Veterans Affiliated Council
Serving California's veteran community since 1921
About Us
The VAC was founded by Hiram Johnson in 1921 as a singular body to represent all Veteran Service Organizations for over 100 years; it has been a pinnacle of community support and veteran advocacy.
We host various events throughout the year. Veterans Day being one of our largest where we Honor Veterans. It is a fun filled day with a Parade, military flyovers, a ceremony, entertainment and a classic car show.
In May we honor our fallen heroes and started the “Walk With Me” program at the Sacramento Historic Cemetery. We pair active duty soldiers with a boy or girl scout to place 5000 flags at their grave site. After the event we provide lunch for those who have participated that day.
Annually we give Turkey Dinners out to Veteran families and we collect toys for tots and distribute them through various organizations in the State.
We are excited to host the first annual CA Commander’s Cup award ceremony. This program will showcase the JROTC Cadets and their performance allowing our Military to partner with our at risk youth to enhance their lives and engage with them.
We participate throughout the year in the legislative process. Our committee advocates for veterans that will bring forth change to help them in their everyday lives.
| Event name | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| LA Congressional Forum | 2/23/24 | This forum will address veteran issues. Congressional members and candidates will join to discuss issues in the veteran community impacted by legislation. Free admission! Read more » |
| Memorial Day Weekend / Walk With Me | May | Celebrating Memorial Day through hosting a ceremony and planting flags at gravesites to commemerate our fallen heroes. Read more » |
| Commanders Corner / Legislative Day | June | California State Commanders Veterans Council hosts an advocacy day at the California Secretary of State to review the status of legislation in the pipeline pertaining to veterans issues in order to promote their passage through state government. Read more » |
| California Commanders Cup Competition and Dinner | 9/28/24 | TODO Read more » |
| Veterans Day Parade | 11/11/24 | Annual parade and vendor showcase that takes place in downtown Sacramento. Read more » |
| Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Giveaway | November | Donating turkey dinners for Thanksgiving to America's Homeless Veterans. Read more » |
| Christmas Toy Drive | December | Giving back to our military families by donating toys in the holiday season. Read more » |
Board of Directors
| Title | Name |
|---|---|
| Commander | William Franco III |
| Sr. Vice Commander (Military) | Leroy Adams |
| Sr. Vice Commander (Civilian) | TBD |
| Jr. Vice Commander (Military) | Steve Spriggs |
| Jr. Vice Commander (Civilian) | Ben Bartholomew |
| Treasurer | Gabriel Okamoto |
| Secretary | Lani Kane |
| Sergeant at Arms | Richard Acala |
| Trustee | Robert Hipwell |
| Trustee | Don Harper |