Veterans Affiliated Council
Serving California's veteran community since 1921
Mission Statement
The Veterans Affiliated Council (VAC) is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of active-duty military personnel, the 1.7 million veterans in California, and their families, while supporting the communities they call home. We honor and uplift our heroes through a diverse array of initiatives, including the celebration of national holidays, hosting fraternal and community events, sponsoring military families during holiday toy and food drives, and contributing to community enrichment through park renovations, resource centers, and art projects. Additionally, we host Nonpartisan Veteran Debate forums to foster meaningful dialogue. Our mission is to ensure that the sacrifices of our servicemen and women are recognized, their needs are met, and their invaluable contributions to our society are celebrated.
2024 Veterans Day Parade
You can click on either of the QR codes below to be taken directly to that link.
Use this QR code to donate to the parade.
Use this QR code to sign up for the parade.
5K Fun Run
This event benefits our holiday program where we give away gifts and food during the holidays for veterans, their families, and active military personnel. Please donate.
All proceeds for this event will benefit the veterans housed at the VA Medical Center in Wadsworth in Los Angeles, CA.
Your support is greatly appreciated. Please donate using the QR code on the flyer.
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
| 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 » |