Tri-Valley Expands Veteran Support – independentnews.com

Tri-Valley Expands Veteran Support  independentnews.com

TRI-VALLEY — Across the Tri-Valley, government agencies and educational institutions are working to understand and meet the needs of veterans of all ages. Over 1,800 veterans of the U.S. Armed A veteran receives a handmade quilt during a Quilts of Valor ceremony hosted by the Veterans First Program, symbolizing community gratitude and a warm welcome home. Pictured from left to right are Adriana Santos, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and LPC alumna; Alejandra Quezada-Sermeno, LPC alumna and current Air Force officer; and Michelle McCumber, lead representative for Quilts of Valor. (Photo courtesy of VFP) TRI-VALLEY — Across the Tri-Valley, government agencies and educational institutions are working to understand and meet the needs of veterans of all ages.

Over 1,800 veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces live in the region, while others travel here for work, VA services, or Las Positas College. Two key resources are the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Livermore and the Veterans Resource Center at Las Positas College. “Sharing ways to get support is very important. A lot of us are not used to asking for help," Jovan Pierre said. "It helps if staff of support programs are also vets. The next step is getting a coffee and talking.” Pierre is earning an Associate of Science in ecological forestry with a minor in welding at Las