Dozens of military units throughout the Los Alamitos area meet monthly at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos. The military economic impact is critical to the overall viability and trend so here is an update from their last meeting.
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station
Public information officer Greg Smith reported that the change of command ceremony went very well. Capt. Jason Sherman is now in charge of the SBNWS, in addition to his command of the Navy Munitions Command Pacific CONUS (Continental U.S. West Division).
Sherman replaced Capt. Noel Dahlke, who oversaw $430 million in military construction projects and the first phase ($150 million) of the ammunition pier project. The base won several awards under Dahlke’s administration. Smith the munition pier project continues and demolition is set for two buildings on the base.
United States Coast Guard, Long Beach
Lt. Col. Rob Poitinger reported a celebration was held August 2 to celebrate the anniversary of the Coast Guard, originally founded August 4, 1790. The event included a tour of a Coast Guard Cutter.
Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos
Newly installed base commander Col. Nick Ducich reported that he plans a host of significant changes for the base in upcoming months, to “make 21st century changes” to the base.
Ducich said his goal is to become better organized to “compete for monies for many projects” by calling together the 40-60 resident groups on the base for monthly meetings.
In addition, Ducich said he planned to make the base more navigable by moving equipment around on the base, according to the minutes.
Ducich has some ambitious plans, including hosting Dept. of Homeland Security federal law enforcement training, including the U.S. Marshals, the U.S. Coast Guard and others on a “co-use” basis.
He said the base should host a field house for U.S. Army training, including a running track.
Other announcements
- Angie Santos – representing Homes for Heroes for those thinking about buying a home. She provides a workshop for buyers at the JFTB after RMAC meetings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Fiddler’s Green with refreshments. Contact her at www.AngiesHeroes.com or 714-504-7831
- The Dept. of Veterans Affairs is having a 3rd Annual LA Veterans Resource Expo on Friday, 7/26/19 from 9 to 2 at the Pomona Fairplex, contact www.LAVetExpo.com
- A Homeless Veterans Housing Fair will also be held on Friday, 9/26/19 from 9 to 3 at John Marshall Park in Anaheim, email Dustin.Halliwell@va.gov or call 562-706-7483 also a Dept. of Veterans Affairs sponsored event
- Cottonwood Church Chaplain Doreen Matsumoto talked about events sponsored by them for Memorial Day, the Patriot Guards to assist with burials. Mission trips to Israel, a game night on 7/26/19, assisting American Veterans groups and partnerships with many groups. She can be reached at doreendabo@yahoo.com or 714-809-1658 or veterans@cottonwood.org
- R.O.A. Reserve Organization of America recently had a name change – they lobby for reservists in California and Nevada for military benefits supporting the troops
- St. Isidore’s Historical Plaza Rep Hortencia spoke about Sunday concerts, Operation Peter Pan, a Ballet Folklorico performance, the Union Civil War Band and brochures were distributed.
- Tom Boscamp from Coastline College announced a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the third Veterans Resource Center on 8/19/19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 12901 S. Euclid St., Garden Grove, CA, call 714-241-6126 for more info
- On 10/10/19 a Business Services Job Fair with 50 employers and approx. 100 attendees will be held. Adrian will bring more info to the next meeting
- Ken Smith announced an opportunity on 7/24/19 for 275 agencies, awards, leadership training, immigration issues, etc.
- Frank Fletcher, EDD, shared the Veterans Assistance Services available at the Tierney Center in Santa Ana, CA. Employers looking to hire Veterans can contact him at 714-565-2666 or frank.fletcher@edd.ca.gov or www.edd.ca.gov
- Alexander C. Gonzalez, representing Congressman Harley Rouda, 48th district of Ca., can be contacted at 714-960-7483 or Alexander.Gonzalez@mail.house.gov or http://rouda.house.gov
- Bob Hope USO, United Service Organization, Maureen Ahrens shared that 80% of the programs are initiated by the soldiers, there are approx. 2,000 members in Orange County, she can provide Angels tickets, and there will be an Open House at Fort Irwin on 9/27/19.
- Seal Beach City Council woman, Schelly Sustarsic, talked about the S. B. Lions Club Fish Fry, the Chamber of Commerce Summer concert series on Wednesday evenings and a Kids Swap meet at Heather Park on 8/10/19. A Movie Night will also be held showing How To Train Your Dragon
- Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Heroes Appreciation Luncheon, all were invited to attend, bring a hero with you, let the Chamber know why you want to nominate your hero, it will be held at Rush Park, call 562-598-6659 or info@losalchamber.org
- Sunburst Youth Academy accepts 16 to 18-year-old students, there are 50 students in each platoon, they serve 40 hours of community service including Color Guard presentations.
- Tom Bell, S.B. Lions Club Military Affairs Committee Chairperson announced taking some blind Vets to the Fish Fry, he is planning a dinner at the L.B. Fisher House on 8/19/19, he also represents the ESGR by presenting employers with Patriot Awards for hiring Vets, and helicopter rides out of Chino airport. Some organizations use it for fundraising opportunities. The cost is $350 per ride.
- Senator Umber’s rep, Steve Bao Mai, announced that their office will be moving to the Santa Ana Train Station, an Open House will be held on 8/7, he encouraged all to attends, and voting on the Vets cemetery in Orange County continues
- Brandy from Columbia College at the JFTB shared the Fall semester begins on 8/26/19
- The V.A. will hold Suicide Prevention training sessions at local Starbucks, approx.. 20 Vets commit suicide daily, they are targeting 18 to 34 year olds.
- Congressman Lowenthal’s Rep announced that they handle casework for Vets
- The Navy Federal Credit Union Rep announced new branches in Lakewood and Carson handling checking accounts, auto loans, and personal loans for military members
- The Los Alamitos Field will host Hollywood Blonde with food trucks and many other activities
- 8/6/19 is National Night Out – many community services and organizations will be there
- Congressman Jose A. Perez’s Rep spoke about H.R. 1896 supporting National Guard families, H.R. 1641 National Service Act for the American Legion and H.R. 712 Cannabis Research Act
- Tom Boscamp, Coastline College thanked the Suicide Prevention program for training the faculty and staff on his campus
- Shannon asked that we support the enlisted financial assistance program, Heroes Awaaards, 10 categories including Social Workers, a Launch party will be held on 8/10/19 and a Gala will be held at the Nixon Library on 11/3.
- The Cypress College Foundation Rep, Howard, announced a new Veterans Center on campus, they are looking for additional employer partners, it should open in a year and a half
