The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has just released its updated 2012 Enterprise Strategic Plan, which focuses on fiscal and operational efficiency, innovation, and encourages working with key stakeholders and partners in the public and private sectors. This forward-thinking strategic plan aims to pave the way for CalVet to continue delivering modern 21st Century, accessible and superior services to California veterans.

“CalVet’s strategic plan for 2012 is a collaborative effort that reflects Governor Brown's great respect and appreciation for our veterans and the sacrifices they have made, and is in keeping with his vision for California's future,” stated CalVet Secretary Peter J. Gravett, Major General (Ret).

In developing this plan we focused on one question: How will the California Department of Veterans Affairs deliver services in innovative ways that meet and exceed the expectations of California's veterans and their families? We improved our planning processes with a more deliberative analysis of how veterans perceive their needs and how this department could best meet those needs. We sought input from community partners and associates in the Veteran Services Organizations and County Veterans Service Offices.

This plan is robust enough to carry CalVet through the current fiscal crisis without losing focus on our mission and it is aligned with the vision of the California Veterans Board: "To be recognized as one of the prime advocates for California Veterans' rights and benefits."

President Harry S. Truman once said. "Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifice." By following this plan we will keep that promise and California will be recognized as the national leader in serving our veterans by delivering modern 21st Century, accessible and superior services needed to establish veterans as a pillar of strength in every California community.

A copy of the CalVet 2012 Strategic Plan is available online at http://www.calvet.ca.gov/Files/AboutUs/StrategicPlan.pdf.

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