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On December 7, 1941, 78 years ago Saturday, Japan launched the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor that killed 2,403 military personnel and civilians, and drew the United States into World War II. Each year, we remember Pearl Harbor and those who perished. But with time and attrition taking their collective toll, the number of those […]
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Once-Rescued Dog Now Helps Rescue Homeless Veterans CAMARILLO, CA September 13, 2019 – A service dog with a specialized skill that can help save the life of a homeless military veteran will soon be getting a surgery, thanks to Gold Coast Veterans Foundation (GCVF). The 165 pound white Samoyed mix named Leo ventures into homeless […]
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Living at Ventura County campgrounds is a viable option for homeless veterans. This is true especially if the veteran is able to obtain a Distinguished Veteran pass, available through California State Parks, or an Access Pass, available through the National Park Service. I didn’t plan on full-time camping. I was trying to buy a house […]
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“Man’s Best Friend” doesn’t tell the whole story. Our K-9 companions are also a Soldier’s Best Friend and a Veteran’s Best Friend. Dogs have served important roles in military operations for many years, saving countless lives on the battlefield and often decorated for their valor. “Sgt. Stubby” was a dog who was the official mascot of […]
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My name is Leo. I’m a mix, they say. Maybe part Alaskan malamute and husky. Maybe some Pyrenees or mastiff or white shepherd or wolf, even. I’m not sure. Does it matter? Not to me. And not to Papa. We met about six years ago when I was 8 months old. I was in a […]
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I called retired Marine Sgt. Maj. John Canley last week to ask him if we could catch up on what he’s been doing since he was awarded the Medal of Honor in October by President Donald Trump for his exemplary service in Vietnam. He called me back from a naval base in San Diego, where […]
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Last week, I celebrated the 50th anniversary of a hand grenade blowing up a few feet behind me. That was normally 100 percent fatal. The blast lifted me off the ground and planted me face-first. I couldn’t move. I was near the Cambodian border, and my guys called in a medevac helicopter. They flew me to Saigon at […]
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Napa valley resident and Navy veteran Don Long recently sat down with CalVet to share his memories of December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Long recalls seeing planes just moments before 8 a.m. as he got ready to begin test flights with his crew. Watch the video to hear how he survived […]
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Ray Chavez, 106 and the oldest U.S. military veteran survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor 77 years ago, has died. A resident of Poway, Calif., Chavez died in his sleep Wednesday. He had been suffering from pneumonia, said his daughter, Kathleen Chavez, according to Associated Press and San Francisco Chronicle reports. Daniel Martinez, chief […]
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ADVOCATE—Kim Mitchell, president and CEO of Veterans Village of San Diego, spoke recently to nursing students at Cal State Channel Islands about the challenges veterans face after returning to civilian life. Courtesy Kim Mitchell Noticing I was the only one not eating, she made a point to ask if I’d had lunch yet. When I […]
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