Purpose:
The UCSD Veterans Association raises awareness and promotes respect and appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions made by U.S. Armed Forces veterans on behalf of California and the United States of America. This organization also provides information to the UCSD community about current issues and developments related to veterans’ rights and benefits.

UCSD Veteran of the Year:
The Veterans Association at UCSD is now accepting nominations for the 2008 UCSD Veteran of the Year. If you work with, or know of, a veteran from any era who has gone above and beyond his/her UCSD career duties to impact their surroundings or their community, complete and submit a nomination form (PDF) by August 22, 2008. The individual selected will be honored at our annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony Nov. 12, 2008.

Once selected, the UCSD Veteran of the Year will also be nominated for the 2008 San Diego County Veteran of the Year award presented by the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center. (For that nomination, the veteran will need to provide a copy of their Honorable Discharge from U.S. Military service, a photograph in uniform, and a current photo.)

The Veterans Association at UCSD:

• Encourages networking opportunities and promotes support groups for all persons affected by the War on Terror
• Provides referrals to appropriate resources for veterans, including assistance with employment and education concerns and conflict resolution
• Provides members with resources for personal and professional development
• Supports and promotes the UCSD Principles of Community
• Provides a communication network for veterans and staff at UCSD
• Advocates the development of educational and social programs for all staff at UCSD
• Promotes partnerships with other organizations
• Values membership contributions
• Offers opportunities to make new friends by meeting and interacting with other UCSD staff employees

Membership is free and open to all UCSD faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members interested in supporting our mission and the UCSD Principles of Community. Through active participation by our members, we can continue to support veterans in the UCSD community through programs that are beneficial to all UCSD employees.

Meeting times and locations:
Meetings are normally held on the second Tuesday of the month from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Price Center Green Table Room (formerly Davis/ Riverside) (map).

Mission:

• Promote respect and appreciation for UCSD veterans as well as those in the San Diego community
• Cultivate an enhanced awareness of veterans' issues and concerns
• Establish and strengthen professional and social relationships between our organization and UCSD faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the campus community
• Provide support for UCSD-affiliated veterans and their co-workers with respect to issues affecting our community

The VA at UCSD supports this mission by selecting and recognizing the UCSD Veteran of the Year at an annual ceremony which is open to the public and coincides with Veterans Day.

Calendar of events:

• Pre-Memorial Day visit to patients in the VA Hospital, La Jolla (last week in May)
• Stand Down (July)
• UCSD Veteran of the Year is selected and nominated for the San Diego County Veteran of the Year award presented by the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center (July and August)
• Staff Appreciation Picnic (August)
• 9/11 Commemoration, at the plaque, SW corner of Warren Mall (September)
• Veterans Recognition Ceremony (November)
• Veterans Day Parade (November)
• Holiday Pancake Breakfast (December)

For more information about the Veterans Association at UCSD or about attending monthly meetings, contact Karen Roberts Gardner, (858) 534-5784.

We welcome your comments and participation.