Empowering Veterans: Los Angeles VEAC event a resounding success

A Greater Los Angeles Area Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC) event served as a powerful platform to support Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors across multiple counties in Southern California. This event, held in partnership with esteemed organizations, aimed to provide comprehensive assistance and foster a sense of community for Veterans in the region. Let us share the remarkable success stories and compelling statistics that highlight the transformative impact of this VEAC event, the latest in an ongoing pilot program that is changing the lives of Veterans across the nation.

Dedicated support for Veterans

A woman Veteran who attended the California VEAC event expressed her gratitude for the exemplary support received. She praised the representative from the Veterans Health Administration for their expertise, attentive listening and courteous guidance. This interaction instilled confidence in navigating the VA Healthcare system, reflecting the event’s commitment to delivering exceptional assistance to Veterans.

“The representative with the Veterans Health Administration provided great support,” the woman Veteran said. “She listened to my questions and concerns and gave expert advice. She was very courteous and understood my questions. I am confident that the guidance she provided will help me as I navigate through the VA Healthcare system. I am glad that she was on duty for my call – thank you!!!”​

Bernard Johnson, a VA employee who actively supported the VEAC events initially had reservations but soon became a strong advocate: “As the former RO Director of San Juan PR and U.S. Virgin Islands, I wasn’t a fan of VEACs at the beginning, but as time went on, I became your biggest fan.”

Partnerships and collaborations

The Greater Los Angeles Area VEAC event stood as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of organizations joining forces to provide unwavering support to our Veterans. It was through the concerted efforts of a multitude of organizations that this event came to fruition. The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), the Veteran Peer Action Network (VPAN), Military OneSource, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), the VA Hotline, and VA’s Veterans Experience Office (VEO) all played pivotal roles in ensuring that no gaps existed in the support provided to our Veterans.

Each organization brought its unique expertise, resources and dedication to the table, creating a collaborative environment that enabled the VEAC event to be comprehensive and impactful. CalVet, with its deep understanding of California Veterans’ needs, contributed invaluable insights and guidance. VPAN, with its peer-to-peer support network, fostered a sense of camaraderie and understanding among Veterans. Military OneSource provided vital connections and resources for transitioning service members. The VBA, VHA and BVA addressed the intricate aspects of benefits, health care and appeals, ensuring that Veterans received the assistance they required. The NCA ensured that all eligible Veterans and family members will receive proper recognition and honor, providing dignified burials in the most respectful manner possible. The VA Hotline served as a crucial point of contact for Veterans seeking information and support. Lastly, the VEO focused on enhancing the overall experience for Veterans, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs met.

The collective efforts of these organizations were instrumental in ensuring that the Greater Los Angeles Area VEAC event was a resounding success. By working together, they minimized gaps in support, leveraged their expertise and maximized the impact of the event. Their collaboration exemplified the spirit of unity and shared purpose, creating an environment where Veterans felt valued, respected and empowered.

Comprehensive services for all

The VEAC event in the Greater Los Angeles Area saw significant engagement and support for Veterans. A total of 292 appointments were scheduled, and 264 customers were served during the event. This impressive participation demonstrates the vital role these events play in addressing the needs of the Veteran community.

One noteworthy aspect of the event was the focus on inclusivity. While the overall female Veteran population in the state stands at 8.4%, the VEAC event witnessed a higher representation. A commendable 13.6% of the customers served were women Veterans, highlighting the event’s success in reaching and supporting this important demographic.

The Greater Los Angeles Area VEAC event ensured inclusivity by serving all components of service, including active duty, National Guard, Reserve and more. Additionally, Veterans from all military branches, with the exception of the newly formed Space Force, were supported, emphasizing the event’s commitment to assisting Veterans from all walks of life.

Wide range of services offered

Of the 264 customers served, the event addressed various aspects of Veterans’ needs. The breakdown of services included:

• 36.3% received general benefit information.
• 23.5% filed a claim or appeal.
• 19.3% received updates on the status of a claim or appeal.
• 14% received California state benefit assistance.
• 8.4% completed an intent to file a claim.

Positive feedback and satisfaction

Feedback from participants at the Greater Los Angeles Area VEAC event was overwhelmingly positive. Notable statistics include:

• 76.2% of customers found accessing the information or services they needed easy.
• 71.4% felt that the support they received was effective.
• 89.3% expressed feeling respected and valued during their participation in the event.
• 77.4% expressed trust in VA and its community partners to meet their needs.
• 78.6% said they would recommend VEAC events to other Veterans, reflecting their satisfaction and confidence in the event’s offerings.

The Greater Los Angeles Area VEAC event exemplified the power of collaboration, dedication and inclusive support for Veterans in Southern California. The event highlighted the profound difference it made in Veterans’ lives through remarkable success stories, such as the positive impact on individual Veterans and the engagement of various organizations and partners. Let us continue to celebrate and support initiatives like the VEAC events, ensuring that Veterans receive the care, assistance and respect they so rightfully deserve.