MVA News
CALVET College Fee Waivers
To apply for a College Fee Waiver, please email an accredited MVA Veteran Service Officer at info@mva.lacounty.gov, FAX the following documents to (213) 744-4444 or call (877) 4LA-VETS.
You will need:
- Most recent College Fee Waiver Application can be found at calvet.ca.gov.
- Birth Certificate, adoption paperwork, and/or marriage license that proves dependency.
- VA Award Letter that states the service-connected disability for the veteran which can be obtained by calling the VA at (800) 827-1000.
- Dependents previous year’s tax return, verification of “Non-Filing Letter” from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or an “Individual Status Letter” from the Franchise Tax Board.
- If the dependent filed taxes, please bring the previous year’s 1040 tax return. For example, if applying for the academic year 2023-2024, then a copy of their 2022 tax return is required. The tax return MUST be SIGNED and DATED before April 18th or the extended date for the tax deadline.
- If the dependent did not file taxes, please provide a verification of Non-Filing Letter obtained from the IRS or Franchise Tax Board (see below).
- If the parent(s) do NOT provide any financial support, then a written statement by the parent(s) must be submitted
- To receive both the CalVet College Fee Waiver and Chapter 35 (under Plan B), the dependents annual income must be less than $15,225 each year and the veteran must be 100% service-connected, total and permanent.
- The dependent must be a California resident to qualify. All documents submitted must be legible.
Culinary Training for U.S. Veterans
Launch your career in culinary with this no skills needed hands-on program that offers the training and practice needed to build the foundation for a successful career.
Josh O’Brien, Stand-Up Comedian, Navy Sea Bee Veteran
Josh O’Brien was a U.S. Navy Seabee who reached out to MVA Veteran Service Officer Joel Castellanos, and was able to get the compensation he deserved after serving his Country.
New Faces of Freedom
To commemorate the twenty-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9.11.01, the LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has produced a series of videos with service men, women and families from the post 9-11 military era, entitled “New Faces of Freedom.” As part of an ongoing series, we tell the story of individuals who played a part in the longest war in U.S. history, highlighting how the U.S. military has changed.
PACT ACT – Apply Now
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
Pledge Vet
The weekly Board of Supervisors meeting for the County of Los Angeles initiates with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Pledge Vet of the week.
The Pledge Vet is sponsored by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for recognition.
Veterans interested in representing their supervisorial district please contact 1-877-4-LA-VETS (1-877-452-8387).
Success story
At the age of 22, Ruben Garcia was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served from April 03, 1971 to March 15, 1972. During his enlistment, Garcia served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, and Overseas Bar for his service during the war’s phase VII counteroffensive.
The Wolf Connection
A unique educational sanctuary and wilderness retreat center that brings people together through direct relationship with rescued wolves for the purpose of empowering the next generation to become authentic leaders and stewards of the earth. With the help of the animals, at-risk groups reconnect with nature, learn to be of service by responsibly caring for another being, and work towards becoming the kind of person they want to be through Wolf Therapy®.
Veteran Town Hall Meeting
C O U N T Y O F L O S A N G E L E S D E P A R T M E N T O F
M I L I T A R Y A N D V E T E R A N S A F F A I R S
I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H
S U P E R V I S O R HOLLY J. MITCHELL
Join us for a Veteran Town Hall meeting and participate in a discussion specifically focused on addressing issues and concerns related to veterans and their community. This meeting will provide a platform for veterans, their families, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to discuss various topics such as healthcare, benefits, legislative matters, and more. Attendees will be given the opportunity to ask questions, and collaborate to find solutions to challenges faced by veterans.
Veterans Advisory Commission
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Glen Roosevelt, MVA Curator says Good Bye
Volunteer curator Glen Roosevelt takes a final walk around Bob Hope Patriotic Hall before quietly retiring. For 20 years, he’s worked behind-the-scenes to archive thousands of artifacts, including uniforms, medals, letters and photos donated by families trusting him with their prized possessions. He’s part historian and part visual artist but sees his most important role as keeping alive the stories of the nation’s fallen brave.