Veterans Resources Newsletter
May 2026
📬 From the Editor
🌿 Blooming with opportunity. Honoring those who carried us here. 🌿
May arrives carrying two of the most meaningful traditions in our calendar: the quiet gratitude of Memorial Day and the nonstop energy of a community that refuses to slow down. This month, we honor the fallen, celebrate new life, lace up our shoes, and gather across the Central Valley to do what this community does best: Show up for each other.
The month of May also carries something worth naming. Every resource in this newsletter, every event, every open door exists because of people who served. Some of them are no longer with us. Memorial Day on May 25 is our reminder that freedom is not a backdrop. It was purchased. We say thank you by staying connected, staying engaged, and continuing to serve one another.
There is a lot happening this month. Whether you are a new parent receiving a diaper bag at the VA, a woman veteran walking into a room full of people who understand your journey, or a professional deepening your work in veteran justice: May has something for you.
Jessica M. Hanna, Editor
Highlights
May opens on two fronts at once. On May 1, Wings Advocacy Fresno invites the community to the Fiesta on Gateway, a festive fundraiser at the Wings Showroom supporting the organization’s mission to furnish homes for newly housed veterans, families, and individuals escaping domestic violence. That same morning, the Clovis Veterans Memorial District hosts its annual Loyalty Day ceremony, a patriotic observance that traces its roots to 1921 and reminds us of the values that bind us as a nation. On May 2, the Fresno-Yosemite Daughters of the American Revolution and the Central California VA Hospital host the Baby Shower for Veteran New Parents, a joyful celebration filling diaper bags with love and community generosity for new and expecting veteran families. May 3 brings Carry The Load to Clovis, a national walk honoring military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families that began in 2011 with a single determined Navy SEAL and has since grown into a nationwide movement. The Placer Veterans Stand Down runs May 4 through 6 in Roseville, offering housing, healthcare, legal services, and social support for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. From May 6 through 8, legal and justice professionals across California can attend the Veterans Treatment Court Symposium in Los Angeles, a three-day convening dedicated to improving outcomes for justice-involved veterans. The CalVet Tribal Veterans Mental Health Summit follows May 13 and 14 in El Cajon, a statewide gathering honoring Native American veterans and addressing suicide prevention through culturally grounded practice. Back in Fresno, Monday May 18 brings the Fresno Veteran Virtual Job Fair, a free online hiring event matching veterans with employers through video interviews. The Clovis Memorial Run on May 23 is a beloved local tradition honoring those who gave everything, with a resource fair, pancake breakfast, and free registration for veterans and active military. Memorial Day itself arrives May 25, with the Clovis Veterans Memorial District hosting its annual observance honoring the fallen. The month closes May 30 with the Women Veterans Engage conference in Visalia, a full day of connection, personal growth, and professional development designed by and for women who served.
Community Spotlights
Fiesta on Gateway
Wings Advocacy Fresno | Friday, May 1, 2026
About Wings Advocacy Fresno
Wings Advocacy Fresno was first established in 2013 by community volunteers and has served Fresno’s newly housed individuals, families and veterans, as well as women and children affected by domestic violence. In September 2023, Wings merged with WestCare California, one of the region’s largest networks for health and human services, to bolster their marketing, procurement, and volunteer recruitment efforts to better serve and uplift the families they support. Today, Wings volunteers sort, clean, and deliver gently used furniture, new mattresses, pillows, and household goods directly into the homes of referred clients, serving up to 15 households per week. The Business JournalThe Business Journal
The Fiesta on Gateway is Wings Advocacy Fresno’s signature annual fundraiser. It is a festive evening of dinner, community, and connection that directly supports the programs keeping veterans and families in stable, furnished homes.
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Wings Showroom, 1850 N. Gateway Blvd., Fresno, CA 93727
Admission: $30 per person
Includes: Dinner and raffle
Website: https://www.wingsfresno.org/
Contact: 559-218-2865 | info@wingsfresno.org
Add to Google Calendar | Download .ics
Loyalty Day 2026
Clovis Veterans Memorial District | Friday, May 1, 2026
About Loyalty Day
Loyalty Day is observed on May 1 in the United States. It was proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a day for declaring loyalty to the United States of America and for acknowledging American history. It was recognized by the U.S. Congress on April 27, 1955, and made an official recurring holiday on July 18, 1958. The Clovis Veterans Memorial District, founded in 1946 and now celebrating its 80th year of service to the community, marks Loyalty Day each year with a public ceremony reaffirming the values of patriotism, service, and civic responsibility. Wikipedia
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 4th Street, Clovis, CA 93612
Admission: Free. All are welcome.
Website: Clovis Veterans Memorial District, Loyalty Day
Contact: (559) 299-0471
Baby Shower for Veteran New Parents
Fresno-Yosemite DAR and Central California VA Hospital | Saturday, May 2, 2026
About This Event
The Fresno-Yosemite Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in coordination with the Central California VA Hospital, is hosting a Baby Shower for Veteran New Parents. New and expecting veteran parents will receive donated diaper bags filled with essential baby items, made possible entirely through community generosity. This is a celebration of new beginnings and a reminder that our commitment to veterans extends to their families.
Donation deadline for shipped gifts: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Central California Veterans Administration Hospital, Fresno, CA
Admission: Free
How to donate: Shop from the Amazon Wish List and ship directly to the DAR Coordinator (must arrive by April 28), or bring your gift to the event on May 2. Please include your name or organization name on the gift tag. Diaper bags are the highest priority item.
Contact: Sally Tripp, VAVS Representative, Fresno-Yosemite DAR | SallyTrippVA@gmail.com
Carry The Load 2026
Clovis Veterans Memorial District | Sunday, May 3, 2026
About Carry The Load
What started in 2011 as a grassroots effort by Veteran U.S. Navy SEALs Clint Bruce and Stephen Holley has now grown into a nationwide movement dedicated to connecting Americans to the sacrifices of military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Carry The Load was founded on a simple belief: the sacrifice of our nation’s heroes should never be forgotten, and the weight of that sacrifice should never be carried alone. The Clovis stop is part of the annual Memorial May relay, which carries the American flag across the country toward Memorial Day. Carry The Load
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Walk Route: Starts at Railroad Park, 805 N. Peach Ave., Clovis, CA (Peach and Alluvial). Ends at Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 5th and Veterans Parkway, with a remembrance ceremony for fallen heroes.
Admission: Free
Website: carrytheload.org
Host: Clovis Veterans Memorial District
Placer Veterans Stand Down
VA Homeless Programs | Sunday, May 4 through Tuesday, May 6, 2026
About Stand Down Events
Stand Down is a national program modeled after a military term meaning a period of rest and recovery. Stand Down events provide veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness with access to housing support, healthcare, legal services, employment assistance, food, clothing, and social services — all in one location over multiple days. The VA maintains a national calendar of Stand Down events coordinated with local partners.
Dates: May 4 through 6, 2026
Location: Roseville, CA (venue details available through event contacts below)
Admission: Free. Open to veterans in need.
Statewide Stand Down resource listing: department.va.gov/homeless/stand-down-events
Contacts: Roderick Williams | (925) 580-7631 | roderick.williams3@va.gov Kelley Murphy | (916) 539-8162 | President@placerveteransstanddown.org
2026 Veterans Treatment Court Symposium
California Association of Collaborative Courts | May 6 through 8, 2026 | Los Angeles
About Veterans Treatment Courts
Veterans Treatment Courts are specialized court programs designed to address the underlying factors that contribute to justice involvement among veterans, including trauma exposure, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. They combine judicial supervision with coordinated treatment services and peer mentorship. The 2026 Veterans Treatment Court Symposium will convene judges, prosecutors, public defenders, probation professionals, treatment providers, veteran service officers, mentors, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs representatives, and community-based organizations working to improve outcomes for veterans involved in the criminal justice system. Through keynote presentations, expert panels, and interactive workshops, the symposium will focus on strengthening cross-system collaboration, expanding trauma-informed practices, and identifying innovative approaches to serving justice-involved veterans across Southern California. Los Angeles County
Dates: May 6 through 8, 2026
Location: Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, 1816 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Audience: Justice system professionals, veteran service officers, treatment providers, community organizations, and advocates serving justice-involved veterans
Registration: wearecacc.org
Hosted by: California Association of Collaborative Courts in partnership with the LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
CalVet Tribal Veterans Mental Health Summit
California Department of Veterans Affairs | May 13 through 14, 2026 | El Cajon
About This Summit
The California Department of Veterans Affairs Tribal Veterans Mental Health Summit is a two-day gathering dedicated to honoring Native American veterans and addressing suicide prevention through culturally grounded lethal means safety strategies. Designed to bring together Tribal leaders, veterans, mental health professionals, service providers, and state partners, the summit offers a space for shared learning, truth-telling, and cross-sector collaboration rooted in respect and cultural understanding. Attendance is limited to individuals 21 and older per venue requirements. Veteran Events
Dates: May 13 and 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day
Location: Sycuan Casino Resort, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019
Admission: Registration required. Must be 21 or older to attend. Registration: Register here
Contact: MinorityVeterans@calvet.ca.gov | (916) 651-3054
Hosted by: CalVet – California Department of Veterans Affairs
Clovis Veterans Memorial District Board Meeting
Public Notice | Thursday, May 14, 2026
The Clovis Veterans Memorial District Board of Directors will hold its regular monthly Board Meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM. This meeting is open to the public and community participation is encouraged. The District is currently preparing to celebrate its 80th anniversary of service to veterans and the Clovis community.
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: 808 Fourth Street, Clovis, CA 93612
Website: cvmdistrict.ca.gov
Contact: (559) 299-0471
Fresno Veteran Virtual Job Fair
JobFairX | Monday, May 18, 2026
About This Event
The Fresno Veteran Virtual Job Fair connects veteran job seekers with employers through a fully online, AI-matched video interview platform. Registration is free for veterans. After registering and building a resume profile, the platform matches candidates to open roles and notifies them when employers are ready to interview. All interviews take place by video directly on the JobFairX platform with no downloads required.
Date: Monday, May 18, 2026 Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM PDT Format: Virtual. All interviews take place online via JobFairX Admission: Free for veterans
Register: jobfairx.com
13th Annual Veterans Memorial Day Golf Tournament
Clovis American Legion Cecil Cox Post 147 | Thursday, May 21, 2026
The Clovis American Legion Cecil Cox Post 147, in partnership with the Clovis VFW Post 3225, Central Valley Blue Star Moms, and Vietnam Vets of America, hosts its 13th Annual Veterans Memorial Day Golf Tournament this May at the Madera Country Club. Since its founding, the tournament has raised over $184,000 for Central Valley veterans, with every dollar going directly to programs at the Fresno Veterans Hospital and local veterans organizations. This year’s shotgun start is at noon and features Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Flight competition, along with Closest to the Pin, Long Drive, Putting Contest, and Most Accurate contests. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels. Upload your uploaded forms here for hotlinks once ready.
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Shotgun Start: 12:00 PM
Location: Madera Country Club, Madera, CA
Register Online: 2026 Registration Page
Donation Letter: Download
Sponsor Letter: Download
Sponsorship Levels: Download
Contact:
Bob Voss 559-696-4703 bvoss@bobvoss.com
Frank Ducar 559-269-8767 info@clovisal.org
Dustin Chappel 559-612-3655 dustin.chappel@gce.com
Clovis Memorial Run
Clovis Veterans Memorial District | Saturday, May 23, 2026
About This Event
The Clovis Memorial Run is a beloved annual community event honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation. Since 1946, the Clovis Veterans Memorial District has been the crown jewel of the Clovis community, charged with serving as a permanent living memorial honoring U.S. Military and Veterans. The Memorial Run brings that mission to life each May with a community event that has something for every ability level, a resource fair with more than 20 veteran and community organizations, hot pancake breakfast, event t-shirt, and a patriotic medal for all finishers. Veterans and active military participate free of charge. Clovis Memorial Run
Event options: 5K Run/Walk | Kids Half-Mile Run | 2-Mile Walk | Senior 60+ Walk and Roll
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Start times: Kids run 7:30 AM | Senior Walk and Roll 7:40 AM | 5K 7:55 AM | 2-Mile Walk 8:00 AM
Location: 735 3rd Street, Clovis, CA 93612
Admission: Free for veterans and active military (all distances). General registration fees apply for non-veterans. Price increases after May 4.
Resource fair: 20+ community organizations on site
Packet pickup: May 21 and 22, Clovis Senior Activity Center, 735 Third St., 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Register: runsignup.com/Race/CA/Clovis/ClovisMemorialRun Website: clovisca.gov/community/memorial_run
Memorial Day at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District
Clovis Veterans Memorial District | Monday, May 25, 2026
About This Observance
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year in honor of the men and women who died in military service to the United States. Since 1946, the Clovis Veterans Memorial District has been a pillar of the Clovis community, upholding its mission to honor U.S. Military and Veterans and serve the community. The District’s annual Memorial Day gathering is a community-wide moment of remembrance and gratitude. Memorial Day
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 5th and Veterans Parkway, Clovis, CA
Admission: Free. All are welcome.
Website: cvmdistrict.ca.gov
Contact: (559) 299-0471
Women Veterans Engage: Connection, Growth, and Service
Employment Transitional Services | Saturday, May 30, 2026 | Visalia
About This Event
Women Veterans Engage is a one-day development conference bringing women who have served together for practical growth, renewed purpose, and genuine connection. Hosted by Employment Transitional Services in partnership with Huff Strategy and Creation, the day includes inspiring speakers, impactful conversations, and tools for navigating post-service personal and professional life. This is not a networking event. It is a community event, built around being seen, heard, and supported by women who truly understand the journey.
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Location: Cafe 210, 210 W. Center Ave., Visalia, CA 93291
Admission: Free for military and veteran women
Open to: Women veterans and currently serving women Facebook: facebook.com/womenveteranengagevisalia
Event page: Eventbrite — Women Veterans Engage Visalia
Looking Ahead to June
Central Valley Veterans Dental and Vision Clinic | Save the Date
Central Valley Veterans | June 27 and 28, 2026 | Fresno
Central Valley Veterans, in partnership with Healing California, the VA, Fresno County Veterans Services Office, Central California Legal Services, and the California Employment Development Department, is hosting a free two-day Dental and Vision Clinic at American Legion Post 509 in Fresno. Services are available at no cost and include dental exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions, as well as eye exams, prescription eyewear, and glasses issued on site. VA, Fresno County VSO, CCLS, and EDD representatives will be present throughout both days.
Services are limited to staff availability. Registration may close at noon on Sunday.
Dental and vision volunteers are urgently needed. If you can support this event, please reach out to Gina Bustamante directly.
Dates: Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day
Location: American Legion Post 509, 3509 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93726
Admission: Free
Volunteer contact: Gina Bustamante | (559) 360-2671 | Reg2busta@gmail.com
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.
POC: Chris Mirales (559) 299-0471
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
Contributing Organizations
Central Valley Veterans CVV)
Nonprofit coordinating veteran support services and community-based events across the Central Valley.
Clovis Veterans Memorial District
A community district dedicated to serving veterans and providing a venue for memorial and community events (celebrating 80 years of service).
Workforce Assistance Center
A regional hub providing employment services, training, and job search resources for job seekers and employers.
Fresno VA / VA Central California Health Care System
Provides comprehensive health care and supportive services to veterans in Central California and across the US.
Kings County Veterans Services
A government agency providing assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining state and federal benefits.
Fresno County Veterans Service Office
A county office that assists veterans in navigating the VA system and securing earned benefits.
The Student Support Services Veterans (SSSV) program provides a comprehensive support network for first-generation, low-income, or disabled student veterans transitioning to academic life. Participants receive specialized benefits, including individualized academic counseling, priority registration, and access to exclusive supplemental grant aid. This initiative fosters a strong community through peer mentoring and dedicated resources, such as private computer labs and textbook loans.
About This Newsletter
This newsletter curates publicly available information from veteran-serving organizations across Fresno County, the Central Valley and the state of California to improve coordination, visibility, and access to services. All events and programs are hosted by the organizations listed and many more.
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