Veterans Affiliated Council
Serving California's veteran community since 1921
Mission Statement
The Veterans Affiliated Council (VAC) is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of California’s 1.7 million veterans, active-duty service members, and their families—while uplifting the communities they call home. We honor our heroes through a wide range of initiatives, including national holiday celebrations, community and fraternal events, holiday toy and food drives for military families, and investments in local enrichment projects such as park renovations, resource centers, and public art. Our mission is to ensure their sacrifices are honored, their needs are met, and their contributions to society are celebrated.
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.
Board of Directors
Events we host annually
Commander: William Franco III
Sr. Vice Commander (Military): Steven Spriggs
Sr. Vice Commander (Civilian): Ben Bartholomew
Jr. Vice commander (Military): Richard Alcala
Jr. Vice Commander (Civilian): Gabriel Okamoto
Secretary: Lani Kane
Treasurer: Hanley Chan
Trustee: Robert Hipwell
Trustee: John Canfield
Trustee: Leroy Adams
Veterans Affiliated Council
501(c)3 / EIN: 87-0803453
P.O. Box 920214
Sylmar, Ca 91392
calvac1921@gmail.com
| 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 » |
| 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 » |