Note from our Foundation President

Thank you for being part of our community.

The Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation, founded in 2012, is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit headquartered in the Town of Los Gatos, California, just minutes from San Jose Mineta International Airport.

Our mission is simple and steadfast: to improve the lives of active military service members, active guard and reserve units, veterans, and their families, by strengthening connections and bringing visibility to their contributions and needs. 

We carry out this work through our Yellow Ribbon Programs—educating the public about the sacrifices of those who serve while delivering meaningful, direct-support initiatives that strengthen and improve the lives of active military families and veterans. You can learn more about these programs in the Upcoming Events and Spotlight sections of this newsletter.

This year marks two significant national milestones: the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding and the 25th remembrance of September 11, 2001. Our organization is exploring meaningful ways to honor these moments while continuing to support veterans and their families. 

As global conflicts continue to impact service members and military families, our mission remains as important as ever. Supporting those who serve—and the families who stand beside them—continues to guide our work and our commitment to this community.

We hope you’ll consider donating your time, talent, or treasure to this worthy cause. Details on volunteering and donations can be found in this newsletter.



Thank you for your continued support. Your engagement and advocacy help expand what is possible for the veterans we serve.

Respectfully,

Kent Hillhouse

Foundation President

Major General U.S. Army (Retired)

Join Us on Memorial Day to Remember!

America: Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom.

Date:

Monday May 25, 2026

Time:

12:00 - Lunch available for purchase. Veterans, be our guest with Veteran ID!

1:00 - Ceremony Begins

4:00 - Ceremony Concludes

Join us for a meaningful day of remembrance at the Flame of Liberty Memorial in Downtown Los Gatos as we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Through reflection, community gathering, and tribute, we remember their sacrifice and the freedoms it secured. All are welcome to attend and stand together in gratitude and remembrance.

Location:

The Flame of Liberty Memorial

Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn

Address:

110 East Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030

Friday Veterans Support Breakfast with Dr. Clyde Horn

Every Friday | 9:00 AM

Our Veterans Support Breakfast is an ongoing gathering where local veterans meet for conversation, connection, and community support, hosted by board member Dr. Clyde Horn—a Vietnam combat infantry veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and licensed therapist. These gatherings provide a space where America’s heroes can connect, share experiences, explore ways to address PTSD, exchange tips on navigating the Veterans Administration system, and support one another in moving forward.

Just as importantly, the breakfast also provides a place where veterans can share stories, support one another through challenges, laugh together, and celebrate progress in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Learn more and RSVP

Patriotic Dates

March

• March 3 — Navy Reserve Birthday (1915)
• March 29 — National Vietnam War Veterans Day

April

• April 14 — Air Force Reserve Birthday (1948)
• April 23 — Army Reserve Birthday (1908)

May

• May 8 — V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day)
• Third Saturday in May: Armed Forces Day
• May 30 — Memorial Day

Spotlight - Featured Stories

Highlighting Veteran Impact, Programs, and Community Support

We encourage members of our community to participate in upcoming events and continue recognizing the contributions of our local veterans.

See how you can participate in our Get Involved section below.

Yellow Ribbon Project: Our Recent Supply Drop Support Drive

This March, our Yellow Ribbon Project team completed a supply drop to the Palo Alto VA Medical Center, providing essential items to veterans and their families.

With support from our Bay Area entity FedEx partner, our staff and volunteers worked together to deliver two van loads of donated supplies--an impactful, tangible contribution that helps long-term veteran patients and the family members who travel to be with them.

Photo caption: Board of Director Wayne Heimsoth and Volunteer Mary Lancaster recently delivered two car loads full of supplies donated by FedEx to the VA.

Photo Credit: Mary Lancaster

Get Involved - Support the Mission

Our work supporting veterans continues to grow, and we welcome members of the community who would like to participate. Whether you are interested in volunteering, supporting programs, or helping expand outreach, there are many ways to contribute.

We are currently seeking volunteers who can assist with events, community outreach, and program initiatives. If you would like to help strengthen programs that support veterans and their families, we encourage you to learn more about how you can get involved.

Explore volunteer opportunities

Support our programs

Please also support our mission by sharing this newsletter with others who may benefit from our programs or who may wish to participate.

📢 Spread the Word!📢 

Did you know our community includes women veterans who continue to serve and support fellow service members—stay tuned for ways to connect and get involved.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR VETERANS,

VETERAN SPOUSES & FAMILIES

Written by Vietnam Combat Veteran Dr. Clyde R. Horn, Edited by Ellen Manzo

A Veteran—whether male or female—is anyone who has served in the U.S. military, during wartime or peacetime. Many Veterans, and their families, are unaware of the benefits and rights available to them.

Benefits You May Be Entitled To:

• Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for healthcare, financial compensation, and support services.
• Spouses of Veterans may also be eligible for benefits, especially in cases involving service-connected injuries or conditions.
• Children under the age of 21—of living or deceased Veterans with service-connected disabilities—may be entitled to educational and financial assistance.

Start With Your DD214 Form

Every living Veteran should obtain a copy of their Honorable Discharge Form, commonly referred to as the DD214. This critical document includes:

• Full name, service number, and Social Security number
• Branch, department, dates of service, and discharge status
• Medals, commendations, training, and more

You can request your DD214:

• Online at VA.gov
• In person at your local Veteran Service Office (VSO)

Get Your VA ID Card

Once you have your DD214, apply for your VA Identification Card—online or at a VSO. This card:

• Verifies your Veteran status
• Provides access to treatment and healthcare services
• Opens doors to discounts, community resources, and the Veterans disability system for service-connected conditions

Don’t Miss Out on Support & Community

Veterans and their families have access to a wide range of programs, support groups, and healthcare services. Consider connecting with:

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
• Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation
• VA Health Care & Medical Centers
• Local VA Clinics

These organizations exist to help you access your benefits, connect with others, and receive the support you’ve earned.

Start Your Days on the Sunny Side Up!

Make a Difference!

Celebrate a Veteran or First Responder who has served our nation.

Honor your Hero at the Flame of Liberty Memorial.

Your gift shares gratitude, respect, and healing and creates a lasting impact.