AMVETS Department of California is proud to welcome Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (TCHHSA) as a Platinum Sponsor of our Veteran Career Fair 2026, taking place Thursday, October 29th at the Visalia Convention Center.

TCHHSA is dedicated to protecting and strengthening the well-being of our community through the development of effective policies, practices, and services — delivered in a culturally and linguistically competent manner. Their mission is simple but powerful: healthy children and adults, supportive families, and a thriving community.

As a Platinum Sponsor, TCHHSA’s support helps us connect local veterans with the employers, education, and services they need to thrive after service. We’re grateful for their generosity and continued commitment to the Tulare County community.

To learn more about Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency and the work they do, visit tchhsa.org.

Interested in becoming a sponsor like TCHHSA? Visit our Become a Sponsor page to learn more.

Good news from Sacramento. On September 28, Governor Newsom announced he has signed five veterans bills into law. Here is what each one does for veterans and their families.

SB 296 (Archuleta): Property tax relief for disabled veterans
If you are a 100% disabled veteran who owns and lives in your home, half of the first $1 million of your home’s value is exempt from property tax. If your household income is $83,474 or less (adjusted each year), the full first $1 million is exempt. The exemption covers tax years 2027 through 2031.

AB 2219 (Schiavo): Faster help getting your benefits
The Faster Services for Veterans Act improves how CalVet and your County Veterans Service Office work together. The goal is to connect you to your VA and state benefits with fewer delays.

AB 2054 (Gipson): Paid Family Leave for military families
This bill makes clear that “covered active duty” includes stateside missions, extended training, and National Guard or Reserve activation. Families of those servicemembers can use Paid Family Leave.

AB 2203 (Tangipa): Priority class registration
Students using the CalVet College Fee Waiver or the federal GI Bill get priority registration at California Community Colleges, CSU, and UC. That means getting the classes you need to finish on time and use your full benefit.

AB 1346 (DeMaio): In-state tuition for military kids
Dependents who return to a California public college or university to finish their degree keep in-state tuition, even if their servicemember parent has transferred out of state or retired.

Thank you to the authors who carried these bills, and to every veteran who wrote a letter, made a call, or showed up at the Capitol this year. Your voice helped move these across the finish line.

A few more veterans bills remain on the Governor’s desk, and he has until September 30 to sign or veto them. We will share updates as we learn more.

[Read the Governor’s announcement]

Source: Reeb Government Relations, California veterans legislative update, September 28, 2026.

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Tulare Memorial Blood Drive and 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Set for September 11

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The Tulare community will come together on Friday, September 11, 2026, to honor the fallen, remember the events of September 11, and give back through the annual Tulare Rotary Memorial Blood Drive.

Hosted at the Tulare Veterans Memorial Building, the day will feature a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony beginning at 7:00 AM, including a Presentation of Colors, Honor Guard, Invocation, Memorial Bell ringing, Firefighter’s Prayer, and closing remarks.

The Memorial Blood Drive will run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing an opportunity for community members to help save lives through blood donation. Appointments are encouraged, and walk-ins are welcome.

Donors can also receive special incentives, including a limited-edition 9/11 T-shirt, a ticket to the Tulare County Fair, food throughout the day, sponsor offers, and opportunities to win hourly raffle prizes. The first 100 first-time donors will also receive a Galaxy Theatres movie ticket.

📍 Tulare Veterans Memorial Building
1771 E. Tulare Ave.
Tulare, CA 93274

This event is a meaningful opportunity for the community to remember, honor, and give. AMVETS Department of California encourages Veterans, their families, and community members to participate in this important day of remembrance and service.

Please review the flyers for complete event details and donation information.

AMVETS Department of California invites all members, posts, and leadership to join us for our Fall Department Executive Conference — a weekend of business, camaraderie, and celebration.

📅 When: Thursday – Saturday, October 29–31, 2026
📍 Where: Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center, 300 S. Court St., Visalia, CA 93291

This year’s conference weekend brings together AMVETS leadership and members from across California for meetings, planning, and connection — plus a few special moments along the way. Our Veteran Career Fair takes place Thursday, October 29th as part of the weekend, connecting local veterans with employers, education, and services. And this year, one evening of the conference features a masquerade-themed dinner — an elegant night of celebration among friends, old and new.

Whether you’re here for the business sessions, the community, or the chance to reconnect with fellow AMVETS members, we’re glad to have you with us.

🎟️ Registration is open! Reserve your spot for the Fall Department Executive Conference on Eventbrite:
Register Now

📄 Delegates: Download the Delegate Form for additional conference details.

When military service ends, a new battle often begins: transitioning back to civilian life. For thousands of California veterans, navigating VA claims, finding stable housing, or re-establishing a sense of community can feel overwhelming.

At the AMVETS Department of California, our mission is simple—to enhance the quality of life for all veterans, their families, and survivors. Across the Golden State, our programs do more than provide relief; they provide a foundation for long-term independence, dignity, and purpose.

Here is a look at how AMVETS CA programs are transforming lives every day.

1. From an Empty Room to a Real Home: The Welcome Home Program

For veterans transitioning off the streets and into permanent housing through HUD-VASH vouchers, securing a lease is a major milestone. However, many move in with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, sleeping on hard floors without dishes, a bed, or basic amenities.

That is where the AMVETS Welcome Home Program fills the gap. By delivering brand-new furniture, mattresses, kitchenware, and small appliances at zero cost, AMVETS turns stark apartments into comfortable homes.

“Receiving HUD-VASH meant I had a roof over my head, but sitting in an empty apartment made me feel like I was still stranded. When the AMVETS team arrived with a bed, couch, and kitchen gear, I finally felt human again. It gave me the dignity I needed to focus on getting back into the workforce.”

— Welcome Home Program Recipient

Providing basic household comforts alleviates financial stress and empowers veterans to focus on physical health, mental well-being, and employment.

2. Unlocking Deserved Benefits: VA Service Officers

Navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs can be a complex and confusing process. Many veterans live with untreated service-connected injuries or miss out on earned benefits simply because they don’t know where to turn.

Our accredited AMVETS Service Officers work directly with veterans to file, track, and appeal VA claims—ensuring they get the disability ratings, medical care, and financial relief they deserve.

• Medical Access: Connecting veterans with mental health resources and specialized care for service-connected disabilities.
• Financial Stability: Securing back-pay and monthly compensation that helps keep food on the table and bills paid.

For many veterans who had previously given up on their benefits, an AMVETS Service Officer made the difference between struggling in silence and receiving lifelong support.

3. Restoring Purpose Through Community & Peer Support

Isolation is one of the greatest challenges facing veterans after leaving military life. The open-door policy of AMVETS CA welcomes all honorably discharged veterans, active-duty service members, and National Guard or Reserve personnel—regardless of war era or combat status.

Through local AMVETS Posts across California, veterans find a network of peers who understand the unique experiences of military service. Whether participating in local community service, mentoring younger veterans, or participating in advocacy, post members regain the brotherhood and sisterhood they missed.

How You Can Help Us Write the Next Success Story

Every life transformed through an AMVETS CA program is made possible by the generosity of our community, donors, and dedicated volunteers.

• Donate to AMVETS Thrift Stores: Proceeds from thrift store donations directly fund our statewide outreach and veteran programs.
• Become a Member: If you served, join an AMVETS Post near you and continue making a impact.
• Volunteer or Partner: Support our Welcome Home deliveries, community events, and legislative outreach.

Together, we can ensure no California veteran is left behind.

The AMVETS Department of California Fall DEC 2026 is on the horizon!

Join AMVETS leaders, members, and partners from across California for an important gathering focused on collaboration, leadership, and continuing our mission of serving veterans and their families.

Be sure to check back regularly and follow AMVETS Department of California on social media for the latest updates. We look forward to seeing you at Fall DEC 2026!

California provides a robust network of state-level benefits, healthcare pathways, and community support systems to assist veterans and their families.

Key Benefits for California Veterans

CalVet Home Loans: Low down payments and comprehensive disaster insurance for home buyers are available directly through the CalVet Home Loans Portal.

College Fee Waiver: Free tuition at California Community Colleges, CSU, and UC campuses for eligible dependents of service-connected disabled veterans can be requested via the CalVet College Fee Waiver Program.

Property Tax Exemptions: Reduced property tax assessments for disabled veterans are managed locally through county assessors, with details found on the California Board of Equalization Veterans’ Exemptions Page.

CalTAP: Specialized employment workshops and entrepreneurship training pathways are accessible through the California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP).

Healthcare Options for Veterans in California

VA Northern California Health Care System: Comprehensive medical centers, clinics, and specialized outpatient care across northern counties are detailed on the official VA Northern California Health Care Portal.

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System: Large-scale medical centers offering primary care, surgery, and mental health services in Southern California can be reached through the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care Portal.

VA San Diego Healthcare System: Specialized clinical research, acute care, and wellness programs for the southern border region are hosted on the VA San Diego Health Care Portal.

CalVet Veterans Homes: Eight long-term residential and skilled nursing communities statewide provide specialized care for aging or disabled veterans, manageable through the CalVet Veterans Homes Registry.

Community Services and Support Programs

County Veterans Service Offices (CVSOs): Local county offices feature accredited officers who help veterans file claims and secure benefits, discoverable via the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers (CACVSO).

California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI): State-funded mental health networks focus on suicide prevention and local crisis support through the CalVet Mental Health Services Division.

Veterans Treatment Courts: Specialized legal programs offer rehabilitation and counseling resources instead of incarceration for eligible veterans, tracked by the California Courts Veterans Assistance Program.

Veterans Crisis Line: Immediate, confidential 24/7 mental health support is available by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or chatting online at the official Veterans Crisis Line Portal.

How AMVETS California Supports You

At AMVETS Department of California, we act as a vital bridge to these state and community resources. Our dedicated service officers work closely with local CVSOs, help guide veterans through regional VA medical systems, and advocate for expansion of mental health and treatment programs. If you need a trusted ally to help verify your eligibility or guide you through any of these applications, contact your local AMVETS post today.

Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the critical need to support individuals who may be struggling. This day encourages open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and foster environments where people feel safe seeking help.

Key Messages:

• You Are Not Alone: Reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
• Support Matters: A simple check-in (buddy check) with a loved one or friend can make a world of difference.
• Educate Yourself: Understanding the signs of mental distress can help save lives.

How to Participate:

• Attend Local Events: Walks/runs, candlelight vigils, and resource events organized in and around your area.
• Share Resources: Use social media to spread mental health resources and stories of hope.

Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, Veterans press 1
• Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
• Local Mental Health Services: Reach out to local organizations for specific support options; VA, Vet Center, Social Services, Church

Together, through compassion and action, we can help save lives and build a more supportive community.

“Suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it getting any better.” ~~Unknown~~