Meals by: Me

08/05/2025

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! 🚢🇺🇸
Today, we honor 234 years of unwavering service, courage, and commitment. Thank you to all who serve and have served. Semper Paratus! ⚓️💙

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08/01/2025

Member Review Spotlight ✨

The Amezquita family shared how VetConnect has given them understanding, inclusiveness, and uplift through our family-centered events. 💙🇺🇸

Our family events do more than just bring people together — they create a safe space where:
1️⃣ Veterans and families can reconnect and strengthen bonds.
2️⃣ A sense of belonging grows through shared experiences.
3️⃣ Hope and resilience are nurtured by uplifting community support.

These moments are only possible because of YOU — our community. Every act of support, whether through volunteering, spreading the word, or funding, makes it possible for us to continue uplifting veterans and their families. Together, we’re not just building events… we’re building futures.

Make a difference today: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-website

07/26/2025

Smiles, and service 💙🇺🇸
Our events, have brought joy, connection, and well-deserved appreciation to those who serve—and those who stand beside them.

At VetConnect, we’re more than events—we’re a mission.
🌟 Reducing veteran su***de
🏠 Fighting homelessness
🤝 Empowering futures

07/20/2025

📅 **VetConnect Calendar Update!**
Due to unforeseen matters, *Elevate with Sherry* will be postponed to a later date. But don’t worry—**stay tuned!** We may have a **surprise in store for Saturday, July 26th** to keep the momentum going! 🎉

✅ **Our workshop on Monday, July 28th is still on!**
We’ll be diving into who we are, what we do, and why our mission to connect and empower veterans matters. 💪🇺🇸 Location will be announced this week!

Let’s continue building unity, creating change, and empowering our veteran community together.

Thinking of supporting our growing community? Donate today: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-website

07/13/2025

🫡 Be the reason a veteran or military family feels appreciated!

VetConnect is calling on volunteers to help us spread kindness through community outreach and family-friendly events — from setting up workshops to helping kids paint, decorate, and write heartfelt letters to our troops 🇺🇸

Let’s create joy and support for those who’ve sacrificed so much. Want to help?

📩 Email us: vetconnect@ivusa.network
✨ Let’s connect & make a difference!

07/13/2025

Our Splash of Strength at the Aquatic Center is Almost here and we want to take a moment to thank:

Chantel Walker
Mileibis Gonzalez
Imperial Co. Ruck March Militia
Nini Amezquita
Spear Shaved Ice

For their generous Donations. Such donations assist support our Mission of creating a safe, healthy environment for military and veterans, thus, building comradery, reduce loneliness and even su***de.

If you'd like to support our Mission feel free to DM, comment below or email at VetConnect@ivusa.network

Let's have some summer fun!

07/04/2025

🇺🇸 Coping with the 4th of July
A message from VetConnect
For many veterans, the 4th of July isn't all celebration.
Loud fireworks, unexpected noises, and crowded events can trigger anxiety or PTSD symptoms.

🎯 VetConnect is here to remind you: you're not alone.
Here are some ways to stay grounded and safe:

✅ Plan ahead—check firework times and locations
✅ Use noise-canceling headphones or calming music
✅ Stay indoors or choose quiet spaces
✅ Practice grounding: deep breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 technique
✅ Connect with a buddy or skip events altogether—your peace matters

If things feel overwhelming, call or text 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
You’ve served us—now let us support you. 🇺🇸

07/03/2025

Whose excited for our upcoming events and workshops?
This Month of Independence we look forward to Educational workshops from enrolling with the VA Healthcare system and local benefits/services to a SPLASH of Strength Summer Pool day at the Aquatic Center closing the month with a Elevate your Strength with  with Sheri

Such workshops EMPOWER veterans and their family to apply for the benefits that they rightfully earn or deserve, help REDUCE Homelessness, PTSD Symptoms and well as Suici@ #, in hopes of creating more Stability or Strengthening ones life.

Become a SPONSOR: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/vetconnect-iv-usa-inc-memberships--2025

Donate Today: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-148

06/30/2025

🕊️ June: A Month of Purpose, Healing & PTSD Awareness
Every single event, act of service, and moment of support this June was done with one purpose in mind: to honor and uplift those living with PTSD—especially within our Veteran and military families.

As part of PTSD Awareness Month, we leaned into real action and compassionate care. We knew awareness had to be more than words—it had to be service, presence, and connection.

We began with Pilates Elevate with Sherry, grounding mind and body through movement. We created space for Women Veterans to connect, recognized service and sacrifice on Flag Day and the 250th Army Birthday, and celebrated fatherhood and family at our Father’s Day BBQ—each event free and focused on holistic wellness and belonging.

But PTSD doesn’t only show up in group settings—it often surfaces in moments of personal crisis. That’s why case management became a critical part of our mission this month. We supported two Veterans in crisis, providing hands-on, individualized support: connecting them with emergency resources, counseling, and advocacy. For many, case management isn’t just logistics—it’s life-saving guidance in their darkest hours.

We also stood beside our community through grief and loss—coordinating a week food train for two grieving families, and organizing funeral arrangements for one of our own fallen Veterans. In these moments, PTSD intersects with grief, memory, and the sacred duty to honor life.

This is what PTSD Awareness looked like for us in June:
💛 Holistic healing
💛 Direct intervention
💛 Sacred remembrance
💛 Real, relentless support

We did it all because we believe healing is possible—and no one should face trauma alone.

We truly appreciate this month's sponsors and volunteers, without you, none of this great service could have been provided. Sheri Camacho Trejo Roman Bejarano Marissa E. Rodriguez Imperial Co. Ruck March Militia Sonia Carter Agustin Saldana Sky Hall Ainsworth Nini Amezquita Eric Anguiano Sandra Allen Michael Allen SALs & Auxiliary of theAmerican Legion Post 25 El Centro, CA Cecie Cota Tony Avalos Luz Angelica Garcia Francine Love Kim Hobkirk Vincent Juan Rodelo

06/29/2025

We’re excited for tomorrow’s Military & Veteran Success Center Resource Fair at IVC! This event is more than just a gathering—it’s an important outreach collaboration with VetConnect. As the founder, Esther was a driving force in the early development and setup of VetConnect, helping lay the foundation for meaningful, veteran-focused support. Community resource fairs like this are key to connecting veterans with vital services, building strong futures, and fostering lasting impact. Don’t miss it! 🇺🇸

06/27/2025

06/26/2025

🌟 Stand With Our Local Heroes 🌟
Five of our own are facing unimaginable challenges—and they need us now more than ever. These are stories of veterans, parents, and families showing courage through crisis. Let’s rise up and stand beside them.

💔 A Mother on the Edge
A single mom of 4 is facing job loss, health challenges, and eviction. She needs stability—and us.

💔 A Father Rebuilding
Recently separated and unhoused, he's focused on healing, mental health, and reuniting with his child. Hope is within reach—with your help.

💔 A Veteran Family in Mourning
After losing a loved one, they’re struggling emotionally, would appreciate meals, fuel, and funeral costs support They served us. Now it's our turn.

💔 A Hero Remembered
A family wants to honor a fallen local hero—whose memorial service is coming up Let’s help them his family find peace.

💔 A Father’s Double Battle
Fighting cancer and mourning his daughter’s passing on Father’s Day—this veteran carries deep pain yet stands strong mentally. Let’s lift him up.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
🙏 Donate — Every dollar brings hope
📣 Share — Your voice spreads the mission
🙌 Sponsor or Volunteer — Be part of the solution

➡️ Donate Now
➡️ Become a Sponsor

💙 These aren’t just stories. These are people. And together—we are their lifeline.