Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative

09/01/2026

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we come together in remembrance of the lives lost, the families forever changed, and those who stepped forward to serve and protect our nation.

Orange County Veterans & Military Families Collaborative (OCVMFC) invites all faith-based organizations, houses of worship, and communities of faith across Orange County to join us in a Moment of Silence and Prayer on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Let us pause together to remember, reflect, pray, and honor those who made sacrifices for our communities and our country.

Pray for them.
Stand with them.
Support them.

09/01/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month. 💜

This month, we’re holding space for those who are struggling, healing, grieving, supporting someone they love, or finding their way forward.

Su***de prevention starts with compassion, connection, and being willing to reach out. You don’t have to have the perfect words—sometimes simply letting someone know “I’m here” can make a difference.

Let’s remind one another: you are not alone, and you matter.

📞 Call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

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09/01/2026

09/01/2026

You’ve carried the weight of service. You don’t have to carry everything alone.

For Veterans, service members, and their loved ones, support is available 24/7 through the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline:

📞 Dial 988 then press 1
💬 Chat at 988lifeline.org

Reaching out isn’t a weakness. It’s a way forward.

08/31/2026

Access to legal support can help change the course of a veteran's future.

Continuing our Working Group Spotlight series, we're proud to introduce the Legal & Re-entry Working Group, led by Katie Binkley, Esq.

The group works to identify legal issues facing veterans and their families before they escalate by connecting them with legal education, resources, and support. Through legal clinics, partnerships with the Orange County Superior Court, and collaboration with community organizations, they're helping veterans access justice, prevent homelessness, and connect to the services they need to thrive.

Interested in supporting this mission? Learn how you can become a member, volunteer, or partner at www.ocvmfc.info.

08/29/2026

Today, we’re celebrating the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and all the Marines who continue to serve our country while supporting their families, careers, and communities.

For 110 years, Reserve Marines have answered the call whenever duty requires. Today, we honor their service, dedication, and sacrifice.

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve! Semper Fi.

08/28/2026

Last year, OCVMFC members helped us better understand the reach, services, and challenges shaping veteran and military family support across Orange County. The 2024 OCVMFC Impact Survey captured thousands of engagements and highlighted the many ways organizations are working to meet the needs of veterans and their families.

From veteran and family member engagements to education, financial assistance, housing, health, and transitioning support, the findings showed the breadth of work happening across our community. The survey also highlighted recurring challenges, including housing and affordability, funding and resources, outreach and awareness, and complex needs and navigation.

Now, we want to hear from you again.

The 2025 OCVMFC Community Impact Report Survey gives your organization the opportunity to share your services, accomplishments, and impact and help build an updated picture of veteran and military family support across Orange County.

Please complete the survey by September 18:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/2sxidERdaX

Your organization’s work is part of the bigger story. Make sure it’s counted.

08/28/2026

Join fellow veterans and supporters for Veterans Coffee Talk on Saturday, September 5, from 9:30–11:00 A.M. at American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291, 215 15th St, Newport Beach, CA 92663

This no-cost event will feature a panel discussion focused on creating safe environments, supporting mental health, preventing su***de, and empowering communities to engage in intervention. Attendees can also connect with community resources while enjoying coffee, breakfast burritos, pastries, and more.

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/tGHbxfh1VR

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08/27/2026

Stories of war live on not only through history, but through the books, films, and music that shaped how the Vietnam War has been remembered.

This Saturday, August 29, 2–3:30 PM, Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center continues its “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam” speaker series with “Books, Films and Music and the Vietnam War,” featuring Vietnam veteran Paul Todd at Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

U.S. Army Veteran Paul Todd will explore literature, memoirs, films, and music connected to the Vietnam War, examining how these cultural works portray the experiences of those who served and the complexities of the conflict.

🎟️ Admission and parking are free.

Please RSVP to help with planning and learn more about this special presentation: www.eventbrite.com/e/heroes-hall-speaker-series-echoes-of-conflict-remembering-vietnam-tickets-1997295164603?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/27/2026

On Friday, September 11, 7:30 AM–1:00 PM, Travis Manion Foundation brings volunteers together at the Orange County Fairgrounds for the 9/11 Day Meal Pack—a national day of service honoring the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Volunteers will pack nutritious meals for local organizations and families in need while connecting with fellow volunteers and turning remembrance into meaningful action.

Be part of a day dedicated to unity, service, and making an impact in our communities.

We remember. We serve. Together, we make an impact.

Register here: https://events.travismanion.org/A0aJOw6/4aCvUk1HI9