Events and News

9th Annual Veterans Appreciation Thanksgiving Dinner

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:30:02 GMT

Veterans Advocacy Group of America is hosting Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner!

Our veterans and their families are invited to attend a Thanksgiving Celebration to show appreciation to veterans and those currently serving in the United States Military.

Thanksgiving Dinner is free for all veterans and their families. This will be a buffet service.

Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come first serve basis! Please RSVP to Save Your Seat!

Entertainment will be provided at the event for your enjoyment.

If you are interested in donating any items, exhibiting or volunteering, please email info@vaga.us or call us at 800-478-1927. Also, feel free to visit our website at www.vaga.us

Military & Veterans Affairs Video - VAGA Backpack Event

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:26:13 GMT

Read more at https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM3dMM6hTkd/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA%3D%3D

On behalf of the Veterans Advocacy Group of America (VAGA), I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to each of you for your dedication, teamwork, and passion in planning and executing our 10th Annual Veterans Backpack Giveaway .

Because of your efforts, this year’s event was not only well-organized—it was truly impactful. We are incredibly proud of our Planning Committee for their leadership and vision, and grateful for the tireless commitment of our volunteers who made everything possible.

A special shout-out goes to Aaron Thum and PV Jobs , who brought 10 young people to participate—not only receiving training but also learning the importance of giving back through community events. We are thankful for the 8 vendors whose contributions enriched the day, and especially our major sponsors— Revolution National Pest Council , The Heritage Foundation , Supervisor Hilda Solis and Bob Hope Patriotic Hall —for providing the support needed to make this event happen.

We also appreciate the role of our MC, David Uyematsu from EDD and EAC Committee, Mindful Veteran Project, MCS, VPAN and CWC whose energy and presence helped keep the event lively and engaging. Your collective efforts created an atmosphere of joy, pride, and community for our veterans and their families.

The 10th Annual Veterans Backpack Giveaway was a success because of your dedication, and the positive impact will be felt long after the last backpack was given out. Together, we have shown our community the power of unity, service, and respect for those who have served our country.

With deepest gratitude,

Tova Barbour

CEO

1123 E. Dominguez Street, Unit E

Carson, CA 90746

Office: (310) 639-1180

Fax: (310) 639-1168

Email: sbarbour@pestcouncil.com

Supervisor Hilda Solis Video - VAGA Backpack Event

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:19:51 GMT

Backpacks, school supplies: Veterans Advocacy Group of America helps LA students get ready for class

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:14:07 GMT

Read more at https://abc7.com/post/veterans-advocacy-group-america-is-committed-helping-los-angeles-students-get-ready-new-school-year/17550485/

8th Annual Veterans Appreciation Thanksgiving Dinner

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:06:16 GMT

Veterans Advocacy Group of America is hosting Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner!

Our veterans and their families are invited to attend a Thanksgiving Celebration to show appreciation to veterans and those currently serving in the United States Military.

Thanksgiving Dinner is free for all veterans and their families. This will be a buffet service.

Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come first serve basis! Please RSVP to Save Your Seat!

Entertainment will be provided at the event for your enjoyment.

If you are interested in donating any items, exhibiting or volunteering, please email info@vaga.us or call us at 800-478-1927. Also, feel free to visit our website at www.vaga.us

7th Annual Veterans Appreciation Thanksgiving Dinner

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 02:50:40 GMT

Veterans Advocacy Group of America is hosting Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner!

Our veterans and their families are invited to attend a Thanksgiving Celebration to show appreciation to veterans and those currently serving in the United States Military.

Thanksgiving Dinner is free for all veterans and their families. This will be a buffet service.

Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come first serve basis! Please RSVP to Save Your Seat!

Entertainment will be provided at the event for your enjoyment.

If you are interested in donating any items, exhibiting or volunteering, please email info@vaga.us or call us at 800-478-1927. Also, feel free to visit our website at www.vaga.us

6th Annual Veterans Appreciation Thanksgiving Dinner

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 01:55:21 GMT

Veterans Advocacy Group of America is hosting Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner!

Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Our veterans and their families are invited to attend a Thanksgiving Celebration to show appreciation to veterans and those currently serving in the United States Military.

Thanksgiving Dinner is free for all veterans and their families. This will be a buffet service.

Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come first serve basis! Please RSVP to Save Your Seat!

WHEN: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 @ 2:00PM

WHERE: Bob Hope Patriotic Hall

1816 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Entertainment will be provided at the event for your enjoyment.

If you are interested in donating any items, exhibiting or volunteering, please email info@vaga.us or call us at 800-478-1927. Also, feel free to visit our website at www.vaga.us

ANNUAL VETERAN & MILFAM BACK TO SCHOOL WELLNESS DAY EVENT August 13, 2022

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 06:04:40 GMT

We are very excited to announce our upcoming Annual Veteran and Military Back to School Wellness Event taking place on August 13th from 10am to 2pm at our Rally Point – 700 North Bullis Road, Compton California 90221

5th Annual Veterans Thanksgiving Turkey Drive Thru Giveaway - November 23, 2021

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 21:16:34 GMT

4th Annual Veterans Thanksgiving Turkey Drive Thru Giveaway - November 21, 2020

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 02:51:35 GMT

Link to event " Click Here "

3rd Annual Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 22:50:57 GMT

Link to event " Click Here "

HOW TO BUILD YOUR FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE & LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 06:47:04 GMT

November 9, 2019 at 10am. RSVP to mcneil_michael@att.net

Learn from Industry Leaders. Financial Seminar. November 9, 2019 at 10am in Monrovia.

Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet

Thu, 09 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Job and Resource Fair

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/employment-development-department-16893571973

2nd Annual Shining Star Recognition Ceremony

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 07:35:37 GMT

Hosted at New York Life, 801 N. Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shining-star-recognition-ceremony-tickets-55324200172

SFVVEC Presents: Operation Holiday 2018 (For Veterans & Their Families)

tbarbour@vaga.us (Tova Barbour) — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 21:11:56 GMT

Employment Development Department And San Fernando Valley Veterans Employment Committee

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sfvvec-presents-operation-holiday-2018-for-veterans-their-families-tick...

In appreciation of the men and women who have served this great country, we would like to invite you, the Veteran, and your family to our Operation Holiday event.

Free food, music, opportunity drawings, Veteran resources and surprise visit from Santa!

Please RSVP or register soon, as space is limited!

For more information, contact:

Salvador Moncada

moncada.salvador@gmail.com

Phone: (818) 515-8549

Chargers & ROKiT Sponsor Thanksgiving Dinner for the Veterans Advocacy Group of America

jrodriguez@axxiomdata.com (Juan Rodriguez) — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

2nd Annual Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner

https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-rokit-sponsor-thanksgiving-dinner-for-the-veterans-advocacy-g...

November is Salute to Service Month in the NFL, and also, the month for giving thanks. To show their gratitude, the Los Angeles Chargers and ROKiT were presenting sponsors of the Veterans Advocacy Group of America’s Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday.

“The Chargers believe so strongly in supporting our military and appreciating veterans and all that they do for us,” said Chargers President of Football Operations, John Spanos. “Whenever an opportunity arises to do something for them (like) serve them Thanksgiving dinner, we’re happy to do it.”

“The reason we did the deal with the Chargers is because of how community-oriented they are because they’re involved with programs like this,” added Clinton Ehrlich, Chief Marketing Officer ROKiT. “To have John Spanos here with (Co-Founder of ROKiT) John Paul DeJoria and have players (and) legends here being able to give back is fantastic. It really says a lot to all the things we put on paper with the Chargers and (to) actually see them come to fruition is fantastic.”

Along with Spanos and Chargers Legend Shawne Merriman, current players Virgil Green, Cardale Jones and Artavis Scott served Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of veterans. ROKiT donated 150 phones to veterans and their families.

For Green, the event hit home given his ties to the military.

Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner 2018 - November 13th

tbarbour@vaga.us (Tova Barbour) — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 00:39:31 GMT

The presenting title sponsor will be the Los Angeles Chargers and ROKiT

Veterans Advocacy Group of America is hosting Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner!

The presenting title sponsor will be the Los Angeles Chargers and ROKiT. (Go Chargers)

Our veterans and their families are invited to attend a Thanksgiving Celebration to show appreciation to veterans and those currently serving in the United States Military.

Thanksgiving Dinner is free for all veterans and their families. This will be a buffet service.

Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come first serve basis! Please RSVP to Save Your Seat!

WHEN: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 @ 2:00PM

WHERE: Bob Hope Patriotic Hall

1816 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Entertainment will be provided at the event for your enjoyment.

Chargers, Alumni and Cheerleaders will be in attendance.

ROKiT will be distributing a limited suppy of Cell Phones to our attending veterans. Must show military ID or DD214.

If you are interested in donating any items, exhibiting or volunteering, please email info@vaga.us or call us at 800-478-1927. Also, feel free to visit our website at www.vaga.us

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-thanksgiving-appreciation-dinner-2018-tickets-51267621837

The Los Angeles chargers proudly support the Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner

tbarbour@vaga.us (Tova Barbour) — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

2nd Annual Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner

Come celebrate with us, The Chargers and Rokit.

Helping Vets be all that you can be: Sterling Barbour

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:17:24 GMT

Veteran of the Year

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:04:43 GMT

http://isirc.gie.net/newsletter/click?pubId=1&hyperlinkId=95382&productSendId=MTEzMjI0OTI3

Firm Profile Revolution Pest Solutions - Veterans in Action

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:00:26 GMT

Firm Profile Revolution Pest Solutions

UCLA/VA Veteran Family BBQ

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 20:12:40 GMT

Event Date: September 22nd, 2018 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm .

Rose Garden behind VA Building 220

11301 Wilshire Blvd., Building 220

Los Angeles, CA 90073

September 22nd, 2018 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm .

Rose Garden behind VA Building 220

All Veterans, families and friends are welcome, come on out and have some fun! Please make sure to RSVP: https://vfwcsaucysaturdaybbq.eventbrite.com The first 50 families who register will receive backpacks with school supplies donated by our partners at Veterans Advocacy Group of America! Families must be in attendance on September 22nd to receive their backpack.

PestVests: Recruiting veterans to battle pests and build careers

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

PestVests: Recruiting veterans to battle pests and build careers

7th Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway, presented by VAGA – the Veterans Advocacy Group of America

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 20:08:59 GMT

Event Date: Saturday, August 11, 2018 – 9:30 am to 12 noon .

New York Life Building

801 N Brand Blvd., - 3rd Floor

Glendale, CA 91213

Title Sponsor: New York LIfe - Corporate Sponsor: Revolution Pest Solutions

Saturday, August 11, 2018 – 9:30 am to 12 noon .

New York Life Building

801 N Brand Blvd., - 3rd Floor

Glendale, CA 91213

Veterans Summer Slam Employment Fair

Sat, 16 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Veterans Summer Slam Employment Fair

Vaga 2018 Women Supporting Veterans

Sat, 03 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Supporting Women

Amazing event from Vaga 2018 supporting Veterans

Celebrate the Women Supporting the Women Veteran Community - March 3rd

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

See you at this event

Purple Line Extension Outreach Meeting

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Purple Line Extension

Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Veterans Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner

Come Meet Our Team - October 4th!

jrodriguez@axxiomdata.com (Juan Rodriguez) — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Come Meet Our Team - October 4th!

Revolution National Pest Council General Flyer

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Revolution National Pest Council General Flyer

Welcome Letter for June 16 Event

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome Letter for June 16 Event

Veteran Summer Slam Employment Fair

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Veteran Summer Slam Employment Fair

Pest Control Technician Training Course

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Pest Control Technician Training Course

7th Annual Veterans Expo - April 8th

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

7th Annual Veterans Expo - April 8th

Veteran's Day "Thank A Veteran" Event

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Veteran's Day "Thank A Veteran" Event

4th Annual Veterans' Economic Summit & 5th Annual Backpack Giveaway

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

4th Annual Veterans' Economic Summit & 5th Annual Backpack Giveaway

We need your help! Send all Donations to www.VHATS.org - Attn: Luis Rivera Purple Hearts

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

We need your help! Send all Donations to www.VHATS.org - Attn: Luis Rivera Purple Hearts

LA Sparks Veteran Service Night Event

Wed, 25 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

LA Sparks Veteran Service Night Event

Construction Career Resource Fair

Mon, 16 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Construction Career Resource Fair

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles (NLSLA) has FREE legal services for Veterans

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles (NLSLA) has FREE legal services for Veterans

IE 3rd Annual "Thank A Sheros" Event

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

IE 3rd Annual "Thank A Sheros" Event

6th Annual Veterans Expo

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

6th Annual Veterans Expo

VA News Release - Care and Benefits for Veterans Strengthened by $182 Billion VA Budget

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

VA News Release - Care and Benefits for Veterans Strengthened by $182 Billion VA Budget

Virtual Construction Career Fair

Sat, 06 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Virtual Construction Career Fair

SBE/DVBE Subcontractors Requested - Metro Bid PS-18445

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

SBE/DVBE Subcontractors Requested - Metro Bid PS-18445

LAST CHANCE FOR JOBSEEKERS TO REGISTER FOR FREE VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

LAST CHANCE FOR JOBSEEKERS TO REGISTER FOR FREE VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR

3rd Annual Veterans' Economic Summit - Job Fair & 4th Annual Veterans' Kids Backpack Giveaway

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

3rd Annual Veterans' Economic Summit - Job Fair & 4th Annual Veterans' Kids Backpack Giveaway

The Second Annual Title VI and Title VII Economic Empowerment Summit

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The Second Annual Title VI and Title VII Economic Empowerment Summit

CalVet, Habitat for Humanity Present 26 Santa Clarita Veterans with Keys to New Homes

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

CalVet, Habitat for Humanity Present 26 Santa Clarita Veterans with Keys to New Homes

7th Annual LAX Palm Springs Golf Classic - September 25th!

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

7th Annual LAX Palm Springs Golf Classic - September 25th!

Air Serv Is Hiring! Recruitment Job Fair on Tuesday, April 28th!

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Air Serv Is Hiring! Recruitment Job Fair on Tuesday, April 28th!

VAGA Targeted Outreach Information

Sun, 15 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

VAGA Targeted Outreach Information

Special Posting for US Vets

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Special Posting for US Vets

2015 CONSTRUCTION CAREER AWARENESS DAY

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

2015 CONSTRUCTION CAREER AWARENESS DAY

LATTC Veterans Apprenticeship Program

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

LATTC Veterans Apprenticeship Program

Free Veterans OSHA Training

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Free Veterans OSHA Training

VEVRAA and 503 Regulations

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

VEVRAA and 503 Regulations

Metro Opportunities

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

http://jobs.metro.net/JobSearch.aspx

LAPD Hiring Seminar

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

LAPD Hiring Seminar

What is STEM?

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math:Education for Global Leadership

— President Barack Obama, September 16, 2010

The simplest definition is what it stands for, which is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There are many organizations that are dedicated to this topic and they define this with their own objectives. The ultimate goal of STEM education is to encourage students to take an interest in STEM subjects at an early age. This should be beneficial to them when they enter the jobs market, and in turn it should benefit the greater economy. It is a simple definition with a straight forward goal.

If people and communities are to thrive, nothing is more important than education and job training. A workforce armed with the critical skills needed to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow is important not only to the success of our business, but also to a country's ability to compete in the global marketplace. That's why Veterans Advocacy Group of America believes in schools and teachers. They focus on improving instruction in the key subjects of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and on helping provide the career and technical training that can lead directly to good-paying jobs.

Integration of Curriculum

The four parts of STEM have been taught separately and most of the time independent from each other for years. By adopting the STEM philosophy Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics all play an integral part in the teaching of the whole. The science, engineering, and mathematics fields are made complete by the technology component that provides a creative and innovative way to problem solve and apply what has been learned.

Many STEM education program participants are using highly specialized professional applications at very early ages. Programs that are usually reserved for college-level classes such as computer animation and CAD programs are being implemented in high school classrooms across the country as part of the STEM education initiative.

Benefits of Program

Since its implementation, critics have questioned the program’s ability to teach all students equally. This argument is a difficult one to hold, since it has been proven that the education system in general has been tailored to the needs of female students over the past twenty-five years in its focus on verbal concepts. All students benefit from the STEM program because it teaches independent innovation and allows students to explore greater depths of all of the subjects by utilizing the skills learned; these skills are going to be required in order for today’s students to be tomorrow’s global leaders. All jobs are requiring workers to have a greater ability to think critically, work as a member of a team and independently, and close the performance gap between our American students and those being produced in other countries.

Our Role and Responsibility

In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the number of college students choosing majors in science or technology related fields. Much of this has to do with poor preparation for the classes during high school and the intense work required outside of the lecture setting in places like laboratories. Students have chosen easier majors and courses of study in place of taking on the fields that they wanted to enter due to poor preparedness. If the graduation rates continue with this trend, there will be a workforce shortage in areas of engineering and science fields. The United States needs to be more competitive and build new standards for our students. The National Science Foundation “estimates that 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of math and science skills.” In order for our children to see the advancements in their generations that we saw in ours, it is important that they have a well-balanced education that includes STEM elements, as well as, traditional classes in the Arts. STEM education is designed to teach the “whole” student and in turn will make them more successful members of society.

Another great program is offered by the Great Minds in STEM scholarship which gives out over awards every year. Award amounts generally vary from $500 up to $100 depending on various criteria. In order to be eligible for this VAGA STEM scholarship, students will need to be able to demonstrate leadership through community involvement and academic awards.

All applicants will need to be majoring in a STEM related course while maintaining a 3.0 grade point average. Applicants must be enrolled in a formal degree program by fall of the year in which the award is given and all applicants must either be of direct Minority descent or be heavily involved in organizations which work in the Minority community. The deadline for this STEM scholarship is July 25th of 2014.