The document discusses several topics related to veterans services in California: 1) The California Department of Veterans Affairs is using social media and YouTube to connect with returning veterans and inform them about available benefits and services. 2) A new mobile app was created for Android phones to allow veterans to sign up for Operation Welcome Home and access information about local resources. 3) Several programs and initiatives in California aim to help veterans earn a higher education, such as fee waivers for active military attending CSU schools and new professional science programs for veterans.

1. newsletter
DECEMBER 2010
CALVET USES NEW
TECHNOLOGY TO
REACH OUT TO
RETURNING VETS
Social Media and YouTube
Governor Schwarzenegger and the
California Department of Veterans Affairs
through its Operation Welcome Home
initiative has partnered with six-time
CALVET SPIRIT AWARD UFC Heavyweight Champion of the
The Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo was the big winner in the World Randy Couture to reach out to
Inaugural CalVet Spirit Award. There was a tie for second place between the Veterans recently returning veterans and connect
Services Division at headquarters and the California Veterans Home, Ventura. them with the benefits and services they
It was very hard selecting the best because all were “So Great,” said have earned.
Undersecretary Rocky Chavez. The submissions clearly show that we have very “If we are going to reach out to the
talented and enthusiastic people that work for Veterans. new generation of veterans who grew
Continued on page 2 >>
GOVERNOR
SCHWARZENEGGER
On December 9 Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger joined California
Department of Veterans Affairs
inside
PRESENTS GOLD (CalVet) Secretary Roger Brautigan and Veterans Services p.2
STAR FAMILY LICENSE Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Director George Valverde to present the
Ventura Vet Home p.9
PLATES TO THREE first three Gold Star Family License Plates Upcoming Events p.10
FAMILIES WHO LOST to the families of three men killed in the
SONS IN IRAQ line of duty.
Continued on page 2 >>
REMINDER All veterans are reminded that the fastest way to County and secure the
benefits you have earned is by visiting your local
inquire
Veterans Service
Office. A listing of these offices is available at www.cacvso.org or on CalVet’s website at
www.calvet.ca.gov/resources/database.aspx

2. veterans services
<< Continued from cover design a new license plate to be made Mobile App
“The Gold Star Family License Plate is available to Gold Star families. Under the Additionally the Department
a reminder to all of us of those who have provisions of the bill, the cost of setting implemented a new mobile application
lost their lives while defending ours, up the program was to be covered by for the Android platform smart phones
and of their families who face each day private donations collected by CalVet. that allows veterans to sign up for
without their loved ones,” said Governor The Department reached the designated Operation Welcome Home and to get
Schwarzenegger. “I am grateful to all amount of $300,000 in donations and information about the closest resource
who made this license plate possible, direct pledges this past November. As for services and benefit assistance. The
and may we never forget the courage, a token of the state’s appreciation for mobile app can be found in the official
bravery and sacrifice of those in the their sacrifice, the legislation provides a Android Market and online at
Armed Forces.” special waiver of some fees for Gold Star www.appbrain.com, search ‘CalVet’.
The Governor presented the first families obtaining the plate. Since the Governor launched
three Gold Star Family License Plates Originally established after World War Operation Welcome home the CalVet
to Mike Anderson, whose son Mike I, the Gold Star has come to symbolize Department through its nine regional
Anderson Jr. was killed in Iraq on the sacrifice a family makes when teams statewide, has connected
December 14, 2004; Kevin and Leianne someone in their family is killed in the with more than 34,000 veterans and
Graves (photo on cover), whose son Joey line of duty while serving in the U.S. made more than 54,000 referrals to
Graves was killed in Iraq on July 25, Armed Forces. services and benefits including 17,302
2006; and to Dianne Layfield, whose son The Gold Star License Plates include, for employment benefits, 13,801 for
Travis Layfield was killed in Iraq on April on the left side, a Gold Star on a blue education benefits, and more than 5,000
6, 2004. field surrounded by a wreath of small referrals for mental health related to
“This is a recognition that is worthy white stars; along the bottom of the PTSD and TBI.
of our efforts and is a small token for plate, the words “Gold Star Family” in There are approximately 2 million
the families who have given so much to gold on a blue field; on the right corner, veterans living in California today and
protect our nation our freedom,” said an image of a small folded American every year approximately 30,000 new
Secretary Brautigan. “I am honored to Flag. veterans return home to this state. The
have played a small part in this process.” purpose of Operation Welcome Home is
<< Continued from cover
“The Gold Star Family License Plate is to connect those returning veterans to
up with computers and the internet, the services and benefits that they have
an honor to those families whose family
we have to capitalize on those earned through their honorable service
members paid the ultimate sacrifice,”
technologies to make sure they know in the Armed Forces of the United
said DMV Director George Valverde.
about the services and benefits they States. The California Department of
“The California DMV is proud to join
have earned,” said Roger Brautigan, Veterans Affairs provides services to
with the Department of Veterans Affairs
Secretary of the California Department veterans through state-run veterans
in making this recognition possible
of Veterans Affairs. homes, through its farm and home
for thousands of families throughout
In a new Public Service loan program and through its advocacy
California.”
Announcement released this month division that represents and advises
The Gold Star Family License Plate
on YouTube and Facebook, Randy veterans as they work through the
was creates when the Governor signed
Couture encourages veterans to benefits process of the U.S. Department
SB 1455 by Senator Dave Cogdill
connect with their benefits by of Veterans Affairs.
(R-Modesto) and Senator Jeff Denham
signing up for information through
(R-Merced) in 2008, which enables family
Operation Welcome home at the
members who have lost an active duty
Facebook page. The video can be
member of the U.S. Armed Forces in
viewed on YouTube (www.youtube.
current and prior wars to obtain a Gold
com/operationwelcomehome) and
Star Family License Plate honoring the
2 Facebook (www.facebook.com/
sacrifices their families have endured.
operationwelcomehome).
This legislation directed the DMV to

3. veterans services
VETERANS LEADER HELPING OUR
DONATES MILITARY HEROES EARN A
HISTORY BOOKS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
FRESNO STATE Approximately 2.3 million veterans
By Dr. Gary Rice
reside in California and of those about
350,000 are eligible to receive G.I. Bill
The military history selection at
benefits to help cover the cost of their
Henry Madden Library at California State
education.
University, Fresno grew considerably
As home to the most veterans in the
when retired Air Force Sgt. Bill Dietzel • Active-duty servicemembers may
United States, California has created a
cleaned out his hangar and donated 500 use Department of Defense tuition
host of programs to encourage veterans
books. assistance and other educational
or current servicemen and women to
Dietzel is the publisher and editor of benefits at all CSU campuses.
take advantage of the state’s wealth
Veterans Magazine and the organizer • Servicemembers who have a
of postsecondary educational options,
of the annual Veterans Day Parade in California “home of record” are
such as the California State University.
Fresno. He has been active in local, state eligible to pay California resident
The CSU serves veterans, active-
and national veterans community affairs fees regardless of current duty
duty military personnel and their
for 30 years. station or assignment.
dependents with a variety of services
Dietzel’s decision to scale back his • Dependents of service-connected
and initiatives. The CSU is a leader in the
collection was good news for the library. disabled veterans may be eligible
statewide Troops to College initiative
“These are new books for the most for waiver of systemwide fees while
that provides advice to veterans,
part,” said David Tyckoson, associate attending any CSU campus.
reservists and dependents of service
dean of the Madden Library. “The
disabled or deceased veterans on
donation definitely enhances our As part of the ongoing effort to
completing and filing VA claim forms for
military history collection.” support servicemembers in gaining
federal and state education assistance
Dietzel’s generosity means that a higher education, the CSU has
programs. Through the Veteran Affairs
money earmarked to buy some of the developed professional science
Coordinators at each campus, the CSU
volumes in his collection can be used to programs for veterans and military
is able to assist individuals with special
purchase other books, Tyckoson added. personnel.
registration procedures required for
Dietzel decided to make the donation The CSU has launched a Veterans
students who are sponsored under one
while assisting with lining up veterans Initiative as part of its leadership in
of the VA Fee Waiver programs.
for the California War Veterans Oral Professional Science Master’s (PSM)
Some key provisions of Troops to
History Project, which is housed at the programs. The purpose of the initiative is
College include:
Madden Library. He will be recognized to make the PSM Degree and Certificate
• All active-duty military personnel
as a donor in a plate in each book. programs available to veterans, active
stationed in California and their
Tyckoson said the library welcomes duty military and other members of
dependents are eligible for waiver of
donations of books and other items, the military community. The programs
non-resident fees while attending as
but recommends potential donors first build upon the skills of military
an undergraduate and for one year
contact the library to discuss suitability personnel who have backgrounds in
while attending graduate studies
and need. science, technology, engineering and
within the CSU.Servicemembers
For more information, contact mathematics fields and prepare them
who remain in California after
Tyckoson at (559) 278-5678 or davety@ for employment in high demand science
discharge from active duty may
csufresno.edu. and technology positions in the civilian
also be eligible for a waiver of non-
resident fees. sector. 3
First published in the CSU Leader

4. veterans services
DISABILITY EVALUATION STREAMLINED
There are a couple of programs created to ease medical separation and speeds
benefit payments for servicemembers too wounded, sick or injured to stay in the
military will expand to all military medical sites across the services by October 2011.
These new programs bring together USDVA (VA) and military medical separation
processes while servicemembers are still on active duty. Under the new system,
wounded, ill or injured servicemembers receive medical evaluations by VA-
certified doctors using VA guidelines, while Department of Defense (DOD) officials
use these exams to determine if a servicemember is able to continue in uniform.
For servicemembers, the process is faster—with only one set of examinations to
complete.
The Pre-Discharge Program is a joint VA and DOD program that affords service
members the opportunity to file claims for disability compensation up to 180 days
prior to separation or retirement from active duty or full-time National Guard or
Reserve duty (Titles 10 and 32).
The four components of the Pre-Discharge Program are:
• Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
• Quick Start
• Disability Evaluation System (Pilot program)
• Seriously Injured/Very Seriously Injured (SI/VSI)
Find an advocate, either a County Veteran Service Office or Veteran Service
Organization, fill out a VA Form 21-22 and complete the new two page VA Form
526c, Pre-Discharge Compensation Claim and submit it with your service treatment
records (originals or copies) to the VA location nearest to you.
The pilot program has been operating in 27 sites. For more information, visit
www.army.mil/standto/archive/2010/03/05/ .
4

5. veterans services
eBENEFITS
Operation Welcome Home:
www.veterans.ca.gov
Support:
www.gwtvetsinneed.org
Tired of being on hold, getting the run-around, not getting the answer you
wanted, or just being in the dark about your claim? Relief:
If you answered yes to any of the above questions eBenefits is your solution. The www.afrtrust.org
United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made things easier to find out
the status of your claim and to view other documentation and correspondence from Job Fair:
the VA. www.military.com/career-expo/
eBenefits provides two main services. It’s a catalog of links to information on
other websites about military and Veteran benefits. And it provides a personalized Assistance:
workspace called My eBenefits which gives quick access to all the online tools www.jointservicessupport.org
now integrated into eBenefits - tools that let you do things like apply for benefits,
Veterans & Families:
download your DD 214, and see your benefits status online.
www.veteransandfamilies.org
Service members, Veterans, and family members can register for eBenefits, which
affords access to the secure features in My eBenefits and allows the portal to be
personalized to the user’s needs. You must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment
Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to create an account.
CHECK OUT OUR
For more information and for enrollment visit www.ebenefits.va.gov. SOCIAL NETWORKS!
COMMITTEE ADVANCES VETERAN BILLS
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA),
recently approved two bills. H.R. 3949—the Veterans Small Business Assistance
and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009—(1) would include amending the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to improve the equitable relief available for
servicemembers called to active duty, including allowing greater flexibility for family
cell phone plans, rental leases, and motor vehicle leases when a servicemember
has changed duty stations or been deployed. H.R. 1168 would authorize living
stipend and moving assistance to veterans who have been unemployed for at least
4 months, who are not eligible for training or education under VA, and who are
enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor re-training program.
5

6. veterans services
BUYER
BEWARE!
Hucksters are now promising older
veterans that they can get instant
eligibility for additional VA benefits if
they purchase certain financial products NEW NATIONAL CEMETERY OPENING
through them.
California now has nine National as a columbarium, providing a full range
The scam involves getting an
Cemeteries with the opening of the of burial alternatives to approximately
unsuspecting veteran to transfer
Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego 235,000 Veterans in the San Diego
retirement assets into an irrevocable
officially opened on November 22, 2010 County area. Nearby Fort Rosecrans
trust so the family appears to be
providing its first burials of Veterans and National Cemetery closed to casket
impoverished. That helps the family
family members at the new facility. burials in 1966, although it stays active
meet eligibility requirements for a VA
“This is a special day for California’s with casketed interments of family
pension and related programs.
Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans members of those currently interred
Although the VA doesn’t examine
Affairs Eric K. Shinseki in a prepared and inurnments of cremated remains.
a veteran’s asset history when
statement. “By building a national shrine Riverside National Cemetery, located
determining eligibility, Medicare does.
in San Diego, we will provide a final approximately 90 miles from San Diego,
If a veteran has transferred assets to
resting place and lasting tribute to the was until now the nearest national
secure eligibility, that veteran’s benefits
men and women who have faithfully cemetery offering full burial options.
could be jeopardized. The greater
served our Nation.” When completed, the first phase of
concern, however, is that the new trust
“San Diego is home of some of the construction will include approximately
created typically contains investments
highest concentrations of veterans in 11,500 casket gravesites; 4,900 in-ground
that are inappropriate for older veterans
the state, and it is fitting that the newest cremation sites; 10,000 columbarium
since they can take a decade or longer to
National Cemetery is located in this niches; an administration building and
generate income.
great community that has such a long maintenance complex; two committal
Before making any kind of
and strong history with the U.S. Military service shelters; and a public assembly
investment, check the sales agent’s
and our veterans,” said Undersecretary area. The project will also incorporate
record by contacting the California
of the California Department of Veterans systems for water distribution, roads,
Department of Corporations at (866)
Affairs Rocky Chavez. utilities, signs and landscaping.
275-2677 or by visiting www.corp.ca.gov.
Military honors at the opening Information on VA burial benefits
To get reliable information about
ceremony included a rifle salute and can be obtained from national cemetery
how to qualify for veterans benefits,
the playing of “Taps.” Acting USDVA offices, from the Internet at
contacting the California Department
Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA
of Veterans Affairs, Operation Welcome
Steve Muro gave remarks and was regional offices toll-free at (800) 827-
Home at (800) 952-5626 or visit
joined by CalVet Undersecretary 1000. To make burial arrangements
www.veterans.ca.gov.
Chavez, USDVA and local officials in the at the time of need at any VA national
interment of cremated remains. Casket cemetery, call the National Cemetery
burial options will be available in early Scheduling Office at (800) 535-1117.
2011. Additional information about the
The 313-acre Miramar National Miramar National Cemetery is available
Cemetery will offer in-ground gravesites by calling the Fort Rosecrans National
6
for caskets and cremated remains as well Cemetery office at (619) 553-2084.

7. veterans services
EDUCATING OUR COUNTRY’S LEADERS veterans and their families and promotes
community awareness on the issues
By Stephanie Thara
veterans face.
California State Univesrity,
Office of the Chancellor California State University, Fullerton:
CSUF maintains groups like the Student
The California State University (CSU) takes pride in being able to have a campus Veterans Association (SVA), which
in every region of the state and close to nearly every military base in California. assists student veterans in successfully
In 2009, the CSU instituted a statewide initiative where a total of 115 slots across transitioning from military service to
all 23 campuses will be reserved for active duty or veteran service members. university life through camaraderie,
Each slot guarantees admission on the basis of each veteran’s commanders’ networking and advocacy. SVA not only
recommendations. As part of the CSU’s Troops to College initiative, each of the 23 serves as a go-to resource for university
campuses has veteran service representatives dedicated to helping veterans and knowledge, but as a support group
active-duty personnel take advantage of the university’s incredible opportunities to all servicemembers. In honor of
and to make full use of their benefits. Veterans Day, CSUF’s SVA and Veteran
Many CSU campuses offer student veteran groups, along with unique amenities Student Services recently saluted
and events, including: campus veterans with a “Wall of Heroes,”
showcasing photos of those who have
San Diego State University: On Nov. 4, SDSU opened its expanded Veterans Center,
served or are currently serving in the
which now serves more than 1,000 veteran, active-duty and reservist students and
military. Similarly, CSUF hosts weekly
about 600 military dependents. While SDSU opened the first Veterans Center in the
“veteran lunch get-togethers” to act as
CSU system two years ago, the increasing student-veteran population outgrew the
a forum for discussing veteran issues,
location. The center now includes a Veterans Administration (VA) office, making
share information, build connections
SDSU the first university in California and the second in the nation to have a VA office
and encourage student veterans. The
on campus. In addition to the Veterans Center, the university also houses the Troops
university has luncheons twice a week;
to Teachers and Troops to Engineers programs, the first on-campus residence for
one for all veterans and one specifically
student-veterans in the country and the VetSuccess program.
for women veterans.
California State University, Sacramento: CSUS is home to organizations such as
the Student Veteran Organization (SVO). SVO offers a non-political environment First published in the CSU Leader
where university veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, families and others
can meet, share information and plan activities. It is designed to emulate the
camaraderie military personnel experienced while in the service. Also, the university
has a Veterans/ROTC Alumni Chapter, which aims to make a positive difference for
student veterans through creating a fraternal and service oriented environment
that assists military members and their families. The chapter offers professional and 7
social networking opportunities, develops scholarship opportunities for student

8. veterans services
SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE By Stephanie Thara, CSU Leader
Through the programs and • California Maritime Academy
exceptional comradeship that • California State University, San Marcos
each campus Veteran Affairs Office • California State University, Bakersfield
establishes, many CSU campuses • California State University, Chico
have been able to be a home away • California State University, Fresno
from home for student veterans. The • California State University, Long Beach
campuses have been commended by a • California State University, Monterey Bay
variety of military media for thoroughly • California State University, Northridge
assisting servicemembers in obtaining a • California State University, Sacramento
higher education and integrating them • California State University, San Bernardino
into the community and university life. • Humboldt State University
Among the 23 campuses offering • San Diego State University
high-quality education for military
personnel, the following universities Military Times EDGE ranked the following campuses in its “Best for Vets
were ranked among G.I. Jobs Magazine’s Colleges: 2010” list:
“Military Friendly 2011 List.” The list • Cal State San Bernardino
honors the top 15 percent of colleges • Cal State San Marcos
and universities that are doing the • CSU, Chico
most to embrace America’s military • Long Beach State
members and veterans as students. • San Diego State
The magazine polled more than 7,000
schools nationwide, examining criteria The magazine surveyed 4,000 colleges, evaluating each college’s financial
such as efforts to recruit and retain assistance, academic flexibility, campus culture and support services for student
military and veteran students, results in veterans. The list ranked 100 universities, listing CSU campuses as five of only 13
recruiting military and veteran students colleges in California to receive the prestigious distinction.
and academic accreditations.
First published in the CSU Leader
8

9. VENTURA
NEWS FROM OUR
veterans homes
THE DAY I The lyrics in the second stanza of
“America The Beautiful” depicts the
The real estate community of Ventura
County has been very generous and
REMEMBERED PEARL American way of life, ‘0 Beautiful for donated money for the materials to
HARBOR Hero’s Proved in liberating strife, who build a sixth bed as well as funds to buy
By Bill F. more than self their country loved and soil to fill it and support the gardening
Ventura Veterans Home Resident mercy more than life’. efforts. Many have also come out to
the site to weed and plant the gardens
On December 7, 1924, I made my by the driveway. Many thanks to these
entrance into the world. Seventeen years VETERANS’ HOME caring individuals.
Jerry keeps adding to the flower beds,
later I was celebrating my birthday with
my high school classmates. The radio
GARDEN HISTORY with Bob’s help, in addition to planting
By Barbara Hill a forest out by the flag ceremony area.
was playing our favorite big band music,
and suddenly a news flash broke in, Someday we’ll be able to wander
The gardens have been planted through the trees for a nature walk, and
and announced the Japanese bombed
just over a year, and already have a bit rest under the shade of countless trees.
Pearl Harbor. We thought that such an
of history. My favorite picture of the We’re going to need a hammock or two.
announcement was another of Olsen
gardens is one of Lynda standing on top A memorial rose garden and an area
Welles radio pranks.
in her sandals digging rocks out of the of natives plants are being planned at
The following day, December 8, 1941,
soil. I’m convinced the abundance of the present. Michael Glenn of the
President FDR presented this message
blooms and veggies in the raised beds is U. S. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will give
to Congress: Yesterday, December 7th,
due to the time taken to improve the soil a talk on December 10 to introduce the
1941- A date which will live in infamy,
before we started. concept of supporting migrating birds
the United States of America was
The first things planted were and butterflies with this native plant
suddenly and deliberately attacked by
artichokes, sugar snap peas and sweet habitat. We hope to turn the first shovel
the Naval Air Forces of the Empire of
pears. They were all tremendously of dirt on these two gardens in January.
Japan. As Commanding Chief of the
successful with each artichoke plant As I write this, I muse about how
Anny and Navy, I have taken all measures
producing over 60 ‘chokes’, the sugar these small beginnings will influence
necessary for our defense. We will
snap peas so sweet, everyone passing by the landscape for the enjoyment of the
always remember the character of the
plucked a few to munch, and the sweet veterans living here now, and those
on slaughter against us... a portion of
peas had to be picked every two days to to come in the future. When we plant
the message has been omitted in order
keep up with the blooms. a three foot tree, I envision it as it will
to exemplify the true meaning of the
Fresh beets, green beans, Al’s grow, how we’ll decorate the two
president’s message.
tomatoes, onions, herbs, peppers, kale, small Christmas trees recently planted
Following an immediate Declaration
cucumbers, lettuce and spinach are when their stature becomes apparent
of War against Japan and Germany, the
some of our successes. We didn’t do to all and the beauty they add to our
United States responded in kind, and
as well with pumpkins and melons- environment.
the war was quickly on two fronts, Asia
-no matter how much secret sauce Enjoy knowing you are all involved in
and Europe. By the time of the war’s end
Jerry used. Bob and Marie have been creating this history to be remembered
in August 1945, the United Sates would
busy planting sweet peas for a repeat for years to come.
have enlisted 16 million combatants
of colorful blooms for each table plus
of which there would be more than
radishes, onions, carrots, beets and
360,000 casualties.
cauliflower to enhance the dinner salads.
The song famous in 1942 was “Let’s
Al has also donated two avocado trees
remember Pearl Harbor as we go and
on the west side of the building. This is
meet the foe.” Beginning in 1945 Active
the start of our orchard.
Duty Military members were discharged
The first five raised beds have been 9
and returned home to their loved ones.
so much fun, we needed a sixth one.

10. events
CalVet News
UPCOMING
California Department of
Veterans Affairs
1227 O Street, Room 300
DECEMBER
Sacramento, CA 95814
P (916) 653-2192
F (916) 653-2611
DECEMBER 25, 2010
pao@calvet.ca.gov
Deputy Secretary for External Affairs KNMF Veterans Personal Care Day
JP Tremblay Downtown LA Encampments and streets near shelters
Los Angeles, CA
Editor 7:00 am - 11:00 am
JP Tremblay Contact: Doris Nickelson
(310) 545-2937
Graphic Designers
Thomas Moralez
Angela Slater
JANUARY
JANUARY 3, 2011
Edmond G. Brown Swearing in Ceremony as
39th Governor of California
staff
California State Capitol
Sacramento, CA
Note: To view more events, visit www.veterans.ca.gov/news.shtml