Author Archives: Jeff Jardine
POW-MIA BRACELETS BROUGHT ATTENTION TO THE CAUSE, SOLDIERS HOME IN 1970s
POW-MIA BRACELETS BROUGHT ATTENTION TO THE CAUSE, SOLDIERS HOME IN 1970s As the Vietnam War raged into the 1970s, the North Vietnamese had captured hundreds of American soldiers and airmen, with many more reported as missing in action. A young college student took it upon herself to make sure Americans did not forget about them. […]
9/11 ATTACKS CHANGED MANY THINGS IN AMERICA, INCLUDING THE GI BILL
Nineteen years ago today, the terrorists’ attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City and on the Pentagon changed America forever. The first attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor killed 2,977 people and injured 6,000 others. The attacks set off a range of emotions, from the initial shock of the devastation and the […]
CALVET HOME LOANS PROGRAM GETS KUDOS FROM VETERAN CLIENT AND CONTRACTOR, TOO
U.S. Navy veteran Jonna Padgett knew CalVet’s Home Loans Program existed, but had never taken advantage of the program. Contractor Greg Garbolinsky of Aristotle Custom Homes was aware of the program, though he was relatively new to the state and had not yet built a home for a veteran in California. Even so, he encouraged […]
R.E.D. FRIDAYS CHALLENGE KEEPS THOSE DEPLOYED IN MINDS AND HEARTS
The gauntlet thrown, the challenge issued – or at least refreshed. Count the employees of the Veterans Homes of California-Barstow among those who show their support not only for the veterans they care for at the Home, but also for those currently serving and now deployed. Hence, the R.E.D. Fridays challenge, the R.E.D. standing for […]
HOW SEPTEMBER 2, 1945, BECAME ONE OF THE MOST MONUMENTAL DAYS IN HISTORY
Certainly, September 2, 1945, stands as one of the most monumental days in modern times, as judged by the number of monuments that followed. On this day 75 years ago, Japanese officials boarded the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, and signed the documents of surrender that ended World War II. Later that same day, […]
CALVET READY TO HELP VETERANS AFFECTED BY WILDFIRES
As Californians once again begin to recover from catastrophic wildfires throughout the state, the California Department of Veterans Affairs stands ready to assist veterans affected by the blazes. Click here to visit CalVet’s wildfires page, which provides important information, including a list of Local Assistance Centers open in affected areas, links, and contacts for veterans. […]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINE RESERVE: 104, AND STILL COUNTING ON THEM
The United States Marine Corps Reserve turns 104 today, and remains as important as ever as defenders of the nation. Congress passed the Naval Appropriations Act on August 29, 1916, which created the Reserve. The Reserve trains and prepares its force to mobilize for active duty in wartime, national emergencies, and other operations. They provide […]
ANSWERS TO VETERANS’ BENEFITS QUESTIONS JUST A CLICK AWAY WITH CALVET’S UPDATED RESOURCE BOOK
Are you a service member or among the nearly 1.6 million veterans living in California? Do you want to buy a home? Do you want to return to school or find a new career in the civilian world? Do you need help navigating the VA’s medical system, or need information about any of your other […]
PATTON TOOK MESSINA 77 YEARS AGO TODAY, BUT FILM GOT IT WRONG: NO SMIRK, NO MONTGOMERY
It is one of the most memorable scenes of the 1970 Oscar-winning film “Patton.” British Field Marshall Bernard “Monty” Montgomery rolls into the Sicilian town of Messina, expecting to bask in the glory of the moment. Instead, he finds a smug U.S. General George S. Patton waiting to see the look on his face, having […]
NAVAJO CODE TALKERS DAY REMEMBERS THOSE WHO SAVED LIVES, VITAL TO WINNING WWII IN PACIFIC
In 1982, when President Reagan declared August 14 of each year Navajo Code Talkers Day, the recognition was long overdue. Not until 2000 did President Clinton sign the bill awarding the original 29 Code Talkers the Congressional Gold medals that President George W. Bush presented in July 2001. In total, there were 400 Navajo Code […]
