American Legion Post 642 (Stevens Creek) Cupertino, California

Six steps Veteran homeowners can take to avoid foreclosure on a VA Home Loan

Owning a home backed by the VA Home Loan Program is one of the most valuable benefits earned through military service. But when financial hardship hits—whether from job loss, medical challenges or other unexpected life events—keeping up with mortgage payments can become difficult. 

The good news: foreclosure is not inevitable. Learn more about the steps you can take.

Avoid Phishing Scams

Phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and common due to advances in technology. Veterans, their families, and advocates are frequently targeted for their sensitive personal information and monthly benefits payments. These scams can lead to security risks for VA and associated partners, as well as emotional and financial harm to Veterans and their loved ones.

Learn more about fraud and phishing scams. 

SBA Outreach Centers

The SBA helps veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs build resilient businesses that are ready for the future. Through Veterans Business Outreach Centers, you can access expert guidance and resources to strengthen your business foundation. With support ranging from workshops to business planning and accessing capital, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes next.

Learn more.

Protecting Education Benefits

VA wants to ensure Veterans and their beneficiaries are informed about the risks of education fraud and how to make the best decisions when using their VA Education benefits. 

Find GI Bill approved schools and compare benefits with the GI Bill Comparison Tool.

End-of-Life Planning

Talking about end-of-life planning is never easy, but it’s essential. VA provides a variety of benefits and services to help Veterans and their loved ones prepare. From life insurance to burial costs, learn how you can plan ahead with VA benefits.

VA History | Bonus Army

In 1932, during the depths of the Great Depression, an estimated 20,000 World War I Veterans marched on Washington, D.C., seeking early payment of the bonus certificates they had received after the war. Fearful that the so-called “Bonus Army” demonstrators would turn violent, President Herbert Hoover sent in the Army to restore order, leading to a violent confrontation in downtown Washington.

Read more about Object 21 in the History of VA in 100 Objects digital exhibit and watch the companion video on VA’s YouTube channel.

Need a personal record from VA? Here’s the FOIA page that gets you there.

Finding the right VA office for your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) records request just got easier. VA has redesigned the page Veterans use to request records.

Whether you’re requesting a DD214, medical record or benefits letter, this page helps you get started. It replaces a maze of legal terms and links with clearly labeled boxes that match you to the form you need.

Preparing your future with VA's
Know Before You Go Workbook

The Know Before You Go Workbook empowers transitioning service members and their families to make timely, informed decisions about VA benefits and services.

Upcoming Events

Ongoing - Specially Adapted Housing Program Overview - Webinars

Oct. 21 - Wellness Wednesday - Financial Mistakes to Avoid

#VetResources is a weekly newsletter for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Connect with Secretary Collins on X

VA PROCESSES 3 MILLION DISABILITY BENEFIT CLAIMS IN RECORD TIME—AGAIN!

In FY 2026, VA set new records by processing over 3 million claims more quickly and accurately than ever—surpassing last year's impressive record! These efforts delivered $207 billion in benefits and reduced the backlog by 70%. Veterans are now receiving the swift, reliable support they’ve earned.

If you haven't filed a VA disability claim yet and have disabilities, medical conditions or injuries that  incurred or aggravated during active military service, apply today!   A VA rating can provide tax-free compensation and opens doors to VA benefits like health care, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation and more.

BUDDY CHECK WEEK IS HERE!

Take the pledge to talk with 10 Veteran buddies this week! Online training is provided to recognize signs of distress and educates you on available resources you can recommend if needed.
 

• Face the Fight and Starbucks are once again teaming up to support Buddy Check Week. Starbucks is providing $10 gift cards to the first 20K who take the training and pledge to reach out.
• Learn about other Veteran partner organizations that help Veterans stay healthy, connected and supported through a variety of programs.

VA CYBERSECURITY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Transform your military skills into a cybersecurity career with the VA Apprenticeship Program. Get hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world experience. See who can apply, what you get from the program, and how to get started.

VA HOME LOAN EXPLAINED
 

Learn everything Veterans need to know about VA home loans! VA's Loan Guaranty Service breaks down benefits, eligibility, and the buying process—giving you the confidence to make informed homeownership decisions.

GO DIGITAL WITH SSA
 

Go digital with your “my Social Security” account. Manage benefits, access records, and plan your future online—with expanded 24/7 access for your schedule. You will find a dedicated section that provides:

• Side-by-side comparisons of VA compensation and Social Security disability,
• Details on expedited disability claims, and
• Additional resource tailored to your military service and Veteran benefits. 

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Find other Veteran discounts!

From The California Legionnaire

Our top Veterans news beats from the past week, starting with… a new study coauthored by Brown University and Harvard researchers. Per the report, younger Veterans––those between the ages of 19 and 39, as defined by the study––have far more PFAS (or "forever chemicals”) in their bodies than civilian counterparts. These chemicals are strongly linked to a variety of ailments ranging from cancers to kidney disease. 

The VA has called for additional research to draw concrete connections between PFAS exposure and ailments.

• Two California representatives in Congress have filed a successful discharge petition to force a vote on the Major Richard Star Act (as an independent bill, not as part of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act). While Congress is currently in recess until November, a vote will occur once lawmakers return.

California Veterans News Bites

• As part of a bill Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed, California will allocate nearly $5 million to research psychedelics as potential treatment for Veterans PTSD. The bill co-opts language from SB 1224.

• ICYMI: Camp Pendleton is hosting its largest job fair of 2026 at its Pacific Views Event Center (Bldg. 202850) tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone with access to Camp Pendleton is welcome to attend. A wide variety of public and private employers will be in attendance.

• U.S. Army Veteran Sgt. Adolph P. Aguirre, who was shot down over southern Italy during World War II, was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Exeter, California. Aguirre was welcomed home by his surviving family after over 80 years.

• UCLA and UC Berkeley both ranked in the top 10 of U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 rankings of the Best Colleges for Veterans. Contributing factors include GI Bill certification, participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and at least 20 full- or part-time Veterans or Service Members enrolled in the school.

Veterans Resource Hub Entry: Legion Veterans Service Officers

Our first piece in a new series on various Veterans benefits, services, and programs is live: this month’s article breaks down who Veterans Service Officers are and how they can help Veterans and their immediate family members obtain disability compensation and other benefits without sparing a dime.

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