Last year the PACT Act legislation was signed into law, expanding VA health care and benefits to Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. One crucial deadline of September 30, 2023 is quickly approaching that directly impacts VA health care eligibility for Gulf War and Post-9/11 Era Veterans. During this special enrollment period, the income threshold eligibility criteria is waived. If you’ve never applied for VA health care or if you have applied for VA health care before and were denied due to income, please contact SFVA!
Many Veterans have heard about the PACT Act but aren’t sure whether the law impacts their care and benefits. The SFVA team welcomes and encourages Veterans to contact us with questions.
If you find that you aren’t impacted directly by the PACT Act, you still might be eligible for VA health care and other Veteran benefits so we encourage you to reach out as well!
Deadline for Post 9/11 Veterans:
Post 9/11 combat Veterans: If you were discharged or released before Oct. 1, 2013, you may be eligible to enroll in VA health care during a special enrollment period ending Sept. 30, 2023.
PGA HOPE Program Opening @ Presidio
The NCPGA Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Northern California PGA. The mission of the NCPGA Foundation is three-fold: To serve Veterans - Their health and their families; to provide resources to PGA members serving their communities in Northern California and Northwestern Nevada; and to grow the game of golf.
More information on UCSF Opportunities
San Mateo County Veterans Commission Welcomes New Members
In a momentous ceremony that showcased a deep sense of commitment and respect for the nation's veterans, two newly appointed Veterans Commissioners took their oath of duty. The event, held at the Veterans Commission Meeting, marked a significant milestone in the commissions ongoing efforts to honor and support those who have served in the armed forces.
The new commissioners, Stan Maupin and Aditi Patel, represent a diverse range of backgrounds, including former military , healthcare , and community leaders. Their diverse expertise and experiences will undoubtedly prove invaluable in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by veterans, from healthcare and housing issues to employment opportunities and mental health support. As they took their oath, the commissioners acknowledged the gravity of their new roles and the trust placed in them by the nation. They expressed their gratitude to those who have come before them, setting a precedent of unwavering dedication and tireless service to veterans.
In the aftermath of the ceremony, the commissioners wasted no time in getting to work. They held their first meeting to outline their goals and chart a roadmap for the coming months. Among their top priorities are enhancing outreach programs to ensure every veteran is aware of the resources available to them and expanding mental health support services to address the often-overlooked psychological toll of military service. Their willingness to serve in this vital capacity underscores the enduring bond that exists between those who have served and those who continue to serve, ensuring that the sacrifices made in defense of the nation are never forgotten. Welcome Commissioners Aditi Patel and Stan Maupin!
Resumption of Student Loan Repayments
From VA Education Services:
Dear GI Bill® Student,
In case you missed it, the Department of Education has announced that payments on federal student loans, which had been paused since the COVID-19 emergency, will resume in October 2023. Interest on those student loans will resume beginning September 1, 2023. If you have no federal student loans, this will not apply to you.
The Department of Education is also notifying borrowers before their payments restart, but we wanted to make sure you had plenty of time to prepare. If you have questions about how the restart will work, what steps you need to take to resume your payments or change account information, or how to switch to a different repayment plan, you can find answers on their website. VA cannot answer questions about your student loans.
New VR&E Information
UC Merced Presents: Yosemite Veterans Education & Leadership Seminar
Date: September 26th- 29th
This is a 4-day educational seminar that teaches veterans how to access their educational benefits, understand career path opportunities, learn their health and wellness options and activate additional programs, such as home mortgage programs and family member support. The seminar will be held at UC Merced and Merced College and in the venerable Yosemite National Park. Applicants selected to attend will receive a scholarship to cover costs during the seminar.
Help furnish Veteran Homes
Veterans across the Bay Area need your help to furnish their homes. John Helin provides furniture, silverware, and cookware to veterans who have recently been placed in housing through HUD-VASH. John can't do it alone! Help John help veterans furnish their homes! He is accepting any help but would love to have someone who has a vehicle who can move large furniture.
If interested, please email: aayag@smcgov.org
OTED's Wellness Wednesday Financial Education Seminar - July 2023
In partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Prudential Financial, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED) offers Veterans, transitioning Service members (TSMs), spouses, their family members and caregivers, the opportunity to participate in the Wellness Wednesday Financial Educational series. The series has been cultivated to address financial literacy gaps across the military and Veteran community and is comprised of two programs, 1) an online website portal which contains a roster of financial literacy information and resources available at www.prudential.com/Veteran, and, 2) the Wellness Wednesday Financial education series, offered the 3rd Wednesday of every month that focuses on a variety of topics such as: 1) purchasing a home; 2) paying for college; 3) planning for retirement; and 4) learning the building blocks of how to save, budget, and make a return on investments.
Also attached, please find the July 2023 Financial Literacy Social Media Campaign and the Wellness Wednesday Save-the-Date flyers. Included is information about the online classes which will be offered at www.prudential.com/Veteran
Swords to Plowshares
Swords to Plowshares is able to provide services in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. We are a non-profit that provides employment and training services and support to veterans who may be unhoused or at the risk of being unhoused. May also be under employed and/or looking for additional supportive services for training cost and while they are currently completing their training.
CCSF Mission Programs
Arrival of Repatriate/Fallen Airman/Colonel Ernest DeSoto, U. S. Air Force
Repatriation/Fallen Airman/Colonel Ernest DeSoto, U. S. Air Force, will arrive at San Francisco International Airport on Thursday, June 29, 2023, United Airlines UA372, HNL-SFO, arrival 3:01 p.m. (Please monitor flight arrival.)
COL DeSoto was raised in San Francisco, graduated from Balboa High School in 1948, and married his high school sweetheart, Joyce. On April 12, 1969, COL DeSoto, age 37, piloted a two-man, F-4D Phantom II in a three-plane strike mission against targets near Da Nang, South Vietnam. While flying through cloud cover, the plane was shot down. Ground searches were prevented by heavy enemy presence in the area. In 1995, search teams located the plane's tail number in a dangerous part of the jungle and were unable to land a helicopter. Years later, two loaded bombs were found on the plane crash site, along with a piece of uniform with zipper, life support equipment, and other materials associated with the missing aircraft. The plane site processing and bomb defusing took 6 weeks and 55 workers. In March 2023, COL DeSoto's wife and 3 adult children were notified by the U. S. Air Force of the positive identification.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Thursday, June 29, 2023
United Airlines Flight UA372 HNL-SFO arr 3:01 p.m.
Procession from San Francisco International Airport to:
2 Park Road, Burlingame
7:00 p.m. - Visitation
Friday, June 30, 2023
10:30 a.m. - Funeral Mass
Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church
1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame
12:15 p.m. - Military Honors
Golden Gate National Cemetery
1300 Sneath Lane, San Bruno
Burial - Private
Golden Gate National Cemetery
VA Healthcare Enrollment
Support Veterans in Your Community
VA's highest clinical priority is Veteran suicide prevention. But we can't do it alone. Everyone has a role to play in keeping Veterans healthy and safe. And it starts in your community.
Job Training at VCP
CalVet College Fee Waiver Program Update for 2023
