VC Star Archives - Gold Coast Veterans Foundation

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October 7, 2021

Veterans Column: Ms. Veteran America 2021 Airs Sunday, Aims to End Veteran Homelessness

By Vince Gangi, U.S. Air Force veteran and GCVF volunteer Here she comes: Ms. Veteran America 2021. What, Ms. Veteran America? Yes, Ms. Veteran America is a yearly event hosted by Final Salute Inc. to raise awareness for homeless women veterans. Final Salute Inc. is a nonprofit set up by retired Army Maj. Jaspen “Jas” Boothe in 2010 to […]

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August 30, 2021

Veterans Column: Former Naval Base Commander Advises on Where, How to Get Benefits

By Vince Gangi, U.S. Air Force veteran and GCVF volunteer Veterans, ever wonder what Veterans Affairs benefits you are entitled to? Having difficulty navigating the VA claims process? Want the veteran designation on your driver’s license or to take advantage of the California college fee waiver program for your children? Many veterans or soon-to-be veterans wrestle […]

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August 2, 2021

Veterans Column: Here’s What You Can Do for National Purple Heart Day

By Alexander G. Deraney, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) and GCVF “Mobile Veteran Outreach” Team Member Aug. 7 is National Purple Heart Day, a day on which many Americans reflect on those who fought and lost their lives or received life-altering injuries in combat operations. An estimated 1.8 million Americans have earned that venerable award, […]

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July 4, 2021

Veterans Column: Midway Museum in San Diego, a Floating Ship Museum with a Storied History

By Don Irelan, Son of a WWII Navy Veteran, Brother of a Retired Navy Captain, and GCVF Volunteer USS Midway Museum, berthed in San Diego Bay, is an aircraft carrier museum. Midway was named for the Battle of Midway June 1942 of World War II that turned the tide of war between the United States […]

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June 7, 2021

Veterans Column: Health Benefits Granted by Priority; Here’s What You Need to Know

By Vince Gangi, U.S. Air Force veteran and GCVF volunteer. Veterans Affairs operates one of the largest and most respected healthcare systems in the country. This healthcare system, and the medical benefits package that gives veterans access to it, serves as the backbone of the VA benefits program military personnel earn through their military service. […]

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May 3, 2021

Veterans Column: Military Brings Cultures Together Like No Other Organization

By Andy Ostroth, 30-year Navy veteran and GCVF volunteer It’s disturbing to see the military grappling with issues of extremism and white supremacy within its ranks and the veteran population, but good to see light shined on this problem. While this issue is rightfully addressed, it’s important to keep some things in perspective: The vast […]

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April 5, 2021

Veterans Column: Here’s What We Can Do Now to Prevent Veteran Homelessness

By Laura Thomas – mom of an active-duty servicemember; wife, mother-in-law and sister of veterans; and GCVF volunteer When addressing the topic of veteran homelessness, former President Barack Obama referred to our obligation to take care of our nation’s veterans as a “moral imperative.” I believe this obligation is best fulfilled long before a veteran […]

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March 1, 2021

Veterans Column: Supporting Veterans Causes Invokes Family, Friends Who Served

By Don Irelan, GCVF Volunteer and Son of a WWII Navy Veteran On Nov. 11, the National Museum of the United States Army celebrated its grand opening. The museum project was a joint effort between the U.S. Army and the Army Historical Foundation. The Army Corps of Engineers built the infrastructure, roads and utilities, and […]

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February 1, 2021

VC Star Veterans Column: Ventura County Veterans Lose Friend, But Legacy Still Burns

By Alexander G. Deraney, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) and GCVF “Mobile Veteran Outreach” Team Member President Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address, implored the American people to increase their devotion to the cause for which our fallen servicemen gave the last full measure of devotion. Whether a member of our armed forces served in […]

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January 4, 2021

VC Star Veterans Column: Chili Beans Brought Together These Army Veterans

By Donna Lockwood, GCVF “Mobile Veteran Outreach” Support Specialist and Daughter of a Korean War Combat Veteran Thinking about people who serve in the military, one would imagine highly disciplined, tough-as-nails soldiers, ready to walk into harm’s way. Finding romance and a lifelong soul mate doesn’t seem likely. But that’s just what happened for two […]