United Veterans Council
2115 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101-4792

This paper has been prepared to provide you with information on the United Veterans Council of San Diego County (UVC).

In the mid-eighties the United Veterans Council was formed with the primary aim of providing a forum for veterans to provide input, share information, and raise issues leading to the betterment of the veteran commuity and to provide a united veterans position on legislation affecting San Diego County veterans and their families.

The UVC is an informal alliance of over fifty veterans organizations in San Diego County, such as The Fleet Reserve Association, The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Non Cormssioned Officers Association, Women's Army Corps, Air Force Sergeants Association, The American Legion, The Retired Officers Association and The Military Order of the Purple Heart, to name a few. Many of these organizations have national headquarters in Washington D. C. Collectively, these organizations serve the interests of over 25 million veterans nationwide. The United Veterans Council of San Diego nerves over 300,000 veterans and 128,000 active duty military personnel and their families throughout the County. The United Veterans Council has become the recognized group representing veterans in our area. The UVC is not a chartered organization, has no by-laws, dues, or rules which would affect the participation of any of the organizations mentioned above and employs simple operating procedures during its meetings.

The UVC has been instrumental in the County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) reinstating the Veterans Day Parade for San Diego, supporting a Stand Down Program for homeless veterans, which has since been emulated in countless cities nationwide, conducting Veterans Summit Programs on major issues of concern to veterans and preserving the old Balboa Naval Hospital Chapel which has become the Veterans Memorial Center and Museum. The UVC was the driving force in successfully placing a state o£ the art veterans home in Chula Vista. We provide input to our county, state, and federal representatives on issues and legislation affecting veterans when necessary. Several UVC members wrote the Medicare Subvention Bill over 12 years ago which later became "Tricere Senior Prime", and which eventually led to "Tricare-for-Life", an omnibus health care bill for retirees over 65, recently passed by Congress.

The UVC is not a 501C-3 organization and consequently accepts donations from members and friends through the Veterans Memorial Center and Museum, for expenses such as postage and printing as authorized by the membership

There are no formal membership requirements, other than member organizations must be a chartered veterans organization (501 C). Each member organization is invited to designate a voting representative to the UVC. We meet monthly at the Veterans Memorial center and Museum in Balboa Park on the fourth Saturday of each month at 0900 hours.

February 18, 1987

C.V. Wilhoit, Jr., Chairman
United Veteran Council of San Diego
1103 Santa Rufina Court
Solana Beach, California 92075

Dear Daisy:

This letter is in regard to your request for UVC members to provide you with input regarding the direction for the Council in the coming years. This is a subject I have thought long and hard about over the years, especially during the period 1983 - 85 while the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program took an active role in advocating for the creation of such a Council. Now that it is in place and operating it is appropriate to step back and examine where the Council needs to focus its energies to accomplish its objectives.

I have had a very limited experience in dealing with the Council, but it is my observation that the Council has had success in two areas and those are the areas where the group should concentrate.

The first function should be to "advocate" on behalf of the betterment of the veteran community. Through UVC efforts, the creation of a Veterans Service Office in San Diego will soon be a reality. One group alone can not bring this kind of action about, but a coalition of groups who all agree on the need have had success. This same advocacy has helped make a strong case for preservation of the Chapel at Balboa Naval Hospital.

The Council's success in being an effective advocate, then, is best measured by advocating for a particular position. I recommend the Council establish a list of priorities or objectives that they would like to accomplish in the coming year(s). Then educate, motivate, and encourage the member organizations to write letters, testify, and generally roll up their sleeves and dig in to get that objective accomplished. Be specific in the objectives and be able to show progress in accomplishing them. Save a building, change a law, make sure the objective has a by-product. Members of organizations and the public at large feel good about groups that can say "we did "x". Accomplishments create a feeling of ownership.

The other function of the group relates to how it operates as a Council. The organizational structure is "loose" in that there are no by-laws and operating procedures to gum up the works. Members are free to have input, raise issues, share information, and request assistance. The mere fact that nearly twenty different veteran organizations are in one room together provides an excellent opportunity to share information. Veterans represent a very diverse cross section of the population. One of the benefits of a U.V.C. is to generate the familiarity between groups so that each group can keep abreast of new legislation, change in benefits, anything that impacts veterans as a whole.

 

C.V. Wilhoit February '8, 1987 Page Two

The last point is an important one. The overriding goal or purpose of the Council should be for the betterment of the whole veteran community. The objectives, the accomplishments, the agenda should all stick to the theme that the Council is there to represent San Diego's veteran community. There are times when it may be appropriate to help one specific segment, the aged veteran for example, or the disabled. But the major thrust should be aimed at the group, and the issues should be strictly veteran.

For the Council to remain cohesive, it is important that it not be used to advance a particular individual or group cause. To assist, educate, inform, is fine, but the Council should not allow itself to be used as a vehicle to promote 'a singular point of view - it's not fair to the other members.

In this respect, I must confess to you that I was surprised by some of the enclosures in the recent notice of the UVC's next meeting. The copy of the letter to Senator as appropriate, but all other attachments were not. 

The Phyllis Schlafly Report and article regarding textbook criticism were simply not related to UVC activities. Many people have strong feelings on the U.S. Constitution, but the issue of a constitutional convention is not appropriate to Council's purpose. A mailing under separate cover is fine, but anything mailed out under UVC letterhead should meet a strict criteria that it falls within the realm of business the Council should discuss.

In closing, a planning session in which objectives are developed may help focus the groups energies. This could also be accomplished by a small group or sub-committee of individuals who would draft a paper for discussion by the Council. The key question is what do veterans in San Diego want/need? And from that, what can the UVC do to obtain that objective?

I am enthusiastic about the Council and what it has done, and I'm assured that with the talent and energy of its members, there is no task too difficult.

Sincerely,

Susan Hoekenca        

"The United Veterans Council of San Diego" "Before and After-----The Past 20 Years"

by Col. Pete Houben USA ret

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were appreciated by their nation"

-------George Washington

History

The establishment of the United Veterans Council in San Diego was an event whose time had come.-- There was heady enthusiasm around the country for veterans following WWII, but this enthusiasm tailed off dramatically following the Korean War.-- In fact, the Korean War went into the history books as "The Forgotten War" or the "The War we Didn't Win".

This war was followed by another one that lasted over 10 years and ended up in chronicles as "The War That Nobody Wanted" or tabbed as "The War That Wouldn't Go Away” - VIETNAM-  the veterans thought that times were tough after Korea, they were in for a bigger surprise after Vietnam. Here is an excerpt of a 1998 Newsweek article by Robert T. Brudno, whose brother was a pilot, was shot down over North Vietnam, and was a POW for over 7 years. It pretty well sums up the attitude of many in our country following that war:( I quote)----"He became a victim not just of the North Vietnamese, but of the inability of so many in his own country, during that horrible war, to separate the war from the warriors.

Many returning soldiers before him were spat upon, and branded as murderers, often just after surviving - their own harrowing experiences. No wonder there was a "Vietnam Syndrome".

Like my brother, few wanted to go to war, yet many Americans did not respect their sacrifice, because it somehow conflicted with their passionate antiwar beliefs."(unquote)

After Vietnam some Posts of the old and established Service organizations failed to even recognize veterans of the Vietnam War as-- bonafied de veterans of a "real, war"!! This of course turned off many of the returning vets, who, then didn't join any Service organization,- resulting in serious membership problems for veterans organizations nationwide.

It was in this climate, that still prevailed in the early 84's, that a group of dedicated veterans in San Diego concluded-- that if veterans wanted to help veterans, they should establish some type of an organization that would unify veterans - and provide a forum for them to share information; raise issues that would hopefully leading to the betterment of the veteran community,---- and very importantly, to provide a united veterans position on legislation, both local and national; affecting them and, their families.

These forward looking founders envisioned an umbrella type organization that would, if possible, unite at least the majority of the many veterans organizations, groups, councils, coalitions- that operated in San Diego County. The name they came up with for this organization was: The United Veterans Council of San Diego--------The UVC.

Acquisition of the Old Balboa Navy Hospital

The early meetings of the UVC took place at the War Memorial building in Balboa Park. This facility proved to be unsatisfactory for several reasons, so a small group within the UVC began to look for a new site which would more satisfactory. They succeeded in convincing the mayor and City Council of San Diego that the Navy Chapel would be an ideal place for a veterans center, and possible a museum and should be spared the wrecking ball, and turned over to The UVC". Hence was born The Veterans Memorial Center, and later a Museum---­

Early UVC Organizational Efforts

The late ‘80's, proved to be somewhat of a "golden era" for not only new veterans organizations being established or re-established----but for more things being accomplished in a more cooperative atmosphere.

UVC Membership

There were-and are, a myriad of veterans organizations in San Diego. At last count there were over fifty (50)!! (have list available) -Convincing their leadership to belong to yet another veterans organization would be quite a challenge, but the UVC was up to the task. Not all of the- 50 or more organizations attend each UVC meeting, but a good cross -section- are represented, and attendance at meetings is usually quite good---- And this generally follows the plan of the UVC founders. It meets monthly, with no set rules, (except "Roberts Rules of Order")-- no by-laws and no dues.

UVC-Catalyst for the `80's, 90's----and Beyond

The UVC acted as a catalyst in the 80's and `90's and spurred the re­establishment of former organizations or helped create others in San Diego.

The County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) was reopened in Dee 1986. (This was covered earlier by panelist Jim Stodola) After the CVSO was reopened The County Board of Supervisors Veterans Advisory Council VAC) was established. The mission of this Council is to advise the board regarding issues important to veterans and their dependents of San Diego County. The County Board has been, and remains, a great supporter of veterans and their problems.

San Diego Mayor's Veterans Advisory Board

Dick Murphy, the present mayor of San Diego, a Vietnam era Army officer, pledged during his campaign, that if elected he would be more attuned to veterans and their problems than his immediate predecessors. One of his promises was to establish a Veterans Liaison office in City Had, and another was to-form a Mayor's Veterans Advisory Board (VAB} that would keep him apprised of veterans activities and problems. The Liaison Office was- established and staffed immediately after his inauguration, and his Advisory Board held its first meeting, in March, 2001.

Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission

Chula Vista, the 2' largest city in San Diego County, and a firm supporter of veterans and veterans issues, formed their Veterans Advisory Commission in `94. This Commission is very pro active. Shirley Horton the dynamic mayor of Chula Vista and the city's hard working City Council, were successful in bringing tVeterans Home in Calif to Chula Vista!

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The "One VA Concept

VASDHS Community Advisory Board

In the mid '90's, the Chair and vice Chair of the UVC visited The Director of The VA hospital in La Jolla, and recommended that he form a Community Advisory Board. The purpose of the Board would be to ensure that this Veterans Healthcare system would continue to provide quality, comprehensive health care to San Diego's veterans.

The Board proved to be an excellent "sounding board” for veterans complaints. Initially The Board came up with 54 issues- of concern voiced by veterans groups throughout the County. These were investigated by the hospital staff and substantiated claims were resolved as quickly as possible Many were "third hand,” or, not verifiable. The issues list at this time is down to 4 or 5, and can be found in most hospitals----- (waiting tines; alleged disrespect by staff; "they don't understand my problem", delays- in getting appointments )

VA. Regional Office Community Advisory Board

Noting the success of the hospital Advisory Board, The Chairman of the UVC suggested that the newly arrived VA Regional Office Director consider forming a Community Advisory Board: With assistance from the UVC executive board the Regional Office Board was formed in early '98.  The mission- of this board is similar to that of the VASDHS (hospital} Board-to- hear the complaints: of veterans and, veterans groups and attempt to resolve them.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

The link that would enable the 3 VA Offices in San Diego to interface more completely with each other and veterans, was the National Cemetery Office. The Director of the Cemetery faithfully attended both the Hospital and the VA Regional Office Advisory Board meetings. Agenda items covered in each of these meetings, together with the information the Cemetery director provided, were of interest to all vets, so why not hold one meeting each month and include all three directors?? Thus, the "One VA " was created in San Diego and has worked well for both Directors and veterans.

UVC Accomplishments

The UVC was responsible for, or was instrumental in, some very significant actions in San Diego:

VMC Museum-Veterans- Memorial Gardens

The establishment of the VMC was discussed earlier. The "dream," of the UVC founders, was to develop a lasting-memorial garden area in Balboa Park, close to the VMC to honor all veterans who died defending our country. A Conceptual Plan, including architectural drawings, has already been prepared and a theme decided upon. The "theme" of The Memorial Gardens is: "Duty, Honor, Country", and it will "tell the story" of the special relationship between the Armed Forces and Balboa Park. The Garden by design, will expand the "feeling" of Balboa Park across Park Blvd. It will provide a valuable learning- experience for visitors, on the relationship of The Armed Forces to the growth and achievements of the City of San Diego. This "dream" is gathering momentum. The governor recently announced that some 8 million dollars would be allocated to upgrade several projects in- Balboa Park. Included in this Park allocation is initial funding for The Memorial Gardens.

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Health Care for Veterans

Shortly after the establishment of the UVC, one of its committees, The Health Care Committee, was tasked to look into the accessibility to Balboa Navy Hospital for military retirees, their dependents, and other veterans. Their initial inquiries found that access to care was very limited,-especially for older retired veterans. (I must point out here that when -I and millions of others entered the Service we were told by recruiters, and it was ever present in military advertising, that retirees and their families were assured health care after retirement.) Noting this, a concerted effort was begun to find a way to obtain the "promised" health care for veterans. From this, effort, by three dedicated retired veterans, a plan called Medicare Subvention was developed, which led, eventually, to-a- Federal entitlement program called Tricare for Life (TFL). TFL was passed unanimously by Congress and signed into law by president Bush in 2001. From a humble- beginning at a UVC meeting, and after a 13 year struggle, which in its last stages, acquired a national following---- quality health care for those veterans aged 65 and older, was now a reality! We are now working toward obtaining similar health care coverage for those veterans who are retired but not yet 65.

Stand Down Program for Homeless Veterans

Founded in 1988---- It's a program to reach out and help homeless veterans and their families.

It is a 3 day encampment held on the athletic grounds of San Diego High School, each Summer, and provides a multitude of services in one location: Food, shelter, clothing, hair cuts, medical, assistance, veterans benefit counseling, job and housing referral and much more. More than 100 community agency and businesses and over 2000 volunteers provide these services. This is a- Vietnam Veterans of San Diego,(VVSD) program, but UVC assistance has been a constant since- Standown was founded.

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Veterans Home at Chula Vista

The first Veterans home in Calif opened just before the turn of the 20'th Century in Yountville, Calif, and is situated on a beautiful site in the Napa-Valley. It is the nations largest facility for veterans, accommodating about 1,200 veterans on a 750 acre campus. In 1996 the second home for 400-veterans was opened next to the campus of Barstow College in Barstow, Calif. The 3rd Home in Chula Vista opened in May 2000 on a beautiful hill site overlooking the city, close to Sharp Medical Center. It also contains 400 beds. One of its dormitories is named after former Chief Petty Officer Bill Ayers one of the founding members of the UVC. Bill worked tirelessly, along with Mayor of Chula Vista, Shirley Horton, her staff and many others to ensure that this Home became a reality. Bill passed away shortly after the Home opened.

Legislation-local and national

There is strength in numbers, but only if those numbers are unified and speak with one voice. An agenda item on each- monthly UVC meeting is "Legislation". Key bills affecting veterans and their families, are analyzed and discussed. Motions are raised, pro or con. If required, letters are sent to elected or appointed officials outlining the UVC position. One of the measures of success in this area is the fact that we always have representatives of local, state and national officials present at each UVC meeting. And within the past several years, a fair amount of legislation favorably affecting veterans has been signed into law.

The Veterans Journal

"The Veterans Journal" is a weekly newspaper, approved (NOTE: The VMC has returned to not endorsing any entity, not by web master.) by the UVC. "The Journal reports on matters of national defense, homeland security, foreign affairs, veteran's affairs and local veteran's issues. ." The offices of the paper are located on the ground floor of the Veterans Memorial Center and Museum Several members of the UVC are members of the editorial board.

Veterans Day Parade

The Annual Veterans Day Parade held on Nov 11, each year, was resurrected by the UVC after a long- hiatus. The first revival of the parade was held in 1987 and involved a few dedicated souls who proudly marched around Balboa Park. Interest grew and so did the parade so the route of march was moved to downtown Broadway, and the marchers proceeded west and stopped at Harbor Drive. Each year it became more popular and got bigger, so the UVC parade-committee decided it was ready for Prime Time and moved it to Harbor Drive. Now it begins at the County Administration Bldg and ends up at Seaport Village. Last year's parade (#14) consisted of over 3000 participants. It included Veterans, Active Duty and Reserve Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard; ROTC; JROTC; Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and over-20 high school, junior high and middle school bands. , It drew large crowds of spectators along the march route. We think it's here to stay.

Veteran of the Year Program

The Veteran of the Year Program began shortly after the UVC was established. It is one of the programs directly administered by the UVC Veteran of the Year Committee. The Veteran of the Year is an Individual whose military and community service has demonstrated outstanding loyalty in service to the Armed Forces of the United States and uncompromised support of San Diego County in civic, military and personal responsibility. Nominations are invited from public and private companies and organizations which have veterans in their employ. He or she must be a veteran to be nominated. All nominees are honored at a luncheon which is held in November at the U.S. Grant Hotel. Over 48 nominations were submitted for consideration for this prestigious award last year.

Conclusion

Through the hard work of veterans and enlightened public officials at the local, state and national levels, San Diego has truly evolved into the "Finest City for Veterans", a model of cooperation and innovation-and I think, worthy of emulation by other cities. San Diego's national representatives have done a good job for us in Washington. Recently, Congressman Bob Filner was honored as "The Veterans Legislator of the Year", by a national service organization. Veterans are being served remarkably well by all facets of the Veterans Administration; Health care, compensation, benefits, education, and= burial services. State government continues to lend an attentive ear to, veterans. The County, led by its Board of Supervisors, has always been supportive of veterans- needs. Our new Mayor, Dick Murphy, has certainly lived up to -his campaign promises concerning veterans: He has been the most pro­active mayor, veterans have had in the past 20 years.

And, finally, we were approached by one of the most prestigious universities in the- country, UCSD, to chronicle our contributions to this great city. We are humbled by this gesture, and grateful for this opportunity, to tell our story.------­Our thanks to Chancellor Dynes, members of The- Civic Collaborative„ and a special "Veterans Thanks" to Dr.Abe-Shragge for his patience- and vision-and for putting up with us old vets!!

THANK-YOU

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