successful transition into civilian life.

CalTAP invites service members, veterans, and their families to our in-person seminar as we highlight services and benefits available. Free

For more information, call 800.952.5626 or email CalTAP@calvet.ca.gov.

Register

Oct 23

Navigating the VA Healthcare System: San Diego City College

Join our in-person workshop providing an overview of the VA Healthcare System. This event is a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). Participants will receive valuable insights into our VA Healthcare System. Learn about eligibility criteria, veteran access, and navigation of VA healthcare services. This briefing is open to all veterans and their family members. Free.

Register

Oct 29

California Benefits Overview: Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) offers a full array of transition assistance. We serve to connect veterans, service members, and their families with California resources geared to ensure a successful transition into civilian life.

CalTAP invites service members, veterans, and their families to our hybrid seminar as we highlight services and benefits available. Join us in-person briefing or attend using online access. Free.

Register

 Nov 06

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Benefits: Ventura College

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) is partnering with Ventura College and the Department of Veteran Affairs to host an exclusive event for student veterans and their families. Explore the valuable benefits and services available, including VR&E, Chapter 31 benefits, and more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your educational and career goals. Attend our in-person workshops and access resources designed to support veteran success, showing that we understand and care about your unique needs. Free.

Register

Free

The SITREP Learn About Your GI Bill Benefits

Whether you are active duty, Guard, Reserve, Veteran or family member, learn how you can use your VA education benefits to obtain a bachelors, masters or doctorate, use it for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and much more. Click on the links below or check out the full playlist of more than 30 videos, and get answers to all your GI Bill questions.

Find Resources About Fraud Targeting Veterans

Learn about the new single phone number 1-833-38V-SAFE (8-7233) and website that gets you information and support for fraud attempts targeting Veterans, service members, and their families. VSAFE.gov provides information from across federal agencies that can be accessed in one place for education, reporting and response.


Cleck here to see the Santa Barbara County Veterans Collaborative news letter for information on:

Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down
Saturday 26 Oct 2024
0900 hrs to 1300 hrs


WWW.SBCountyStandDown.com
 

Saturday
October 26, 2024
12th Annual 
Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down 2024


 2024 marks the 12th annual Veterans Stand Down in Santa Barbara County.  The event is modeled after other communities that have successfully served homeless and at-risk veterans for years. The event takes place at the Santa Maria Fairpark and the following services are provided:

New Clothing and Towels
Hygiene Products
Haircuts
Showers
Flu Shots
Chaplain Services
Medical, Dental, Vision
Hearing Services
Social Services
Readjustment Counseling
Legal Services
Food
Employment Counseling
Pet Zone including medical, grooming
Entertainment
Transportation


Honor Flight
https://www.honorflightccc.org/
Newsletters
https://www.honorflightccc.org/newsletters/

Our Mission is to honor all of America’s veterans by taking them to Washington D.C. on their “Tour of Honor” as our guest. Once there, they can visit and reflect at their memorials which have been built to honor their service.

Currently over 180 local veterans are waiting to go on their Tour of Honor.  With both WWII and Korea war veterans, time is not on our side.

Bear McGill - Chairman (chair@honorflightccc.org)
Robert Tolan, Jr. - Vice Chairman (
vice-chair@honorflightccc.org)
Jan Hansen - Secretary (
secretary@honorflightccc.org)
Lesa John - Treasurer 
(treasurer@honorflightccc.org)

Veterans Community Calendar

contact media@pcvf.org with new events and corrections to any listing displayed here

Having trouble with a federal agency?

My office's number one priority is constituent service. I have a team that helps Central Coast residents deal with a wide range of issues with federal agencies. https://carbajal.house.gov/

State Representatives

Senator Monique Limón represents the 19th Senate district that includes all of Santa Barbara County and over 60% of Ventura County.
 https://sd19.senate.ca.gov/

Capitol Office:
1021 O Street, Suite 6510
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4019

Santa Barbara Office:
222 East Carrillo Suite 309
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 965-0862
Fax: (805) 965-0701

Oxnard Office:
300 E. Esplanade Dr, Suite 430
Oxnard, CA 93036
Phone: (805) 988-1940

Santa Maria Office:
1111 S. Broadway Street, Suite 101
Santa Maria, CA 93458
Phone: (805) 346-2845


Assembly member Gregg Hart 
California State Assembly represent the 37th Assembly District.
https://a37.asmdc.org/

Capitol Office:
1021 O Street
Suite 6230
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0037
Tel: (916) 319-2037

Santa Barbara Office:
101 West Anapamu Street
Suite A
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Tel: (805) 564-1649
Fax: (805) 564-1651

Santa Maria Office:
1111 South Broadway
Suite 101
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Tel: (805) 346-1237
Fax: (805) 346-6537


CALENDAR

Sunday 9/29/2024

Sunday BRUNCH 1000 to 1400  hrs
VFW Post 1679      VFW1679.org
3801 Market Street, Ventura, CA 93003

Veterans Dinner and a Show 1300 hrs
Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building
This will be dinner and a special program for Veterans and First Responders
Tickets are still available


Tuesday 10/1/2024

Tuesday(s)
AMVETS Corn Hole Social
Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building
1800 hrs to 2000 hrs
for more information: erniegomez54@yahoo.com

1st Tuesday
Simi Valley VFW Post 10049 @ 1900 hrs
4242 E Los Angeles Ave.Simi Valley, CA 93063
for more information: Wayne Wright <vfwso10049@sbcglobal.net>

1st Tuesday
VFW POST 1679 Post Meeting @1800 hrs
VFW1679.org
3801 Market Street, Ventura, CA 93003

Wednesday 10/2/2024

Wednesday(s)
Veterans Breakfast Santa Barbara 0800 to 0945 hrs
Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building
Cooked by American Legion Santa Barbara Post 49
https://legionSB.org/
for more information: sbalpost49@outlook.com
Phone: 805-965-7109

1st Wednesday
Veteran Pizza Luncheon
Santa Barbara Elks Lodge
150 N Kellogg Ave

Thursday 10/3/2024

1st Thursday
VFW Post 1649 Zoom meeting @ 1730 hrs
Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building
For more information: dupont@usa.com

1st Thursday
Simi Valley Marine Corps League Detachment 597
The President Ronald Reagan Detachment
Elks Lodge No. 2492
1561 Kuehner Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93063-4484
Membership open to Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Chaplains.
Other Armed Services Veterans and spouses are welcome as Associate Members.
Matt E. Valenzuela
Past Commandant
mattval@aol.com
310-768-2847 Office
310-308-7015 Mobile

Friday 10/4/2024

VFW Post 1679 Ventura (Post & AUX dinner)
Friday Night Dinners - Open to the public bring your family and friends - 1730 hrs
see web site for menu: https://vfw1679.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=111921
3801 Market Street, Ventura, CA 93003

Sunday 10/6/2024

Sunday BRUNCH 1000 to 1400  hrs
VFW Post 1679      VFW1679.org
3801 Market Street, Ventura, CA 93003

1st Sunday Ballroom Tea Dance @ Carrillo Recreation Center
100 E. Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara
DJ:  Bob Taylor
1400 hrs to 1700 hrs
Free

Tuesday 10/8/2024

Tuesday(s)
AMVETS Corn Hole Social
Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building
1800 hrs to 2000 hrs
for more information: erniegomez54@yahoo.com

Wednesday 10/9/2024

Wednesday(s)
Veterans Breakfast Santa Barbara 0800 to 0945 hrs
Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building
Cooked by American Legion Santa Barbara Post 49
https://legionSB.org/
for more information: sbalpost49@outlook.com
Phone: 805-965-7109

2nd Wednesday
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10978 Nipomo
Snacks and beverages at 1830, meeting at 1900.
Location or more information:
Contact: Thomas Morgan 805-450-4285, VFWPost10978@gmail.com

2nd Wednesday
American Legion Post 534 Orcutt
145 W Clark Ave, Orcutt, CA 93455
for more information: 805-937-0651 or Email: opost534@gmail.com

Thursday 10/10/2024

2nd Thursday
Ventura County Collaborative
For more information Website: VCMilC.Org
 Phone: 805.983.4850
email: Info@VCMilC.Org

2nd Thursday
American Legion Post 49 @ 1700 hrs
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 49
Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building
https://legionsb.org/
For more information: sbalpost49@outlook.com
Phone: 805-965-7109

2nd Thursday
Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 750
For more information, time and location: Michael Cook <michaelcookmoph@gmail.com>
www.moph-Chapter-750.com

Friday 10/11/2024

VFW Post 1679 Ventura (Post & AUX dinner)
Friday Night Dinners - Open to the public bring your family and friends - 1730 hrs
see web site for menu: https://vfw1679.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=111921
3801 Market Street, Ventura, CA 93003

2nd Friday
Burger Night
Orcutt American Legion Post 534
145 W Clark Ave, Orcutt, CA 93455
for more information: 805-937-0651 or Email: opost534@gmail.com