Veterans Home of California - Barstow

08/03/2025

Congressman Obernolte honored our World War II veteran in a surprise visit with our excited veteran residents lining up to greet and take photos with the Congressman. Mr. Davis will be celebrating his 100th birthday on August 9. He was presented with an Honorary Certificate and Challenge Coin by the Congressman.

We are so honored and thankful to have the Congressman with wife Heather and staff take the time to visit VHC Barstow to honor our veterans. Congressman Obernolte’s presentation kicks off Mr. Davis’s wish to receive 100 birthday cards on his 100th birthday. Wow, what a way to kick off the party!

California Department of Veterans Affairs Congressman Jay Obernolte Daily Press The Sun

08/02/2025

07/30/2025

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY! Turning the big 100 on August 9, a World War II veteran in the Barstow Veterans Home is celebrating his birthday with one wish.

Wayne Davis wants 100 birthday cards to celebrate this momentous day. Let's make this happen for him!

Davis was a corporal with the United States Army during World War II. Private Davis served in Europe from June 1944 until January 1946 in campaigns including Northern France, the Rhineland and the Central Europe campaigns. Davis was promoted in August of 1945 and served as a CPL until he completed his European tour.

Corporal Davis was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism when he ran into a burning munitions dump that had been shelled. He returned three times and pulled three soldiers out to safety. Wayne has a key that he had worn around his neck that today, bears a mangled piece of shrapnel embedded with the key that looks to have saved his life that fateful day. After he was discharged, Wayne flew with an Air Corps friend on a B-25, delivering mail all over Europe during the early days of the occupation forces.

This hero now lives at the Barstow Veterans Home and will soon turn 100.

Anyone interested can send a Birthday card to:

W.Davis-We Support You,
100 Veterans Parkway, Barstow, Ca. 92311.

For information you may contact Laura Moraco at (760)252-6222, (760) 678-2567 or Laura.Moraco@Calvet.ca.gov.

07/25/2025

FUN FACTS FRIDAY: It’s a fact that VHC Barstow is on the move as our Safety Officer, Juan, creates diverse unannounced fire drill scenarios to prepare staff for real-world emergencies. To ensure comprehensive preparedness, various fire-related situations are simulated, including fires in different locations, power outages, and scenarios involving residents with mobility limitations.

Meet “Rosie” our training mannequin (staged on the floor). “Rosie” assisted us in this fire drill, surprising some staff members with her real-life likeness. This realistic model mimics human anatomy and physiology, allowing VHC Barstow trainees to practice various clinical skills, from basic patient care and hygiene to advanced procedures like CPR, intubation, catheterization, and wound management.

Fire drills and training are crucial for ensuring the safety of our residents and staff, requiring regular, unannounced drills conducted under varying situations. Staff members must be thoroughly trained in fire safety procedures, evacuation routes, and their specific roles during a fire emergency.

Safety and quality of life is number one in the care of veterans, and that’s a fact.

07/18/2025

FUN FACTS FRIDAY! VHC Barstow residents made a visit to the Western America Railroad Museum in Barstow today. The museum offers a glimpse into the region's rich railroad history, particularly its connection to Harvey House and Route 66, and was a good way to spend a Friday afternoon, particularly for those interested in trains and local history.

The museum is surprisingly complete with artifacts and information featuring both indoor and outdoor displays. Indoors, we explored timetables, uniforms, and railroad memorabilia. Outdoors, several locomotives and rail cars were available for viewing and exploring. The museum also has a collection of models and railway office equipment.

The outing included lunch at IHOP, what a great day. VHC Barstow veterans on the move… and that’s a fact.

07/14/2025

Thank you, Infidel Riders MC! The Infidel Riders held a fundraiser for the Home and drove up this weekend with many items for our residents. The Infidels timely delivery happened to find us as Christmas in July was in full swing. We were so happy to have them join in on all the festivities! What a great group!

Your support will make a significant difference in helping our veterans access the resources they need to thrive. Thank you for your commitment to our community and for making a positive impact on the lives of those who have served our country.

David Meldrum California Department of Veterans Affairs

07/13/2025

Christmas in July returned to VHC Barstow this weekend, with American Legion Auxiliary Units from across the region uniting to bring our veteran and non-veteran spouses a day we will not soon forget!

Christmas in July is often seen as a bit of a playful contradiction, as it combines the festive cheer of Christmas with the heat of summer. American Legion members soared into summer’s hottest days, as they cooled things down with a touch of holiday spirit.

Table after table stood lined with items as our residents selected many wonderful items provided by each unit. VHC Barstow staff along with American Legion volunteers assisted residents as personal shoppers!

Thank you, ALA, for your generosity, care of our veterans and bringing much love, laughter and my goodness look at those smiles! American Legion members have been spreading seasonal cheer in the middle of the summer to VHC Barstow community members long enough to be considered a wonderful tradition!



Thank you to the participating ALA's! Arleen Lara American Legion Auxiliary National President, Post 221-Tehachapi, District 25-Unit 14-San Bernardino, Unit 751-Newberry Springs, Unit 229-Adelanto, Post 256-Apple Valley, Unit 299-Chino, Unit 324-Barstow, Unit 421-HIghland, Unit 777-Highland

07/09/2025

Summers here! With the increasing temperatures we are always on the move to find ways to “Beat the Heat”. Bingo, ice cream socials, board games and even a pool tournament with prizes with our friends at High Desert Marines and American Cruisers MC.

Stay cool! Ways to be beat the heat this summer; Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible, drink more water than usual, wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, avoid long periods in the direct sun or in unventilated rooms, schedule activities for cooler times of the day and rest in shady areas. Check on friends and neighbors and ask them to do the same for you. Cheers to summer!

07/03/2025

Safeguarding our veterans, a fraud prevention and awareness class aimed at educating adults on how to identify and avoid various scams and financial exploitation techniques was recently held at the Barstow Home by Bank of America Financial Center.

Our veteran residents received a lot of information and solid advice, asking many pertinent questions. The BOA Team discussed common scams: such as romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, government impersonator scams, and grandparent scams. Prevention strategies – how to protect themselves by being cautious about unsolicited calls or emails, verifying information with trusted sources and avoid sharing personal information.

Red flags: How to recognize warning signs, such as urgent requests for money, requests for unusual payment methods (like gift cards or wire transfers), and pressure to act quickly.

By participating in fraud awareness classes and staying informed, we can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of fraud and exploitation. Thank you Bank of America for keeping us informed and bringing the ice cream!

Bank of America California Department of Veterans Affairs

06/24/2025

If it involves ice cream on a summer day, count us in! Mead Mortuary and Friends came by to host an Ice Cream Social for our veterans! Thank you Mead & Friends! What a great way to cool off.

06/17/2025

Are you seeking a rewarding opportunity to provide spiritual support and comfort? The Barstow Veterans Home is hiring a Chaplain to serve our veteran community. Join a dedicated team and make a real impact on our veterans lives. www.calcareers.ca.gov

Victor Valley News VVNG.com Barstow Chamber of Commerce Spiritual Care Association Association of Certified Biblical Counselors Christian Career Center Church Jobs San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board High Desert America's Job Center of California Chaplains Supporting Chaplains Chaplain Corps

06/14/2025

Happy 250th birthday, United States Army! Proudly celebrating the Army’s Birthday, the Home Administrator provided the Army Birthday message, Allied Council President Carlos led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and staff member, Tracy Griffin blessed us with prayers.

Guest speakers included staff member, U.S. Army veteran Lisa Barazza and Frances Martinez who read the names of VHC Barstow resident Army veterans as coins were passed out to all Army veterans, our oldest present Army veteran cut the cake. HOOAH!