Socal SOS

12/19/2025

Resiliency Builder: Socal SOS Newsletter with Message to Honored Gold Star Survivors

Honored Gold Star Survivors,

As we observe the Christmas season and welcome the New Year, we honor and remember our Gold Star Survivors and the enduring legacy of their loved ones.

The Socal SOS Newsletter is now available below with updates, resources, and continued support.

Survivors Outreach Services remains committed to standing with you today and always. Wishing you peace, comfort, and strength throughout the holidays and into the year ahead.

11/11/2025

*************** In Honor Of Veterans Day ***************

On this Veteran Day, we extend our deepest respect and gratitude to all who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Your service, courage, and steadfast commitment to protecting our nation's freedom are profoundly appreciated.

We also honor the Gold Star Families and Survivors - those who have endured the greatest sacrifice. Your loved ones' legacy of valor and devotion to country continues to inspire us all. We recognize your strength, resilience, and the enduring impact of your loss.

Today and everyday, we remember and pay tribute to the heroes who served and the families who continue to bear the cost of freedom.

10/28/2025

Resiliency Builder: Stay Connected By Updating Your Contact Information

Attention Honored Gold Star Survivors,

We want to ensure you stay connected with your Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Team and receive the latest updates, resources, and invitations to survivor events in your area.

If your contact information has recently changed, please take a moment to reach out to your local SOS Support Coordinator to update your details. Keeping your information current helps us continue to honor and support you and your Family.

If you're unsure who your local coordinator is, you can find their contact information at SOS Coordinator locator. https://dcsg9.army.mil/sos_staff_Locator

We are deeply honored to serve you and remain committed to providing the care, support, and connection you deserve.

10/27/2025

Resiliency Builder: Standing Together - Support for Gold Star Families During the Shutdown

We know the shutdown can bring added stress and uncertainty for many in our Gold Star Family community. Please remember — you are not alone. There are resources available to help you and your loved ones through this time who are Federal Employees:

Find Local Support: The United Way’s 211 site helps you locate food, housing, and financial resources in your area:
https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211 or San Bernardino County https://main.sbcounty.gov/

Financial Assistance: The Federal Employee & Education Assistance Fund (FEEA) offers hardship loans, shutdown grants, and a $150 grant for eligible employees earning $59,999 or less. https://feea.org/shutdown/ -id-3

Bank & Credit Union Programs: Many military-friendly financial institutions are offering special shutdown loans and deferred payment options — check with yours for details.

Food Resources: Feeding America can help you find local food banks by ZIP code:
https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank or San Bernardino County https://wp.sbcounty.gov/tad/resources-2/

Additional Help: The American Red Cross also provides a searchable resource database for assistance by ZIP code:
https://resources.redcross.org/

Unemployment Benefits: Some civilian employees may qualify for unemployment benefits during the shutdown, though repayment may be required once back pay is issued.
https://www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefits

Our Gold Star Families have always shown incredible strength and resilience. Let’s continue to lift one another up and share these resources with anyone in need.

Many community agencies offer a variety of services to San Bernardino County residents. The resources listed and linked to in this section have been compiled by the Transitional Assistance Department...

09/23/2025

08/26/2025

SAVE-THE-DATE: Let’s Honor and Remember Our Gold Star Families – September 20th

Socal SOS invites you to join us for the Annual Gold Star Families Remembrance Day on Saturday, September 20th at Fort Irwin.

Together, we will honor and remember Gold Star parents, spouses, children, siblings, and relatives who have endured the profound loss of a loved one in service to our nation. As part of the tribute, we will unveil and dedicate a Remembrance Rock in honor of the fallen and their legacy.

Let us come together as a community to pay our respects and stand in unity with our Gold Star Families.

RSVP via email at [email protected] by September 5th

Note: Due to security protocols, all Gold Star Survivors and guests must present an installation ID or Real ID for access approval.

We hope to see you there in support and remembrance.

08/19/2025

Resiliency Builder: Surviving Spouses and The VA Home Loan

Honored Gold Star Spouses and Survivors Spouses of Military Retirees,

Eligible surviving wives or husbands can apply for a VA-guaranteed home loan to purchase or refinance a home!
In addition to overcoming barriers that make opening the door to a new home more likely, there are other advantages to the VA Home Loan.

Learn more about your next steps Today!
https://news.va.gov/141431/surviving-spouses-and-va-home-loans/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMIazdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtZZSyxyXebglHxK0wLuZERm6L7r2MU9pqA2nuXSlPjBi0ACMuP2d9x8yYRV_aem_laozF2EvfYotbljSZzSgLQ

Your Military Gold Star Support Team remains committed to assisting you!

Thank-you for sharing this information throughout your Survivor Communities and for your continued commitment to remain an important part of our Military Family.

Locate your area Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Support Coordinator today! via: https://dcsg9.army.mil/sos_staff_Locator.

Eligible surviving wives or husbands can apply for a VA-guaranteed home loan to purchase or refinance a home. Here's how.

08/19/2025

Resiliency Builder: Annual "Day-At-The-Ranch"/Gold Star Mothers & Families Day held Sunday, September 28th, 2025

Honored Gold Star Survivors,

Strengthen your resiliency in September - One Step Closer (Therapeutic Horsemanship) "Day-At-The-Ranch" is almost here!

SOS Presidio of Monterey (POM) and One Step Closer (Therapeutic Horsemanship) in Morgan Hill, CA have selected Sunday, September 28th for our Annual "Day-At-The-Ranch".
Exclusively honoring the Gold Star Mothers & Families of Fallen Service Members, that gave ALL for our great nation.

This free event runs from 11:00am to 2:00pm with live music, horseback riding, lots of games and a Pumpkin Patch for the kids! Veteran Rider Groups, Army Color Guard, and more.
OSC will be generously provide a delicious BBQ Lunch for everyone to enjoy! Beverages provided by Operation: Care and Comfort.

OSC has booked the Harmony Lane Band for the day! Blending the essence of Rockin’ 50’s and iconic 70’s classics into a unique instrumental experience for all to enjoy.
Sample their iconic brand of music at: https://3harmonylane.com/.

Military Gold Star Families of ALL service branches, who have lost a loved one, while in service to our great nation, are welcomed to attend.

Learn about the latest Benefits & Entitlements from local VSO, Department of Veterans Affairs and Gold Star Family Support Coordinators on hand.

Don't delay RSVP Today!
Tel # (408) 778-3567
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://osctr.org/osc-programs/families-of-fallen-soldiers/

Your Military Gold Star Support Team remains committed to assisting you!

Thank-you for sharing this information throughout your Survivor Communities and for your continued commitment to remain an important part of our Military Family.

Locate your area Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Support Coordinator today! via: https://dcsg9.army.mil/sos_staff_Locator.

08/19/2025

Resiliency Builder: Gold Star Parents, Siblings & Adult Children With Installation Access

Honored Gold Star Parents, Siblings and Adult Children:

Gold Star Parents, Siblings and Adult Children with Installation Access are welcomed at IHG Army Hotels!
Your Survivor Installation Access Badge/Card grants you single/individual gate-pass entry onto Army Installations nationwide.
Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Military Dependents, Retirees, Veterans and Civilians, with installation access, are permitted to lodge at IHG Army Hotels. https://www.ihg.com/armyhotels/content/us/en/about

IHG Army Hotels
offer amenities designed to put you at ease: complimentary hot daily breakfast, free guest Internet, pet-friendly accommodations, guest laundry facilities and much more. All with the comfort, security, and convenience of staying inside the gates.

Survivor Installation Access Badge/Card does not provide Exchange Service (AAFES) Exchange or Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) privileges and cannot be used to prove eligibility for the Survivor Family Program discount at Armed Forces Recreation Centers.

Your Military Gold Star Support Team remains committed to assisting you!

Thank-you for sharing this information throughout your Survivor Communities and for your continued commitment to remain an important part of our Military Family.

Locate your area Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Support Coordinator today! via: https://dcsg9.army.mil/sos_staff_Locator.

08/19/2025

Resiliency Builder: Virtual Joint Survivors' Forum

Honored Military Gold Star Families and Survivors of Military Retirees,

You are cordially invited to attend the next virtual Joint Survivors' Forum!
Scheduled for Thursday September 25th / Time: 06:00am-09:00am (PST) / 9:00am-12:00pm (EST).

Use the link (below) to join the meeting LIVE on September 25, 2025, at 6:00am (PST) / 9:00am (EST).
https://usg01.safelinks.protection.office365.us/...

Click to SUBSCRIBE to future Forum Updates!
https://public.govdelivery.com/.../USVAVBA/subscriber/new...

Brought to you jointly by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Learn more at: https://www.va.gov/SURVIVORS/Survivors_Forum.asp
Questions? Contact:
OFFICE OF SURVIVORS ASSISTANCE
va.gov/survivors | Email: [email protected]

Your Military Gold Star Support Team remains committed to assisting you!

Thank-you for sharing this information throughout your Survivor Communities and for your continued commitment to remain an important part of our Military Family.

Locate your area Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Support Coordinator today! via: https://dcsg9.army.mil/sos_staff_Locator.

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

08/06/2025

Strengthen Your Resiliency 2025: SAVE-THE-DATE Upcoming Joint Survivors' Forum

Honored Military Gold Star Families and Survivors of Military Retirees,

You are cordially invited to attend the next Joint Survivors' Forum!
Scheduled for Thursday September 25th / Time: 09:00am-12:00pm (EST) 06:00am-09:00am (PST).

Save the Date! Invite with more information will be forthcoming.

Click to SUBSCRIBE to all Forum Updates!
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVAVBA/subscriber/new?topic_id=USVAVBA_326&fbclid=IwY2xjawMARHRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIV216NmNtQ29qSGdYWG1HAR67MNr9ZQ8urLxwHMgZf58He_RwHpbVQQAo6YaIYzVV3l66uqIFIogHVUn45w_aem_5XJ30ZQv2Gi8Jb1PyiKwxw

Upcoming Forum is brought to you jointly by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Learn more at: https://www.va.gov/SURVIVORS/Survivors_Forum.asp

Questions? Contact:
OFFICE OF SURVIVORS ASSISTANCE
va.gov/survivors | Email: [email protected]

Your Military Gold Star Support Team remains committed to assisting you!

Thank-you for sharing this information throughout your Survivor Communities and for your continued commitment to remain an important part of our Military Family.

Locate your area Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Support Coordinator today! via: https://dcsg9.army.mil/sos_staff_Locator.

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

07/10/2025

Strengthen Your Resiliency 2025: July - August Socal SOS Newsletter - Resources, Upcoming Events

Gold Star Families,

We're honored to share with you the July - August edition of our newsletter. Inside this issue, you'll find information on upcoming events, helpful resources, resilience strengtheners, and more tailored with your strength and resilience in mind.

Great Info, Check it out!