New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: Veterans

Goodwill of OC receives $100,000 to support vets, from Edwards Lifesciences

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Military, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

GOODWILL® OF ORANGE COUNTY TO RECEIVE $100,000 FROM EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES FOUNDATION

Funds will Further Goodwill’s Efforts to Help Local Veterans

SANTA ANA, CA — December 1, 2015 – Goodwill of Orange County announced it will receive $100,000 from Edwards Lifesciences Foundation to support Goodwill’s Tierney Center for Veterans Services, a global approach to serving veterans and their families that helps find resources and services to meet and serve their unique needs, including housing, employment training and job placement, educational advancement, and wellness programs.

Edwards Lifesciences Foundation’s three-year investment will allow Goodwill to enhance the quality of life of veterans and their families living in Orange County by integrating Goodwill’s services with those of other veterans service providers in the community. Continue reading→

OCTA honors employees who served in the U.S. Military at annual Veterans Day event

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Garden Grove, Military, OCTA, Transportation, Veterans Leave a comment

OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson speaks to a crowd of OCTA employees who served in the U.S. military during a veterans appreciation event at the OCTA’s Garden Grove base

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Joel Zlotnik, (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Nov. 12, 2015

OCTA Honors Veterans in Annual Event

Nearly 10 percent of transportation agency’s workforce is made up of those who served in the military

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority this week honored employees who have served in the military and employees with relatives currently serving during OCTA’s sixth annual Veterans Day Appreciation event.

OCTA employs more than 100 veterans from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, representing nearly 10 percent of the workforce. OCTA has been recognized by military organizations as a military-friendly employer for its efforts to actively recruit veterans. Continue reading→

Santa Ana’s Career College of California named to the Military Friendly Schools List

Posted on November 8, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Military, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

For Immediate Release

Career College of California Named to Victory Media’s 2016 Military Friendly® Schools List

Included in national list of Top 25 Vocational and Technical Schools for Veterans

SANTA ANA – Today, Career College of California has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM Jobs SM and Military Spouse. The Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data driven ratings about post‐military education and career opportunities.

Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of over 100 questions covering ten categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by EY (Ernst & Young) based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of higher education and recruiting professionals. A full list of board members can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com/advisory‐board. Continue reading→

Public invited to monthly flag raising at the Santa Ana library

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County

Community: PUBLIC INVITED TO MONTHLY FLAG RAISING CEREMONY HONORING OUR VETERANS THIS THURSDAY

In honor of the remarkable contributions that veterans have made to our country, the American Legion Post 131 and students from Heroes Elementary will be hosting a monthly flag raising ceremony, tomorrow Thursday, September 17 at 7:45 am.

The ceremony will last approximately 15-20 minutes and will honor veterans each third Thursday of the month. The flag raising ceremony will take place in front of the Santa Ana Public Library, at the flag pole located near the corner of Ross and Civic Center Drive. Everyone is invited to attend and recognize our local veterans. Continue reading→

Rep. Sanchez honors Korean War Veterans on Armistice Day

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Koreans, Loretta Sanchez, Military, Veterans Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 46th Congressional District

STATEMENT, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Morris, 202-225-2965, Emily.Morris@mail.house.gov

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ HONORS KOREAN WAR VETERANS ON ARMISTICE DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea and senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, marking the day the Korean War ceasefire agreement was signed on July 27, 1953:

“Today, on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, our nation honors the 5.7 million American men and women who served during the Korean War. We pay tribute to 2,611 men and women from California who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend freedom for the people of Korea and the world from the threat of Communism. Those veterans are our country’s source of pride and honor. Continue reading→

Rep. Sanchez to host the 12th Annual O.C. Veterans Fair on July 25, in Orange

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Family, Jobs, Loretta Sanchez, Military, Orange, Veterans, Youth Activities Leave a comment

12th Annual O.C. Veterans Fair

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 46th Congressional District

MEDIA ADVISORY, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2015

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ TO HOST ANNUAL VETERANS FAIR ON SATURDAY JULY 25, 2015

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) will attend and speak at her 12th Annual Orange County Veterans Fair, on Saturday, July 25, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The event will continue to 1 pm.

The event will include free health screenings, employment and career workshops, housing resources, and many more services, including: Continue reading→

Memorial Day Program at the Santa Ana Cemetery set for May 25

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Military, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Cemetery is hosting their annual Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 25, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., at 1919 Santa Clara Ave., in Santa Ana.

The event is titled “Lest we Forget” and will feature:

100th Anniversary of the Dedication by the Daughters of Union
Veterans of the Civil War Eagle Monument to the Unknown Dead of the Civil War – 1861-1865
Salutes by Civil War Cannons & Veteran Honor Squad
Parade of Flags
Memorial Wreaths Music, Speeches & Much More!

Continue reading→

So Cal Gas helps launch the new 2-1-1 info service for Veterans and their families

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Military, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

Chairman Todd Spitzer, 2-1-1 Chair Alan Roeder, OC Veterans Advisory Council Chairman Bobby McDonald, SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager Paul Simonds and Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

Orange County Works with SoCalGas and 2-1-1 to Launch Internet Site to Help Veterans and their Families Gain Greater Access to Services

By: OC Supervisor Todd Spitzer

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has supplied a $30,000 grant to help 2-1-1 Orange County develop and launch an internet site that will help Orange County veterans and their families gain greater access to services, it was announced this week at the Orange County Supervisors meeting.

The new portal is connected to 2-1-1 Orange County’s extensive database of regional services that include housing, legal assistance, counseling, child care and other services. The portal will serve as a central location for the most current information and relevant services for veterans and their families. 2-1-1 Orange County is also working with the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative to make sure that area agencies are trained to work specifically with service men and women as they transition back from deployment. Continue reading→

Free PTSD care event for Veterans set for March 28

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Costa Mesa, Entertainment, Mental Health, Military, Veterans Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2015

Major Event Will Combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Suicide Among OC Vets; Provide Free PTSD Therapy

As study shows nearly half have PTSD and 20% plan suicide, coalition of veterans and health groups to hold major event to help OC vets

Mental health care for America’s veterans remains one of the great challenges facing Southern California. A new USC study released in February found that nearly 20% of Orange County veterans had made a plan to die by suicide; nearly half of those considering suicide did not receive help; and that 44% of post-9/11 veterans had PTSD. Continue reading→

Property owners and managers are needed to house OC Veterans

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in homeless, Housing, Orange County, Veterans Leave a comment

Property Owners and Managers are Needed to House OC Veterans

By O.C. Supervisor Lisa Barlett

There are at least 446 veterans who are homeless on any given night in Orange County according to the 2013 Orange County “Point in Time Homeless Count”. In addition, to this number, there are more than 2,000 veterans with incomes below 50% of the County’s median income applied on the Orange County Housing Authority waiting list for housing assistance during a two-week period in February 2012. This demonstrates the immediate needs of local veterans for basic shelter and for long term decent, safe and affordable housing. The 2013 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress stated that many homeless veterans need supportive services and case management to successfully transition from homelessness to permanent housing. In addition, these veterans typically do not have the financial resources to pay rent. They may also face barriers such as poor credit, prior evictions or lack of funds for a security deposit or other move-in expenses. Continue reading→

Monthly flag raising at the Santa Ana Library to honor U.S. Veterans

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Military, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community: PUBLIC INVITED AS AMERICAN LEGION POST 131 HONOR US VETERANS WITH MONTHLY FLAG RAISING

SANTA ANA, CA (November 17, 2014) – In honor of the remarkable contributions that veterans have made to our country, the American Legion Post 131 will be hosting a monthly flag raising ceremony that will allow community members to show admiration, respect, and appreciation to our troops. Similar ceremonies take place every Wednesday afternoon at the Orange Circle in the City of Orange and have become extremely successful over the years, gathering more than 100 community members every week. Continue reading→

The OCTA honors employees who served for Veterans Day

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Darrell Johnson, OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 11, 2014
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713/Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

OCTA Honors Employees Who Served For Veterans Day

About 10 percent of OCTA’s workforce is former military service men and women

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority today recognized the service of employees who are military veterans during OCTA’s fifth annual Veterans Day Appreciation event.

OCTA employs 115 veterans from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, representing nearly 10 percent of the workforce. OCTA has been recognized by military organizations as a military-friendly employer for its efforts to actively recruit veterans. Continue reading→

Santa Ana Public Library presents special veterans events in November

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Literature, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: Celebrate Our Veterans: Santa Ana Public Library presents special veterans events in November

Celebrate Our Veterans: Santa Ana Public Library presents special veterans events in November / Honrando A Nuestros Veteranos: la Biblioteca Pública de Santa Ana presenta varios eventos especiales en honor a nuestros veteranos durante el mes noviembre

SANTA ANA, CA – Karl Marlantes, Vietnam veteran and author of What It Is Like to Go to War, stated, “One of the things we have to get over as a culture is avoiding talking about the fact that we’ve been at war…..We have to step up to the plate and say: We’ve been at war and we’re willing to hear what it was like for our veterans, the people who have done the fighting for us.”

The Santa Ana Public Library will present three outstanding events during November for veterans and the whole community. We will listen to our veterans’ stories and honor them for the sacrifices they have made for our nation. Continue reading→

OC real estate professionals step up to give a pair of US Veterans a new honeymoon

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Hugh Nguyen, Michele Martinez, Santa Ana, Sean Mill, Veterans Leave a comment

Veterans Day will be even more special this year in Orange County as a group of real estate professionals has stepped up to help a pair of Veterans who happen to be married – and who suffered an unbelievable calamity.

Chris Winterton has served our Country is the United States Army for 11 years as a Staff Sargent with the 1/211 Out of Utah and with the 116th Secor while deployed in Iraq. His wife Sarah, who also served, is currently with the National Guard.

Chris and Sarah met while serving and they were married in 2011. During his 11 years of service, Chris helped build schools in Nicaragua, helped here at home with Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts and deployed to Iraq in 2007. It was during this time tragedy stuck. Chris was injured suffering a traumatic brain injury (tbi) and was hospitalized. But he did not give up! In 2012 he deployed to Afghanistan, just 6 days after his son was born, to serve another tour. Unfortunately, his injuries sustained in Iraq caught up to him and he had to take a medical discharge from his career serving our country. He now deals on a daily basis with supporting his family, PTSD and TBI. Continue reading→

Orange County 2014 Veterans Day deals

Posted on November 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Deals, Entertainment, Military, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are very much appreciated by Orange County businesses and with Veterans Day coming up on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, there are a number of great deals and special offers coming up for the men and women who served our country:

Applebee’s is offering a free meal to active and retired members of the US Military on Veterans Day. Click here for details. They have locations in the OC in La Habra, Fountain Valley, and Santa Ana. Click here for location details.
Black Angus Steakhouse is offering a free appetizer to active and retired members of the US Military, on Veterans Day. Click here to find a location. They have locations in Orange County in Buena Park, Fountain Valley and Santa Ana.
California Pizza Kitchen is offering a free entrée on Veterans Day for current and retired members of the US Military. They have locations in the OC in Anaheim, Brea, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Seal Beach and Tustin. Click here for location details.
El Torito is offering a 20% Military discount for all veterans and military personnel that show valid ID. They have OC locations in Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, Irvine, Orange, Placentia, Tustin and Westminster.
Knott’s Berry Farm is offering free admission to active and retired members of the U.S. Military from November 2, 2014 through January 4, 2015. Up to six additional tickets may be purchased at Knott’s Ticket Booths for only $24 each from November 2 -21 and for $29 each November 22 through January 4, 2015. Military personnel may also purchase additional tickets at a participating local Military ticket office. U.S. veterans, retired and active military personnel must present military ID or proof of U.S. military service at Knott’s ticket booths to receive the complimentary tribute tickets. Veteran, retired and active military personnel must be present.

Continue reading→