Reflecting on an eventful week in the United States, following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the 24th anniversary of 9/11, local representatives, dignitaries, veterans and attendees gathered at Santa Clarita Studios on Saturday for the Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative’s second annual “Marching on for a Better Tomorrow.”
The fundraiser, designed to fund vital programs in the community to help veterans transition into “civilian life,” will continue to help with “job placement and mental health support, to food pantries and family assistance,” according to the message from Albert Rodriguez, president of the collaborative.
As a veteran himself, Rodriguez discussed his experience with assimilating back into society from military life, according to the event’s program.
“Many of our brothers and sisters face struggles with employment, housing, health and a sense of belonging. The Veteran Collaborative was founded on the belief that no one who has worn the uniform should ever have to face these challenges alone. Together … we are building a network of hope, resources and opportunities,” Rodriguez wrote.
Guests had the opportunity to participate in the silent auction, while hearing from politicians on the efforts conducted for the good of veterans at different government levels.
Master of ceremonies Ed Masterson welcomed the veterans and thanked them for what they have done for the United States.
“We are here to honor our veteran community and to remind each and every one of them how much we admire, respect, appreciate and love them for what they have done and what they continue to do, not only for this community, but for our country as well,” Masterson said. “There will never be enough thank you’s or enough gratitude given to those of you who have served, and your families who have served right along with you. Tonight is your night. We appreciate all of you very much.”
Los Angeles County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who was the title sponsor for the event, highlighted the work of the volunteers of the collaborative through a video message.
“Thank you all for your investment in the collaborative’s mission to serve and support our veterans. The collaborative is 100% volunteer-based, which means every dollar goes directly to serving those who have served,” Barger said. “To all of our veterans, we thank you for your service to our country and your ongoing service to our community. The work we have underway is our best effort to say ‘thank you’ and to ensure that you get the benefits that you have earned.”
Among those services include the brand new Arts and Veterans Center in Newhall, spearheaded by Barger, which is set to provide “onsite services and gathering spaces for veterans and their families,” according to Barger.
Stephanie English, senior field deputy for Barger’s office, added onto Barger’s statement, while directly addressing the events that occurred within the week.
“Let me extend my deepest gratitude to the veterans gathered here today and to the Veterans Collaborative for all the work you do that uplifts our veterans and supports our veterans here in Santa Clarita. We’re here because of you, we’re here to thank you,” English said. “One thing that unites us, especially now, regardless of political party or ideology, is respect for our veterans across the aisle … It’s been a heavy week. It’s hard to ignore. Across the aisle … leaders have spoken out against hate violence, and I think that carries a very strong message that we all need to remember and recommit to. God bless our veterans and may God bless America.”
Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Acton, discussed steps taken to ensure a larger movement is in place for veterans in California.
“This organization is more than a nonprofit, it’s a cornerstone of our community, bringing together passionate, dedicated people who use their time, talent and resources to uplift those who have served. Supporting our veterans isn’t just a priority, it’s personal,” Valladares said. “One of my first acts as your senator was to introduce legislation to exempt military retirement pay from state income taxes. I will never stop fighting for [our heroes], because California veterans and their families deserve nothing less.”
Army veteran and chairman of the event, Dennis Sugasawara, spoke on behalf of the board of volunteers and extended a heartfelt “thank you.”
“When I volunteered last year to chair our first one, I’ll be honest with you, I heard questions like, ‘Who are you guys? Never heard of it,’ and probably the most painful one was, ‘I thought you guys folded.’ I’m here to tell you that not only are we still here, we are stronger than ever,” Sugasawara said. “The Veterans Services Collaborative is moving towards a brighter tomorrow, because veterans deserve more than just a ‘thanks.’”
To commemorate bipartisan efforts, Rep. George Whitesides, D-Agua Dulce, echoed the words that English shared, as well as the bills that are being passed in Washington, D.C.
“I think Santa Clarita has a special role to play as a place where we can come together civilly and show America what a community can be. This week, we are called up to recognize the sacrifices to veterans in our community and across the country, and to remind ourselves that freedom is not to be taken for granted,” Whitesides said. “I’m proud that this year we’ve been able to work in a bipartisan fashion to pass meaningful legislation for our veterans and our service members. A few months ago, I got to cast my vote in support of improved care benefits and recognition that our veterans deserve. That’s just the start.”
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, who is the chair of the Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and the daughter of a disabled veteran, gave insight into her work in Sacramento.
“This is so important to me. This has been a really hard week. I think that this is a time where we can all really recommit to making sure that we are really working on the issues that matter most to us, and passionately making our arguments to do that, and fighting the good fight through our work,” Schiavo said. “I want to give a big thank you to Jim Zenner [L.A. County director of Military and Veterans Affairs], who I’ve been working with a whole lot lately, but have worked with since I got into office, who really helped us to push for [county veteran services offices]. [We want to] make sure that veterans … can navigate what can sometimes be very frustrating and make sure that they get the benefits that they deserve.”
