Honoring veterans: Placer County's commitment during Military Appreciation Month

Our son, Michael, graduated from Army Basic Training in January, then from Advanced Individual Training this month, and is set to start Ranger School in a few weeks. Having a son in the military who, like so many, will likely face dangerous situations and challenges beyond comprehension brings a whole new level of appreciation for those who serve in our military. May is Military Appreciation Month, which offers an opportunity to honor the sacrifices and service of our nation's veterans. From Loyalty Day to Memorial Day, this month carries the emotional weight of sacrifice, victory, perseverance and honor. And while there are many ways to think about military appreciation, from parades to gravesite visits, it's about more than just waving flags – it's about telling the stories that often go unheard and acknowledging the silent strength that sustains our freedom. Here in California, we have the most active service members in the nation and locally, Placer County is home to nearly 24,000 veterans, according to CalVet. Our Placer County Veterans Service Office (VSO) and a robust network of community organizations work tirelessly to ensure our veterans and their families receive the support they deserve. Our VSO provides personalized assistance to navigate the complexities of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Some services our VSO provides include securing disability compensation, pensions, healthcare, education, housing and burial benefits. In April 2025 alone, the Placer VSO facilitated $189,106 in recurring monthly payments and $1.45 million in retroactive claim awards, translating to $2.27 million in annual tax-free payments for veterans. Remarkably, 2025 is on track to be the county's most impactful year for new payments. The VSO's efforts extend beyond financial assistance. With offices in Rocklin, Auburn and North Lake Tahoe, veterans can access tailored guidance on healthcare enrollment, ensuring eligibility for the VA's comprehensive medical benefits package. For those facing mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety or depression, the county's Health and Human Services division offers critical mental health support. Additionally, programs like CalWORKs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal provide financial, nutritional and healthcare assistance to veterans and their families. Education, employment and housing are key priorities in supporting veterans' long-term stability and wellbeing. The College Fee Waiver program opens doors to higher education by covering tuition costs for the children and spouses of U.S. veterans at California's public colleges and universities. For those transitioning into the workforce, the VetNow platform offers daily live assistance from 1 to 10 p.m., providing support with résumé building, job searches and interview preparation. Housing also remains a critical area of focus, particularly for veterans experiencing homelessness. The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program provides a vital safety net by combining housing vouchers with case management and clinical services. Veterans in need of immediate housing support can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The Placer County Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) amplifies these efforts by advising our Board of Supervisors and the VSO on veterans' needs. Composed of veterans from diverse military branches, the VAC promotes awareness, enhances services and fosters community engagement. Their work ensures that veterans' voices are heard at the highest levels of county governance. I would also like to emphasize the invaluable role of local service organizations like the VFW, American Legion, Semper Fi, Navy League, Fleet Reserve, Cooties, Women Veterans Alliance, Veterans Hall Boards, and the VAC. These groups fill gaps where government services fall short, providing funeral honors, camaraderie and rapid response to veterans in crisis. Logging thousands of volunteer hours annually, these veterans embody selfless service, acting as force multipliers in supporting their communities. Veterans Memorial Halls in Auburn, Colfax, Foresthill, Lincoln, Loomis and Roseville serve as vibrant community hubs, hosting events and gatherings that strengthen bonds among veterans. As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, Placer County's commitment to its veterans – through robust services, advocacy and community partnership – stands as a testament to the gratitude we owe those who have served. For more information, visit www.placer.ca.gov/veterans or contact the Rocklin VSO at 916-780-3290. Lastly, thank you to those who serve and have served, as well as your families. We are forever indebted to you, and this month in particular, we acknowledge and appreciate everything you do! Shanti Landon is the Placer County Supervisor for District 2.