Veterans Resource Guide The State of California is home to more than three million veterans, the largest state veteran population in America. These courageous men and women have fulfilled the highest duty to our nation by serving in the Armed Forces. We owe them a great deal. California is committed to ensuring that all veterans, of all wars, receive the services and programs to which they are entitled. This brochure lists a variety of services available to veterans and their families, including employment, rehabilitation, housing and training. Additional information on memorial sites and veterans homes is also included. I hope this brochure will serve as a guide to the opportunities available to the men and women who have served our country so bravely. Sincerely, Senator Tom Harman 35th Senate District Table of Contents A History of Veterans Day 1 California Veterans Memorial Registry 2 Veterans Memorials in Capitol Park 3 Veterans Homes of California 4 Veterans Cemeteries 5 Resource/Directory Guide 7 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 8 House and Senate Committees 9 California Legislative Committees 9 California Department of Veterans Affairs 9 California Association of County Veterans Service Officers 10 Job Services 13 Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise 15 Housing 15 Rehabilitation Services 16 Motor Vehicles 16 State Taxes and Tax Deductions 16 Miscellaneous 17 Veterans Organizations 17 The American Legion 17 Veterans of Foreign Wars 18 Purple Heart 19 Disabled American Vets 19 American GI Forum 20 A History of Veterans Day "...remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain..." - President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954 In 1921, an unknown American World War I soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Similar ceremonies were carried out in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation's highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey, and in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the end of World War I hostilities. The day became known as "Armistice day", dedicated to the cause of world peace. A 1926 Congressional resolution proclaimed the holiday official; shortly thereafter, World War II broke out. Millions of Americans took part; hundreds of thousands died. A proposal was made in Washington to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, making it an occasion to honor those who served America in wartime. President Eisenhower signed it into law in 1954, and November 11th become a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Since then, three more unidentified American war dead have been interred in Arlington Cemetery: one each from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Veterans Day continues to recognize the important contributions of those citizens whose military service had a profound effect on our history. It is a that honors veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The celebration also provides millions with a greater appreciation of this significant part of our national heritage. Currently, there are over 25 million veterans in the United States and over 45 million survivors and dependents of veterans. They represent nearly 1/3 of the United States population. California Veterans Memorial Registry California maintains more than 500 veterans memorials throughout the state, ranging in size and description from small roadside plaques to large structures, including buildings and bridges. In 2000, Senate Bill 1635 created a registry that would catalogue these memorials. That law provided for the establishment of a Veterans Memorial Registry, to be made publicly accessible on the web site of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA). The registry provides the location and condition of all known veterans memorials in California. The CDVA is currently collecting information for inclusion in this registry. A survey form is available on the web site to assist in identifying these commemorative structures: www.cdva.ca.gov/registry Veterans Memorial Registry California Department of Veterans Affairs 1227 O Street, Room 300 Sacramento, CA 95814 Veterans Memorials in Capitol Park Designed in the 19th century as a Victorian garden, Capitol Park surrounds the State Capitol building with 40 acres of trees and plants from around the world. Today, the park includes many historical monuments, including those erected in honor of our country's veterans. Civil War Memorial Situated in the center of the park, behind the trout pond, this grove of trees was the first war memorial in Capitol Park. Dedicated in 1897 by the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, the grove was designed with more that 40 saplings transplanted from various Civil War battlefields. Mexican-American Veterans Memorial Located across from the State Capitol, this memorial was dedicated in 1951 by the Society of Mexican Mothers to soldiers of Hispanic descent who served during the second World War. Spanish-American War Memorial Located near the trout pond, the memorial of "The Hiker" honors those veterans of the 1898 Spanish-American War. California Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Situated in the northeast corner of the park, this memorial was built entirely with donated funds. The names of 5,822 Californians who gave their lives or are listed as MIA (Missing in Action) are included on 22 black granite panels. California Veterans Memorial Dedicated in 1998, this unique memorial honors all Californians who served in all U.S. wars, regardless of branch, rank or duty. A registry of veterans is accessible through a computer kiosk. Veterans Homes of California One of the missions of the CDVA is to provide veterans, and sometimes their dependents, with rehabilitative, residential and medical care and services in a home-like setting. These facilities offer veterans a therapeutic environment that provides support and encouragement to live quality lives. CDVA operates three veterans home facilities: Veterans Home of California, Yountville (founded 1884) Attn: Admissions and Information P.O. Box 1200 Yountville, CA 94599-1297 800-400-8387 800-404-8387 (Public Information) Veterans Home of California, Barstow (founded 1996) Attn: Admissions Office 100 East Veterans Parkway Barstow, CA 92311-7003 760-252-6200 Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista (founded 2000) Attn: Admissions 700 East Naples Court Chula Vista, CA 91911 619-482-6010 888-857-2146 (Toll Free) In 1999, Assembly Bill 193 established the Governor's Commission on California Veterans Homes. Its purpose was to advise the Governor and Legislature on the establishment of sites for future veterans homes in areas currently underserved, specifically the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin. The Commission was also to consider sites for a specialized facility dealing with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. In August 2002, legislation was signed authorizing five new veterans homes in Lancaster, Saticoy, Los Angeles, Shasta County and Fresno County. Two new units for veterans with Alzheimer's are slated for the Los Angeles and Yountville homes. Veterans Cemeteries in California National Veterans Cemeteries www.cem.va.gov One of the missions of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) is to maintain national veterans cemeteries; the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) currently oversees 120 cemeteries throughout the country. It provides burial space for veterans and their eligible family members, maintains each site, and administers grants for establishing or expanding existing state veterans cemeteries. For more information on eligibility requirements, call 1-800-827-1000. There are six national veterans cemeteries in California. At this time, only the San Joaquin and Riverside cemeteries are open for new burial; the remaining are closed to all but dependents of veterans already buried there. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery Point Loma P.O. Box 6237 San Diego, CA 92106 (619) 553-2084 Golden Gate National Cemetery 1300 Sneath Lane San Bruno, CA 94066 (650) 761-1646 Los Angeles National Cemetery 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 268-4675 Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518 (909) 653-8417 San Francisco National Cemetery Presidio of San Francisco P.O. Box 29012 San Francisco, CA 94129 (650) 761-1646 San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery 32053 West McCabe Road Gustine, CA 95322 (209) 854-1040 State Veterans Cemeteries California is one of many states that has established state veterans cemeteries through the VA's State Cemetery Grants Program. Eligibility is similar to that of national cemeteries, but may include residency requirements. Although funding is provided through the grants program, state veterans cemeteries are run solely by each state. While there are no current state veterans cemeteries open, there is one under construction at Igo, near Redding in Shasta County. It is expected to open by December 2004. The state veterans cemetery located at the State Veterans Home in Yountville is for residents of the home, with very few exceptions. Veteran Memorial Grove Cemetery Veterans Home of California, Yountville 1 (800) 404-8387 For more information on the Igo cemetery, or the new national cemetery planned for the Sacramento area, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs, Legislation and Public Affairs Office, at (916) 653-2192. Resource/Directory Guide The following list of resources and web sites is designed to assist veterans in researching services, special entitlements, benefits, etc. Before applying for any entitlement claims, however, please be sure you are aware of the following: Whenever you apply for any veteran's entitlement, you will be asked to provide a copy of your military discharge document, commonly known as a "DD-214". You may want to have your DD-214 recorded at your county recorder's office, at no charge. By doing so, you will be able to obtain a free official copy when the need arises. Be sure to look into the security measures at your county recorder's office. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can keep your DD-214 in a safe place, such as a strong box, or bank safety deposit box. Make copies only as needed. If you have lost or misplaced your DD-214, obtaining an official replacement from the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri, may take up to three months or more, thus delaying your ability to obtain medical care and other entitlements. You can also contact your local County Veterans Service Officer for assistance. See pages 11 - 13 for a county-by-county listing. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) www.va.gov The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for providing federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. It provides significant education and vocational rehabilitation benefits, home loans, service-connected disability compensation, medical and dental care, burial benefits, readjustment counseling and life insurance. There are three regional offices in California: Oakland 1301 Clay Street, Room 1300 North Oakland, CA 94612 1-800-827-1000 San Diego 8810 Rio San Diego Drive San Diego, CA 92108 1-800-827-1000 Los Angeles Federal Building 11000 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024 1-800-827-1000 Each of the two branches of Congress has a committee dedicated to veterans issues. Their web sites include news, legislation and contact information. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs http://veterans.house.gov 335 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C., 20515 (202) 225-3527 Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs http://veterans.senate.gov Majority Staff 412 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-9126 Minority Staff 202 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-2074 Both houses of the California Legislature have committees on veterans affairs. These committees meet on a regular basis during the legislative session, and are staffed full time. They review bills relating to veterans, military affairs and armories, as well as bills amending the Military and Veterans Code. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-5798 Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 319-2002 California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) www.cdva.ca.gov The mission of the CDVA is to confer and administer the benefits provided by California to its veterans and their dependents. CDVA provides them with aid and assistance in a variety of ways, including claims for benefits, low-cost loans, rehabilitative care and medical services. For information on CAL-VET loans, which include loans to first-time home buyers, construction loans and home improvement loans, go to the CDVA web site, Cal-VET Home Loans page, or contact: CDVA 1227 O Street Sacramento, CA 95814 1-800-952-5626 Mailing address: P.O. Box 942895 Sacramento, CA 94295-0001 1-800-952-LOAN (5626) California Association of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOS) www.cacvso.org 54 of California's 58 counties have services available to assist veterans and dependents at the county level, to provide information on federal and state veterans benefits and to help veterans or their dependents complete application forms. CVSOS are authorized to administer the College Fee Waiver Program for veterans_ dependents. The program is applicable at California State Universities, University of California campuses and California Community Colleges. To obtain eligibility requirements and application assistance, contact your local CVSOS office. County Veterans Services Offices County Number Alameda Oakland 510-383-8781 Fremont 510-795-2686 Alpine contact CDVA 510-286-0627 Amador 209-223-6373 Butte 530-891-2759 Calaveras 209-754-6452 Colusa 530-458-0494 Contra Costa Martinez 925-313-1481 Richmond 510-374-3241 Del Norte 707-464-2154 El Dorado Placerville 530-621-5892 South Lake Tahoe 530-573-3456 Fresno 559-488-3436 Glenn 530-934-6524 Humboldt 707-445-7431 Imperial 760-355-8620 Inyo-Mono 760-873-7850 Kern Bakersfield 661-868-7300 Delano 661-725-3101 Lake Isabella no phone Ridgecrest 760-375-1564 ext. 226 Mojave 661-824-4631 Taft 661-763-2490 Kings 559-582-3211 ext. 2663 Lake Lakeport 707-263-2384 Clearlake 707-994-0646 Lassen Susanville 530-251-8192 Herlong 530-827-2858 Los Angeles Los Angeles 213-744-4825 Lancaster 661-723-4495 Rancho Dominquez 310-761-2221 West Covina 626-813-3402 Whittier 562-695-9040 City of Industry 626-854-4844 W. Los Angeles 310-268-4690 ext. 48425 Madera 559-675-7766 Marin 415-499-6193 Mariposa 209-966-3696 County Number Mendocino Ukiah 707-463-4226 Fort Bragg 707-964-5823 Merced 209-725-3840 Modoc 530-233-6208 Mono Contact Inyo Co 760-873-7850 Monterey Marina 831-384-0605 Salinas 831-796-3585 Seaside 831-883-3811 Napa 707-253-4558 Nevada 530-273-3396 Orange 714-567-7450 Placer 530-889-7968 Plumas 530-283-6275 Riverside Riverside 909-955-3010 Indio 760-863-8266 Banning no phone Blythe no phone Hemet 909-766-2566 Lake Elsinore no phone Perris no phone Corona no phone Idyllwild no phone Moreno Valley no phone Desert Hot Springs no phone Temecula no phone Palm Springs no phone Sacramento 916-874-6811 San Benito 831-637-4846 San Bernardino San Bernardino 909-387-5516 Ontario 909-458-1550 Victorville 760-843-2790 Yucca Valley 760-228-5441 Twentynine Palms no phone Loma Linda 909-422-3021 San Diego San Diego 619-531-4545 Vista 760-945-8941 San Francisco 415-554-7100 San Joaquin 209-468-2916 San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo 805-781-5766 Paso Robles 805-237-3880 County Number San Mateo 650-802-6598 Santa Barbara Santa Barbara 805-681-4500 Santa Maria 805-346-7160 Lompoc 805-737-7900 Santa Clara San Jose 408-363-3000 ext. 7-5544 Santa Clara 408-553-6015 Gilroy 408-846-3930 Palo Alto 650-493-5000 ext. 65389 Santa Cruz Santa Cruz 831-458-7110 Watsonville 831-763-4419 Shasta 530-225-5616 Sierra contact CDVA 510-286-0627 Siskiyou Yreka 530-842-8010 Mt. Shasta 530-842-8010 Solano Fairfield 707-421-6590 Vallejo 707-553-5261 Sonoma 707-565-5960 Stanislaus 209-558-7380 Job Services www.edd.ca.gov Eligible veterans receive the highest priority for employment opportunities from the California Employment Development Department (EDD). EDD's objective is to develop and support programs that increase employment and job training opportunities for veterans. EDD works in partnership with a multitude of local employment and training agencies. There are many services available to veterans seeking jobs and for employers who hire veterans, including: � CalJOBS California Job Order Browse System An internet-based labor exchange system that increases public access to employment services � DVOP Disabled Veteran Outreach Program � LVER Local Veterans Employment Representative Specialists on veteran's employment issues that can provide assistance with applications, interviews and vocational guidance. � JTPA Job Training Partnership Act Provides funds for programs to train veterans on the job. The program is administered state-wide through the Private Industry Council. To locate the one nearest you, check the white pages of your phone book. � TAP Transition Assistance Program Intensive preparation program to assist those leaving the military in making a smooth transition to the private sector. To locate your nearest EDD Field Office, consult your phone directory, "State of California, Employment Development Department". Employment with the State Most jobs with the State of California can be obtained only as a result of successfully competing in a civil service exam. Special consideration is granted to veterans. Check the State Personnel Board's internet website at www.spb.ca.gov for listings, exam information and helpful publications. State Personnel Board 801 Capitol Mall Sacramento, CA 95814 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 944201 Sacramento, CA 94244-2010 916-653-1705 Veterans Preference Desk: 916-653-1502 Department of Personnel Administration (DPA) www.dpa.ca.gov DPA administers military leave provisions for State Employees. For more information, contact your employer's personnel officer. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise www.dgs.ca.gov/osbcr Certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) are eligible for participation in California's Participation Program in state contracting. To become a certified DVBE, contact: Department of General Services Office of Small Business Certification and Resources 707 Third Street, 1st Floor West Sacramento, CA 95605 Mailing address: P.O. Box 989052 West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052 916-375-4940 or 800-559-5529 Housing Disabled veterans are entitled to special property tax exemptions if they own and occupy a mobile home. For information on license fee exemptions, contact: Department of Housing and Community Development Registration and Titling Program P.O. Box 2111 Sacramento, CA 95812-2111 916-323-9224 or 800-952-8356 Rehabilitation Services www.rehab.cahwnet.gov The State Department of Rehabilitation provides vocational rehabilitation and career preparation services for disabled veterans. Priority is given to those individuals with the most severe disabilities. Field offices are located statewide. To locate your nearest office, check the white pages of the phone book under "State of California," or contact: State Department of Rehabilitation 2000 Evergreen Street Sacramento, CA 95815 916-263-8981 Motor Vehicles www.dmv.ca.gov The Department of Motor Vehicles issues registration cards and license plates for all vehicles in California. Service-connected disabled veterans may be eligible to receive special license plates. Veterans license plates can be obtained with various armed forces or veteran service organization logo/emblems. Contact your local County Veterans Service Officer or DMV office. State Taxes and Tax Deductions www.ftb.ca.gov There are ways to compute tax on income received while out of the state or out of the country. Contact the Franchise Tax Board for the publication: Tax Information for Military Personnel (FTB Pub. 1032). There are field offices statewide. To locate your nearest office, contact the Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-852-5711. Miscellaneous California State Parks Lifetime passes at reduced prices are available to parks, camping, and boat launching for qualified veterans. For more information, contact: California State Parks Disabled Veterans Discount Pass Program P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 1-800-777-0369 Department of Fish and Game Reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses are available to qualified veterans. For more information, contact: Department of Fish and Game License and Revenue Branch 3211 S Street Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 227-2245 Veterans Organizations The American Legion www.legion.org Chartered in 1919 by Congress, the American Legion is a patriotic, community service veterans organization with 3 million members in nearly 16,000 posts worldwide. National Headquarters 1608 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006 202-861-2700 Department of California Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) www.vfwca.org Founded in 1899, the VFW is the oldest major veterans group in the United States. Part of its mission is to assist veterans and their families in enhancing their quality of life. One such endeavor is the VFW State Service Program, in which Department Staff Officers (DSOs) represent veterans and their dependents with benefit claims. Veterans do not need to be members to apply for these services. California Headquarters 1510 J Street, Suite 110 Sacramento, CA 95814 916-449-8850 National Vet Service 24-hour hotline: 800-VFW-1899 There are three regional offices state-wide: Oakland Oakland Federal Building 1301 Clay Street, Room 1140N Oakland, CA 94612 510-835-1246 Los Angeles Federal Building, Room 5202 11000 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90024 310-477-1791 San Diego VA Regional Office 8810 Rio San Diego Drive, #1161 San Diego, CA 92108 619-400-5322 VFW California Ladies Auxiliary Headquarters 1510 J Street, Suite 120 Sacramento, CA 95814 916-449-8857 Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) www.purpleheart.org Formed in 1932 for the protection of all veterans who have received the decoration, the Military Order of the Purple Heart is composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients. MOPH represents all veterans and their dependents. Military Order of the Purple Heart 5413-B Backlick Road Springfield, VA 22151-3960 703-642-5360 Disabled American Vets (DAV) www.dav.org The Disabled American Vets organization was chartered by Congress in 1932 for all service-connected disabled veterans. The network of services offered is free to all veterans and their dependents. One such endeavor is the National Service Program, in which National Service Officers (NSOs) represent veterans and their dependents with claims for benefits. Veterans do not need to be members to apply for these services. National Headquarters 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41076 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 859-441-7300 National Service and Legislative Headquarters 807 Maine Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20024 202-554-3501 American GI Forum www.agif.org Founded in 1948, the American GI Forum was the nation's first Hispanic veterans organization. It is an advocate for the rights of Hispanic war veterans, and provides assistance with veterans affairs, education, civil rights, employment and economic development. Two of its largest programs are the Veterans Outreach Program (VOP) and Ser-Jobs for Progress, Inc. (SER). There are various chapters located throughout California. California Chapters 1953 Supreme Drive San Jose, CA 95148 408-259-8944 National Headquarters 2870 North Speer Blvd., Suite 220 Denver, CO 80211 Toll free: 1-866-AGIFNAT Senator Tom Harman Capitol Office State Capitol, Room 2052 Sacramento CA 95814 tel 916.651.4035 fax 916.445.9263 District Office 950 South Coast Dr., Suite 240 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 tel 714.957.4555 fax 714.957.4560 senator.harman@sen.ca.gov www.sen.ca.gov/harman