Bipartisan Group Creates Veterans Caucus

Formation of California Legislative Veterans Caucus Announced

SACRAMENTO — A bipartisan group of California legislators and veteran leaders has announced the formation of the California Legislative Veterans Caucus, an initiative dedicated to honoring, supporting, and promoting the wellbeing of veterans and military families across California.

The caucus will serve as a collaborative forum focused on recognizing the service and sacrifice of veterans while advancing awareness and engagement on issues affecting the military community throughout the state.

The caucus members include:

• Senator Caroline Menjivar, Co-Chair (USMC)
• Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, Co-Chair (USMC)
• Senator Shannon Grove (Air Force)
• Senator Bob Archuleta (Army)
• Senator Tom Umberg (Army)

In creation of the Caucus, a foundation was formed as the Legislative Veterans Caucus, a 501(c)(3), and the board members include:

• Senator Caroline Menjivar, Co-Chair (USMC)
• Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, Co-Chair (USMC)
• Tom D’Agostino, Secretary

“As a veteran, it is an honor to help lead the formation of the California Legislative Veterans Caucus,” said Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, R-Indio, who serves as co-chair. “Those who served our nation deserve recognition and support not just in words, but through continued engagement and community partnership. This caucus will help bring people together to celebrate service and ensure veterans and military families remain a valued part of California’s communities.”

Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Orange County, said, “I applaud the “can do” attitude of Sen. Caroline Menjivar and Assemblyman Gonzalez taking the point on this mission. As a veteran, husband of a veteran, father of a veteran and son-in-law of a veteran, I am acutely aware of our continuing responsibility on behalf of the people of California to honor and support those who made sacrifices for our nation and their families. I am honored to join my brothers and sisters-in-arms to pledge our continuing commitment to those who served us all.”

“I applaud the “can do” attitude of Sen. Caroline Menjivar and Assemblyman Gonzalez taking the point on this mission. As a veteran, husband of a veteran, father of a veteran and son-in-law of a veteran, I am acutely aware of our continuing responsibility on behalf of the people of California to honor and support those who made sacrifices for our nation and their families. I am honored to join my brothers and sisters-in-arms to pledge our continuing commitment to those who served us all.”

“As the first female veteran elected to the California State Legislature, Shannon Grove , R-Bakersfield, said. “I have had the incredible honor of representing and advocating for the needs of our veterans and service members,” said Sen. Shannon Grove. “I look forward to carrying these priorities forward as I serve on the California Legislative Veterans Caucus, advancing policies that honor their service, improving services for those who have worn the uniform, and strengthening the relationship between our state legislature and the veteran community.”

Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Orange County, said, ““I applaud the “can do” attitude of Sen. Caroline Menjivar and Assemblyman Gonzalez taking the point on this mission. As a veteran, husband of a veteran, father of a veteran and son-in-law of a veteran. I am acutely aware of our continuing responsibility on behalf of the people of California to honor and support those who made sacrifices for our nation and their families. I am honored to join my brothers and sisters-in-arms to pledge our continuing commitment to those who served us all.”