Why CalVet Should Be on Your List of Resources
In November, Bay Area Local Interagency Network Coordinator Kevin Graves explained more about the resources available for veterans in the Bay Area from CalVet.
What is CalVet?
California Department of Veterans Affairs, or CalVet, is the largest Veteran Service Organization in California, where almost 8% of the veterans in the United States live.
As stated on the website, their mission is, "To serve and honor all California veterans by connecting them and their families with their earned benefits through education, advocacy, and direct services."
CalVet prides itself on setting the standard for caring for veterans and their families. They help veterans in many areas, including housing, education, employment, advocacy, and VA claims. You can contact them through their website, email, or phone.
Who is Kevin Graves?
Kevin Graves has many roles, starting with the one for CalVet as a Local Interagency Network Coordinator in a ten-county region that serves about 360,000 veterans and family members. He's also a Sergeant First Class serving the 185th MP BN out of Pittsburg, CA as a chaplain's assistant. Kevin has served in the National Guard since 2010.
Kevin's military connection goes back farther than 2010, however. His son SPC Joseph A. Graves, Joey, was killed in action in Iraq in 2006. Kevin left his thirty-year career in construction and started advocating for Gold Star Families. Joey was his only child, and Kevin raised him as a single parent.
Kevin now spends his time supporting military families the best way he knows how, by advocating for them and offering them access to available resources.
Why You Should Watch His Presentation
In this presentation, Graves talks about the resources available and how to access them. He makes sure to discuss the differences between state and federal veterans affairs departments. CalVet supplements the benefits veterans can receive from the VA.
This session is approximately 40 minutes and is available for you to watch at your convenience -- perhaps over a lunch break or while you have a few extra minutes in the day. If you have any questions, you can reach Graves via email, and his contact information is on the final slide, which you can download here.