Veterans Affiliated Council of Sacramento CA and Vicinity

Overview

The Veterans Affiliated Council (VAC) of Sacramento, CA, and its surrounding areas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the rights and well-being of veterans and their families in California. Founded in 1921, the VAC has been a cornerstone of veteran community support for over a century, ensuring that the sacrifices of servicemen and women are recognized and their contributions celebrated.

Mission

The mission of the VAC is multifaceted:

• Advocacy: To advocate for the rights and needs of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families in California.
• Community Engagement: To host events and initiatives that foster community integration and support, such as parades, holiday celebrations, and outreach programs.
• Education and Awareness: Facilitating dialogue through forums like the Nonpartisan Veteran Debate, promoting understanding of veterans' issues.

Events and Programs

The VAC organizes various events throughout the year:

• Veterans Day Parade: An annual event held in downtown Sacramento to honor veterans with a parade, military flyovers, ceremonies, entertainment, and a classic car show.
• Memorial Day "Walk With Me" Program: In May, the VAC partners with boy and girl scouts to place flags at the grave sites of fallen heroes in the Sacramento Historic Cemetery.
• Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners and Christmas Toy Drive: Providing support to veteran families during the holidays through food and toy distributions.
• Legislative Advocacy: Participating in the legislative process to address veterans' issues and promote beneficial policy changes.

Leadership

The organization is led by a diverse board of directors, which includes military and civilian members working together to promote the VAC's mission and objectives. This leadership structure ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing veterans' needs in both military and civilian contexts.

Impact

By organizing community events and engaging in legislative advocacy, the VAC plays a critical role in enhancing the lives of veterans and their families. Its efforts contribute to community enrichment, support the integration of veterans into society, and ensure that veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve. Through its initiatives and partnerships, the VAC remains a vital part of California's veteran community.

[1] https://calvac.org [2] https://ha.saccounty.net/benefits/VeteransServices/Pages/DHA-Veterans-History-Project.aspx [3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8221920/ [4] https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/cdd/Planning/Historic-Register/Complete_Register.pdf [5] https://www.saccounty.net/services/Pages/Veterans-History-Project.aspx