Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Daughters of the American Revolution to place wreaths on veterans’ graves Dec. 14, seek donations

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By Doreen Mohler, Anne Loucks Chapter, NSDAR

Join the Anne Loucks Chapter of the NSDAR on Saturday, December 14th, at Union Cemetery in Brentwood to help place wreaths on veterans’ graves during the Wreaths Across America commemoration ceremony.

The ceremony begins at 9:00 am.  See flyer for information to purchase wreaths, volunteer to help or to just attend. Community members of all ages are welcome.

This will be the fifth year that Wreaths Across America has been commemorated at Union Cemetery in Brentwood and it’s just an awesome way to honor our veterans.  It will be a very feel good and positive event for our community.

Stand Down on the Delta to help homeless and at-risk veterans needs volunteers at fairgounds in Antioch Sept. 20-23

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Volunteers assist veterans during the 2017 Stand Down on the Delta. Herald file photo.

By Sandee Wiedemann

The biennial effort known as Stand Down on the Delta to support homeless and at-risk veterans returns to Antioch at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) September 20-23. This is a great opportunity for the community to show appreciation for their service to our country and to receive the reward of helping others.

Veterans will be given dental, medical, and counseling services, plus legal and VA claims assistance. They will also receive clothes, haircuts, shaves, meals, and sleeping accommodations. Real estate and banking leaders will be available to help the veterans possibly   purchase a home.

Delta Veterans Group needs the community’s help to provide the most possibilities for our veterans. There are opportunities for professional services in the fields of medical, dental, legal, and more. See volunteer options under categories of general volunteer and/or professional services at https://www.deltaveteransgroup.org/stand-down-on-the-delta. There is a place for every person or service club to make a difference in the lives of our Veterans.

The Contra Costa Event Park is located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Veterans relax on their bunks at Stand Down. Herald file photo.

 

 

County Supervisors honor 2018 Veterans Initiative in the Arts ABOUTFACE Program

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“I had a complete meltdown with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). I thought I was losing my mind. I’d never been out of control before, and it was hard to admit I needed help, but I wanted my old self back. I’ve gotten that and more. I’m strong. I’m healthy. I have tools, I have knowledge, and I have strength and courage to deal with it. I’m doing just fine.” RON WHITCOMB SGT US ARMY 1968 – 1969 SQUAD LEADER, VIETNAM

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized the 2018 Veterans Initiative in the Arts ABOUTFACE Program at their meeting on August 14th.  The ABOUTFACE: Self-Understanding through Self-Portraits Workshops offered visual arts activities that helped motivate veterans and their families to explore self-understanding, to think creatively, to be innovative and to improve their quality of life.

The teaching team of the recent ABOUTFACE, which consisted of:  Coordinator, Ryan Berg (U.S. Marine Corps Veteran); Facilitator, Felisa Gaffney, Ph.D., (U.S. Air Force – Retired); and Artist, Victoria Bianco, Ph.D., were honored by the Board.

The 2018 ABOUTFACE participants in the six workshops were from across the County and represented a cross section of military service and age groups.  All of the participants said they would recommend ABOUTFACE to other veterans and over half said they are looking forward to exhibiting their self-portraits for the public to see and understand.

The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5) worked with the County Veterans Service Department, the County Office of Communications & Media and the County Library to help select locations, distribute project information and to identify potential participants.  AC5 Commissioner Anderson was the Project Director, and the other AC5 Commissioners all contributed to the success of this outstanding program.  AC5 would like to thank the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and the California Arts Commission for the funding that made this program possible.

To learn more about this program or to interview the honorees making a difference for veterans, please contact Roger Renn, AC5 Executive Director, at (925) 646-2278.

Tickets available for December Veterans’ Voices Show and Town Hall in Pittsburg

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Live, Local Veterans’ Voices TV Show Goes on the Road Monday, December 18;

Join Us for a Town Hall at the California Theatre in Pittsburg at 7:00 p.m.

Veterans’ Voices is going on the road next week.  We’re bringing our live, local talk show to Pittsburg’s California Theatre, and we invite you to take part in our first Town Hall event.  We’ll be pulling back the curtain on the myths and the realities of being a veteran in today’s society.  Talk with community and VA leaders about what matters most to you as a veteran.

Our Town Hall will involve our studio audience at the theater, and you can always still participate as part of our viewing audience from home.  You can email, call, chat or text with questions or comments during the show. 

We’ll also have a special segment, titled “If you really knew me.”  We’ll use it to invite veterans to share more about who they really are, and help us break through some of the stereotypes that still surround the veteran community.

Tickets are available now for purchase and to reserve your spot in our audience.  Find out more by visiting the California Theatre website.   The show will run from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017.  The Theatre is located at 351 Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg.  We hope you can join us!  We’ll also be broadcasting live online, on Facebook and on Contra Costa Television, CCTV.   Doors open at 5:30 – come see us before the show.

Veterans’ Voices is a joint production of the Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office and Contra Costa Television (CCTV.)  It is underwritten by a grant from the California Department of Veterans Affairs.  CCTV can be found on Comcast Channel 27, Astound Channel 32 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 throughout Contra Costa County.  Catch prior shows or watch the show live online by visiting: http://www.contracostatv.org/veteransvoices.  

 

Stand Down on the Delta 2017 organizer thanks volunteers

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Volunteers assist veterans during a visit by Assemblyman Jim Frazier (center) during the 2017 Stand Down on the Delta at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, Aug. 11-14. Photos by Genevieve Mann

Dear Editor:

Delta Veterans Group would like to thank all of the volunteers that served for Stand Down on the Delta, 2017.

With your help, our community was able to provide services for over 260 veterans and their families.

Over 1,150 volunteers came together over 10 days to set-up, serve and tear-down our encampment. Over 5,800 meals were served in just four days.

Veterans received much needed supportive services, medical services, dental care, vision care, and mental health services.  We also had barbers, beauticians, entertainment, spiritual guidance and much more over the four days.  Plus – their animals were cared for onsite by C.A.R.T. – the Contra Costa County Animal Rescue Team.

We were also able to take over 40 veterans fishing on our Delta Shoreline…and yes, they caught a lot of fish…The largest fish was caught by a female veteran for the second Stand Down in a row…

All of this could not have happened without you – the volunteer.

Respectfully,

Gerald JR Wilson, President/Executive Director, Delta Veterans Group – Stand Down on the Delta

McNerney’s bipartisan bill to improve broadband access for veterans passes House

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Senators Blumenthal, Booker applaud passage, introduce companion bill

Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Jerry McNerney’s (D, CA-09) bipartisan bill, H.R. 6394, the Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016.  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (D, IL-16) was the lead Republican co-sponsor. A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

“Having broadband internet service is important for the more than 20 million veterans across our nation, with the highest population residing in California,” said McNerney. “A broadband internet connection helps veterans apply for jobs more easily, communicate with family and friends, keep up with current events, and obtain health care services. Veterans face many challenges when they return home; being without broadband access should not be one of those challenges. I commend my colleague Rep. Kinzinger for his efforts on this bill and the House for passing it with overwhelming support.”

Low-income veterans and veterans residing in rural areas are at a higher likelihood of not having broadband internet service. The U.S. Census Bureau and the Pew Research Center both report that broadband adoption rates are significantly lower among Americans who live at or below the federal poverty level. Analysis by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce further finds that broadband adoption rates in rural areas of the country are lower than in urban areas

H.R. 6394 directs the Federal Communications Commission to produce a report examining the current state of broadband internet access for veterans and what can be done to increase access, with a focus on low-income veterans and veterans residing in rural areas. The report must include findings and recommendations for Congress and be completed within one year of the bill’s enactment.

“The findings and recommendations from this report will be key for paving the way to get more veterans connected and help close the digital divide,” McNerney added.

“I am proud to co-lead H.R. 6394, which aims to improve broadband access for our veterans – especially those in rural areas, or those unable to afford it. After serving tirelessly to protect our country, veterans face many challenges when they return home. This bill is the first step towards alleviating one piece of the transition back into civilian life through the benefits afforded by broadband access – from connecting with family and friends, applying for jobs, accessing information on benefits and health services, and much more. Thanks to Congressman Jerry McNerney for working with me to introduce this legislation.” said Rep. Kinzinger.

H.R. 6394 passed the House by 411-4.  A companion bill, S. 3501, has been introduced by Senators Blumenthal and Booker.

“This important legislation will bring to light the key hurdles hindering veterans’ access to broadband, and pave the way for meaningful action to ensure veterans have the information and tools they need to successfully navigate the transition from the armed services to civilian employment. Access to broadband is essential to conduct daily activities, pursue job and housing opportunities, obtain quality health care services, and stay in touch with family members,” said Blumenthal.

“In the digital age, broadband access is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. The Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act will help close the digital divide and will ensure that the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country have access to tools for communication and future success,” said Booker.

McNerney represents California’s 9th Congressional District that includes most of Antioch and other portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties, and most of San Joaquin County. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.

See the annual Pearl Harbor Day Mt. Diablo Beacon Lighting Ceremony, Wednesday Dec. 7th

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mt-diablo-beaconVietnam-era helicopters to do flyover above Cal-State East Bay Concord to kick-off event

On December 7th, Mount Diablo’s Beacon will be relit by survivors of Pearl Harbor. We invite you to attend the ceremony to pay tribute to the lives that were lost and honor our surviving veterans of Pearl Harbor.

The Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chapter 5 are pleased to co-sponsor this 53rd Annual National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony with Save Mount Diablo.

“The Beacon lighting is a tribute to those individuals that lost their lives at Pearl Harbor”, says Earl “Chuck” Kohler, one of the few remaining survivors in Contra Costa County.

However, the ceremony is also an opportunity to honor the survivors.  When those who experienced Pearl Harbor are gone, the history is lost with them.

The Beacon on Mount Diablo was originally installed and illuminated in 1928 to aid in trans-continental aviation. It is one of the four guiding beacons installed along the west coast by Standard Oil of CA and is the only one known to still be operational.

Pearl Harbor survivors push the button to light the beacon atop Mt. Diablo last year.

Pearl Harbor survivors push the button to light the beacon atop Mt. Diablo last year. Courtesy of Save Mt. Diablo.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Beacon’s light was extinguished during the West Coast Blackout, for fear it may enable an attack on California. It stayed dark until Pearl Harbor Day 1964, when Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces during World War II, relit the Beacon in a commemorative ceremony and suggested it be illuminated every December 7th to honor those who served and sacrificed.

Since that day, Pearl Harbor Veterans and their families have gathered every December 7th to see the Beacon light shine once again.

The Beacon now shines brighter than ever since it underwent an extensive restoration process in 2013 (thanks to a campaign led by Save Mount Diablo) to ensure it continues to shine for many more years. The Pearl Harbor Survivors would like to know that the Beacon will shine long after they are gone.

The Beacon is lit at sunset and shines all night on this single evening each year.

SUMMARY

What:  Save Mount Diablo, the Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and California State Parks will light the “Eye of Diablo”, the Beacon atop Mount Diablo to memorialize Pearl Harbor Day. As the number of Survivors has decreased over the years, the number of people attending the ceremony in honor of these heroes has increased, including many sons and daughters vital to organizing the service.

When: Wednesday, December 7th, 2016, Ceremony at 3:45 pm, Beacon Lighting at 5 pm

Where: The ceremony will be held in the Oak Room of the Library Building at the California State East Bay Concord Campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord, CA  94521.

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/jXhcW

Access:  Parking is available on Campus and the ceremony will be held in the Oak Room (with extra seating in the Redwood Room)

SPECIAL NOTICE: Vietnam Helicopters will be kicking off the lighting with a fly-by over CSU EB Concord and Mount Diablo. Any Aviation News Units should contact Mark Maupin for flight path and time: (925) 876-1572 Maupin@vietnamhelicopters.org,

For more information about the Beacon Lighting Ceremony: please visit http://www.savemountdiablo.org/activities_events_beacon.html

 

Contra Costa College dedicates new Veterans Resource Center, Thursday

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photo courtesy of CCCC District

photo courtesy of CCCC District

Contra Costa College (CCC) held a ceremonial ribbon cutting to commemorate the grand opening of their new Veteran Resource Center (VRC) located in the Student and Administration Building. Over 100 people attended the event including community leaders, elected officials, veteran’s organizations, and District and college employees. The Sentinels of Freedom, a national non-profit organization assisting veteran’s transition back to civilian life, collaborated with CCC and its veterans club to create a space on campus for veterans to receive support, study and network with other veterans.

“It was important for CCC to create the VRC for a couple of reasons,” said dean of Enrollment Services Dennis Franco. “First, to have a private, centralized location that veterans could congregate in.  Second, to provide a space that veterans could receive counseling, benefit assistance, and also assistance from outside agencies like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Concord Vet Center, and more.”

Veterans now have a home on campus where they can study, network, and support each other. Veterans will also have access to Admissions and Records staff to guide them through the enrollment process and a certifying official to assist them in using their veteran benefits.

“The joining of two communities, the Veterans and the campus of Contra Costa College, working together, the mission at hand, is to support Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist, spouses, dependents and the veterans, to being successful in obtaining higher education,” said CCC veterans club president Leon Watkins.

Today’s ribbon cutting ceremony completes the goal of establishing veteran centers at all three campuses in the Contra Costa Community District.

Contra Costa College is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District and currently serves almost 11,000 students (unduplicated head county) annually.  Since 1948, CCC has provided exemplary educational services to hundreds of thousands of residents from the greater West County area, and is proud of its diverse student body and commitment to individual student success.  Excellent programs such as the Center for Science Excellence, The Advocate newspaper, the green Automotive Services program, Middle College High School, the Nursing program, and the Culinary Arts program are known through the state and the nation.  A model of excellence, Contra Costa College prides itself on being one of the finest community colleges in the country.

The Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) is one of the largest multi- college community college districts in California. The CCCCD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon.  The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu .