Issue 4 | December 19, 2017
End of Year Update
This year we asked San Diego County residents and businesses to become part of our VCC Resource Database; we are so appreciative to all of you who said YES!
 
Because of your involvement, we have been able to connect veterans, military members, and their spouses with local experts, like yourself, to get networked to San Diego information in areas such as careers, education, neighborhoods, recreation, and to businesses offering veteran/military discounts. We are thrilled to have this opportunity and look forward to all the connections 2018 will bring.
VCC Launches "Careers in the Community."
VCC’s “ Careers in the Community ” program introduces active-duty, veterans, and military spouses to local career opportunities, while also providing organizations with an opportunity to learn more about this talented and dedicated workforce.  

Attendees are offered an up-close and personal introduction to a variety of career tracks available in local organizations
At our first 'Careers in the Community event on December a group of participant-veterans and spouses met with NASSCO HR specialists, employees and toured the NASSCO shipyard.
"General Dynamics NASSCO was honored this week to host a group of veterans here at the Shipyard. We see firsthand the value that veterans offer to our shipyard. Many thanks to Vets' Community Connections for your support in making this visit a reality and we look forward to a continued partnership."

- Dennis DuBard, Public and Government Relations, General Dynamics NASSCO
" I loved interacting with the company's HR department during my visit."
-Participant
 
"What I found most interesting about the event was the tour of the facilities and that the company approached us with questions about our veteran community."
-Participant
 
"The most interesting part of today's event was the get-to-know the company approach."
-Participant
 
San Diego Companies
Interested in hosting a 'Careers in the Community' event with VCC? C ontact us
Veterans, Military and Spouses
Interested in exploring a career track or local company in San Diego? Request a call back to learn more about how to participate in an upcoming event.
What We've Been Up To
December 2017
VCC San Diego Program Manager, Shya Ellis-Flint, was a part of the Creative Forces: From Clinical to Community Panel Discussion . The daylong Creative Forces Summit rallied together military leadership with professionals in the fields of art and health for a day of presentations, panels, and performances designed to encourage collaboration and support of military and veteran families.
November 2017
VCC at the San Diego Military Advisory Council breakfast with guest speaker Rear Admiral Becker, USN, Commander Naval Space and Electronic Warfare Center.
November 2017
VCC at the Living Well Across the Ages event, which brought together hundreds of partners and stakeholders to advance a shared vision of a healthy, safe and thriving San Diego region.
November 2017
I n keeping with the tribal tradition of sharing, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians and Vets' Community Connections distributed 173 Thanksgiving meals to veterans and their families in San Diego County.
 
November 2017
VCC at the San Diego Veterans Day Parade where 4,000 Veterans, Active Military, Bands, Floats and Civic Groups celebrated America's Veterans from all branches of the military.
October 2017
VCC was a key planning partner and advocate for Operation Dress Code: a complimentary shopping experience for women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and for women who are currently serving.

October 2017
VCC joined the 2nd California Native American Veterans Gathering where participants shared experiences, heard each other voices, met with the Secretary of California Dept. of Veterans Affairs.networked with other veterans, and met veteran advocates.
October 2017
VCC was on the planning committee for the Be the Change event, a forum to empower and engage women veterans attendees gain knowledge in areas of personal, professional, and academic successes. We were delighted to host author and Purple Heart decorated, Air National Guard pilot, retired Major MJ Hegar.
Successful Connection
A veteran with plumbing issues who had received quotes from plumbers in the $300+ range for an urgent repair contacted VCC. VCC referred the vet to My Handyman Tech, a full-service handyman repair company, and they were able to do the repair for under $100.
VCC received a call from a recently housed veteran requesting household goods and furniture. VCC referred the vet to Courage to Call where he received a Home Depot box containing household kitchen and cleaning items; as well as bedding, and other necessary household goods.
VISTA Intermediary Program
Joe Zemlin will be serving as a Peer Specialist Program Manager for the California Veterans Legal Task Force. Click here t o learn more about the CVLTF.
 
" I joined AmeriCorps to serve at the CVLTF because I believe in the vision to provide our indigent Veterans with mental issues free legal services on their path to wellness."
-Joseph Zemlin
Adrian Edquid will be serving at the San Diego Military Family Collaborative. Click here to learn more about the SDMFC.
 
 
" I am grateful to serve those who are willing to give everything for us."
 
-Adrian Edquid
 
Featured Resources
PsychAmor Institute is a nonprofit that provides free education for all Americans to engage effectively with the military community. Register here to take free online courses that can help you enhance your knowledge of veterans, military families, and military culture.
Last minute holiday shopping for the outdoor lovers in your life? Remember 5.11 Tactical offers a 30% discount with a VCC referral. More info