Champion of Veteran Benefits Teases More to Come

SUN CITY PALM DESERT — Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, an ardent champion of veterans —and for veterans — is not resting on his laurels.

The veterans’ champion will present an update on recent veterans’ initiatives he has supported and advanced — and offer a peek at what’s ahead at the Riverside County Veterans’ Advisory Committee legislative breakfast at 9 a.m. Friday.

Veterans, their families and the general public are invited to attend this no host breakfast at Coco’s Bakery Restaurant near Sun City Palm Desert, 78-375 Varner Road. If you are a champion of veterans, this meeting is for you.

“Veterans have shown love of country and patriotic service above self,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Just as veterans have answered the call to serve in the Armed Forces to be there for us, we need to be there for them. At a county level, and with veterans’ service organizations and military service organizations, I am proud we are working on many initiatives to enhance services for veterans and their families.”

In late 2017, Supervisor Perez and Supervisor Chuck Washington co-introduced the Veterans Improvement Program of Riverside County. Provisions include advocating for increased state funding to improve county veterans service officer staffing, expanding job and training opportunities for veterans, and studying veterans’ needs, via a survey that is currently under way. Each has been an advocate and champion for veterans.

The Board of Supervisors were also a veterans’ champion as they supported the effort to make the Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park the first park in the county park system named in honor of veterans. Newly dedicated park improvements include a seat wall memorial with dedication plaques, flagpoles displaying flags of each military branch, lighting and landscaping pathways.
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“We are looking forward to having Supervisor V. Manuel Perez as our guest speaker,” Grant Gautsche, director of Riverside County Department of Veterans’ Services, said in a prepared statement. “I am very grateful for the outpouring of support that Supervisor Perez has shown for our veterans and for championing important policies for veterans’ employment preference, education and training; dedicating Lake Cahuilla as a veterans’ park; and his support in conducting a veterans’ needs survey for veterans in Riverside County.”

Reservations for Friday’s breakfast are not required. For questions, please call the Riverside County Department of Veterans’ Services at 951-955-3060.

Veterans seeking help with VA claims and medical services, obtaining records, and accessing their earned benefits including compensation, pension, medical care, education and housing should contact the Riverside County Department of Veterans’ Services. The Coachella Valley office is located in Indio, 44-199 Monroe St.

Perez, works to be a champion for all residents in District 4. He represents the eastern two-thirds of Riverside County on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Stretching from Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs, south to the Salton Sea and east to Blythe and the Colorado River, the 4th District is the largest geographical district in the county.