Joining other county sheriffs and city police chiefs, San Diego County Sheriff William D. Gore, has agreed to work with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to reach and assist local veterans.

Recently-returned veterans often find themselves adrift or battling unemployment, homelessness, depression, marital problems, substance use disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other challenges. Some veterans who have been out of the service for decades are still struggling. Tragically, a rising number of veterans who do not get the help they need commit suicide.

Fortunately, CalVet is here to help. CalVet reaches out to veterans of every era, assesses their needs, and gets them connected to the employment, education, housing, and health benefits they have earned through their military service.

“Law enforcement support of CalVet’s efforts is critical,” said CalVet Secretary Peter Gravett, “because PTSD, head injuries and mental illness often underlie veteran crime.” In fact, special veteran courts are being set up nationwide so those and other factors can be considered when a veteran engages in unlawful behavior. There are currently 11 veteran courts in California, with five more in development.

According to Ted Puntillo, Deputy Secretary for Veteran Services, “If we can reach veterans, CalVet can help them. But since we don’t have contact information for all veterans, we have to wait for them to request assistance. That’s why Sheriff Gore’s willingness to get involved is so helpful,” Puntillo said.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Officers will carry CalVet brochures in their patrol cars and give them to the veterans they encounter. These brochures contain a simple, postage-paid mail-in form veterans can use to request CalVet assistance. Veterans can also complete the form online at www.calvet.ca.gov.

There are other simple, no-cost ways government agencies, community organizations and private businesses can support CalVet’s efforts to reach and assist veterans. To learn more, contact Carolyn Ballou at 916-653-1355.