Veterans Resources Newsletter
Feb 6, 2026
📬 From the Editor
💚 Happy Valentines Day! 💚
February brings a season of visibility, connection, and care across our veteran community. This month’s events highlight not only important moments of recognition, such as National Salute to Veteran Patients, but also opportunities for veterans and families to engage directly with services, resources, and one another.
Whether it’s attending a ribbon cutting, supporting hospitalized veterans during Valentine’s Week, preparing for employment opportunities, or simply showing up to connect, each event this month reflects the strength of collaboration across Fresno County.
This newsletter continues to serve as a single, reliable place to track what’s happening, where to go, and how to participate. If you’re seeking support, I hope this helps you find it. If you’re contributing time, resources, or care, thank you for being part of a community that shows up.
Jessica M. Hanna, Editor
Highlights
This month’s highlights reflect a strong focus on recognition, access, and transition support for veterans across the Central Valley. February activities include the launch of new community spaces, National Salute to Veteran Patients observances, employment and legal clinics, and multiple opportunities for veterans to connect with VA services, employers, and peer networks.
Together, partner organizations are advancing coordinated efforts in healthcare engagement, workforce readiness, legal assistance, and community-building. These aligned events strengthen referral pathways, reduce barriers to participation, and reinforce a shared commitment to supporting veterans and their families during critical moments of care and transition.
The Way Back Home Ribbon Cutting
📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
➡️ One-day event, happens before Valentine’s Week. High urgency.
National Salute to
Veteran Patients
Valentine’s Week
February 9–13, 2026
Historical Milestone
The National Salute to Veteran Patients is a long-standing Department of Veterans Affairs observance held annually during Valentine’s week to honor Veterans receiving inpatient and long-term care. Established as a national VA program in 1978, the Salute encourages community engagement, volunteerism, and the delivery of cards, visits, and morale-boosting activities for hospitalized Veterans. The observance highlights the critical role of VA medical centers and volunteers in supporting Veterans’ well-being and has become one of the VA’s most enduring national outreach traditions.
Announcements
VA Central California Health Care System (Fresno VAMC) will observe National Salute to Veteran Patients during Valentine’s Week, February 9–13, 2026, with a series of on-campus activities focused on Veteran appreciation and community participation. Events include distributing Valentines and small gifts to hospitalized Veterans and Community Living Center residents, volunteer-led engagement in waiting areas, and opportunities for live entertainment.
A brief National Salute Ceremony will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. on the medical center’s front steps, featuring refreshments and token gifts. Additional community engagement will continue with a Salute to Veterans BBQ on Sunday, February 15, 2026, hosted by the Knights of the Shield Raider Booster Club.
VA Central California Health Care System — 2026 Observance
Volunteer participation and donations are now being accepted for the 2026 National Salute to Veteran Patients at the VA Central California Health Care System. Individuals, organizations, and community groups are encouraged to support Valentine distribution, volunteer service, entertainment, and approved donations in recognition of Veterans receiving care.
For volunteer opportunities, donations, or additional information, contact:
v21frecdceadmin@va.gov
Central Valley Women’s Stand Up
Milestones
The 11th Annual Central Valley Women’s Stand Up was confirmed for February 16, 2026, with Pardini’s secured as the host venue and full-day programming scheduled from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Senator Shannon Grove, U.S. Army Veteran, was confirmed as the guest speaker, strengthening legislative and veteran leadership representation. Transportation, meals, childcare, and no-cost registration were finalized to ensure equitable access.
Announcements
Registration is now open for the 11th Annual Central Valley Women’s Stand Up, taking place Monday, February 16, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Pardini’s in Fresno. This free event includes transportation, meals, seminars, focus groups, raffles, and an awards ceremony.
Ongoing Events
Veterans Fall-In
Veterans Fall-In provides recurring opportunities for veterans to access employment, education, housing, and benefits support at the VA Auditorium throughout the year.
Central California Legal Service
Veterans Job Club
Provides employment-focused support for veterans, including job search assistance, training resources, and workforce readiness guidance through regularly scheduled Job Club sessions.
Bret Thomas
Central California Legal Services
Provides free civil legal assistance for eligible veterans through scheduled legal clinics, including support with benefits, housing, consumer issues, family law matters, and discharge upgrades.
Email: VJSP@centralcallegal.org
Upcoming Events
Veteran Strategic Hiring Event
Connects veterans with real career opportunities through strategic hiring events that include interview coaching, resume support, employer interviews, and the potential for a same-day job offer, creating a pathway to meaningful civilian employment.
Veteran Women’s Connection Event
Provides a welcoming social and networking opportunity for women veterans to connect, build community, and celebrate shared experiences in a supportive and engaging environment.
Vet Fest 2026
VetFest 2026 is a community-focused event that connects veterans, families, and community partners with VA services and resources through live demonstrations, guided campus tours, resource tables, and family-friendly activities.
About This Newsletter
This newsletter curates publicly available information from veteran-serving organizations across Fresno County to improve coordination, visibility, and access to services. All events and programs are hosted by the organizations listed.
Donation Highlights
Caption for the $500 check photo
The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 706, presents a $500 donation to Central Valley Veterans in support of women veteran initiatives.
Caption for the $1,000 check photo
A $1,000 donation was presented to Central Valley Veterans by the Bingo Committee American Legion 509 in support of women veteran programming and community initiatives.
Contributing Organizations
Central Valley Veterans CVV)
Nonprofit coordinating veteran support services and community-based events across the Central Valley.
Healing California
Delivers dental and vision care through volunteer-led clinics and mobile services.
Fresno CBAS
Offers adult day health services, meals, social activities, and transportation support.
Fresno VA / VA Central California Health Care System
Provides comprehensive health care and supportive services to veterans in Central California and across the US.
Central California Legal Services (CCLS)
Provides civil legal assistance to eligible veterans and low-income individuals.
Resiliency Center – Veteran & Family Care Program
Provides counseling, case management, and family support services for veterans.
Feedback & Suggestions
Have an event, update, or correction to share? Submissions are welcome to help keep this information accurate and useful.
Editor: JMHANNA
Community coordination, accessibility, and instructional design support
Contact: jmhanna.ca@gmail.com | LinkedIn | Website