header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
June 14
1916 - Jesse Doty buys White Star Garage; he turns it into Newhall's first Ford dealership [story]
White Star Garage


By Sen. Scott Wilk
| Thursday, May 24, 2018

Ask a combat veteran what they were fighting for, and nine times out of ten they’ll tell you they were fighting for the guys next to them. So, in their resting place the best thing we can do to honor them is pick up where they left off – fighting for the guys next to them. The guys who made it home when they didn’t.

We have not done that nearly enough in this country as a new generation of warfighters has come home to challenges they often can’t overcome on their own.

From the mountains of Korea to the deserts of Iraq, our military men and women have gone above and beyond to protect the values we hold so dear to us in this great nation.

It is important to take Memorial Day to celebrate the lives of those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in these far-off places. But it is equally important to celebrate those who also fought and sacrificed but were lucky enough to make it home to their families.

This year, as a part of my ongoing efforts to bring attention and recognition to the sacrifices made by all our military veterans, I want to also draw attention to the issues these brave men and woman face sometimes for decades after stepping off the battlefield.

This year I introduced legislation to build a memorial in the California State Capitol Park honoring our fallen California heroes who did not return from the battlefields of the Middle East since being deployed there after 9-11. Memorials like these serve many purposes, but among the most important are that they give an official recognition of the sacrifices made and provide a rallying point for the comrades and families left behind by these fallen warriors so that they may find closure in their grief.

California is home to more than 2 million veterans. In the 21st Senate District, we know the value our vets bring to the community. But what many of us don’t know is the hardships facing many of our friends, neighbors and relatives returned from service.

Twenty-four percent of veterans say finding a mortgage-paying job back home is the most challenging part of their post-military lives. This we must address. Last year I supported legislation to ease regulations and streamline the process for veterans seeking state licenses to operate businesses, making it easier for our vets to start their own businesses here in California.

But, aside from the elusiveness of employment, many of our veterans today are facing the additional barrier of mental illness, often related to their service. About 30 percent of Vietnam veterans and 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD isn’t just a mental ailment; it is a barrier. A barrier to employment, to happiness, to success and overall wellbeing. It is a barrier that sees more than 1.5 million veterans nationwide living in poverty. It is a barrier that sees veterans gaining college degrees at less than half the rate of the general population. It is a barrier that sees more than 60,000 veterans living on the streets. It is a barrier we must break down by encouraging and facilitating treatment for those affected.

These small steps can have huge impacts for California’s veterans. But they aren’t nearly enough, and as we honor the service of our veteran community, we must honor that service in a meaningful and impactful way.

We must begin to start solving problems and building bridges for our veteran community. We must connect them with the services they need and have earned, and we must help them find mortgage-paying jobs that support them and their families now and into the future. For those who sacrificed so much to maintain our quality of life here at home, we must now, ourselves, go above and beyond to protect and provide for theirs.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, I am blessed to have an opportunity to effect positive change in this area. I will do all I can in that role to ensure improved access to jobs, housing, healthcare, mental health treatment and all of the services veterans may need as they continue to return from serving our country both within our borders and around the globe.

 

Sen. Scott Wilk represents the 21st Senate District, which encompasses the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Victor valleys.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Friday, Jun 13, 2025
Nothing says summer like spending the day at the pool, going to the beach or cooling off at the lake with friends and family.
Tuesday, Jun 3, 2025
With summer quickly approaching, kids will soon be out of school and more residents are heading outside to enjoy everything Santa Clarita has to offer, from paseos and parks to community events and local shopping. As activity picks up across the city, it is a good time to remember that safety starts with being a Heads Up driver!
Monday, Jun 2, 2025
As summer approaches, you are invited to enjoy the warm weather and great energy at the SENSES Block Party on Main Street. This stimulating event series is held every third Thursday of the month, continuing through September.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
U.S. Rep. George Whitesides, D-Agua Dulce, voted on Thursday, May 22, against the House Republican budget proposal that slashes Medicaid, SNAP and other programs that hundreds of thousands of his constituents rely on.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Santa Clarita’s long-standing connection to the film industry takes center stage once again as the Newhallywood Silent Film Festival returns on Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25.
Friday, May 16, 2025
On Wednesday, May 14, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a proposal to eliminate costly red tape and litigious delays for the Delta Conveyance Project while maintaining environmental protections. 

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1916 - Jesse Doty buys White Star Garage; he turns it into Newhall's first Ford dealership [story]
White Star Garage
The Santa Clarita Artists Association has issued a call to artists for "Abstracted," art show which will open Aug 15 thru Sept. 21 at the SCAA 6th Street Gallery, 22508 6th St., Newhall, CA 91321.
July 27: Call to Artists for SCAA ‘Abstracted’ Exhibit
The city of Santa Clarita will present “Walk with Me,” a solo photography exhibition by artist Nima Kharrazi, on view at the Valencia Library Branch through Wednesday, July 30.
‘Walk with Me’ Photo Exhibit at Valencia Library Thru July 30
Caltrans has announced that overnight lane reductions are scheduled on northbound and southbound Interstate 5 (I-5) from Lake Hughes Road to two miles north of Templin Highway (near the Whitaker Sand Shed) north of Castaic starting Monday, June 16 for pavement rehabilitation.
June 16-20: Castaic Area I-5 Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures
Come join the Wildland Weekend Warriors in planting and watering plants in Golden Valley or Elsmere Canyon Open Space to feed our local pollinators and wildlife.
June 15, 28: Volunteer for Wildland Weed Warriors
The Master's University athletics has finished sixth in the final standings for the Learfield Directors' Cup, which is presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and USA Today.
TMU Sixth in Learfield Cup Final Standings
The deadline for standard entries for the Santa Clarita Valley 2025 Fourth of July Parade registration is Sunday, June 15.
June 15: SCV Fourth of July Parade Registration Deadline
Visit the Santa Clarita Public Library Valencia branch, 4-5 p.m.. Wednesday, June 18 for "Mario Kart Racing," mini golf and more game-inspired activities.
June 18: ‘Mario Kart Racing’ at Valencia Library
Join Santa Clarita's oldest and largest running event, the 41st annual Independence Day Classic, Friday July 4, from 7-10 a.m. at Newhall Memorial Park, 24933 Newhall Ave., Newhall, CA 91321.
July 4: Independence Day Classic
Nothing says summer like spending the day at the pool, going to the beach or cooling off at the lake with friends and family.
Jason Gibbs | Staying Safe in the Water
1949 - Frank Walker deeds over the first 40 acres of Placerita Canyon State Park [story]
Deed
Fairies, a new theatrical production by Phil Lantis, makes its world premiere, July 11-19 at The MAIN.
July 11-19: ‘Fairies’ at The MAIN
An evening of wonder, music and light awaits as the City of Santa Clarita invites residents to the River of Lights Illumination Ceremony on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Central Park (27150 Bouquet Canyon Road).
June 25: River of Lights Unveiling, Illumination Ceremony
The Santa Clarita Artists Association will host the "Black & White," art show beginning Thursday, June 19, through Sunday, July 27 at the SCAA Gallery.
June 19-July 27: SCAA Presents ‘Black & White’ Art Show
As temperatures rise, the city of Santa Clarita, in partnership with the County of Los Angeles and public safety agencies, is urging residents to stay prepared and protect their families, pets and homes from the threat of wildfires.
June 20: Summer Fire Safety Press Conference
Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Connections Uniting Professionals (CUPs) Inc's After-Hours Networking Event. It's an event like no other and is open to the community.
June 30: CUPS After-Hours Networking
All For Kids is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
June 19: All For Kids Virtual Orientation on Foster Care, Adoption
City Cinemas in the Park will screen the film "The Wild Robot," Friday, June 27 at 8 p.m. at Bridgeport Park.
June 27: City Cinemas in the Park Presents ‘The Wild Robot’
Finally Family Homes is thrilled to invite you to its Southern Gospel Brunch Fundraiser Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Mitchell River House in Santa Clarita.
July 19: Southern Gospel Brunch Benefiting Finally Family Homes
Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates invite all to the grand re-opening ribbon, cutting ceremony and movie night of the newly reconstructed Acorn Amphitheater 6 p.m., Saturday, June 28.
June 28: Placerita Canyon Acorn Amphitheater Grand Re-Opening
Open Wings Theater Company has announced its innovative, queer interpretation of William Shakespeare's beloved comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," running weekends from June 13-29 at The Olive Branch at Valencia Town Center.
June 13-29: Open Wings Theater Presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Hart High Quarterback Club will host a car show and fundraiser supporting the Hart Football Program, Saturday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. June 14 at Hart High School.
June 14: Hart High Quarterback Club Car Show, Fundraiser
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger is urging residents who lost their houses in the Eaton Fire to take advantage of a newly launched mortgage relief program.
Mortgage Relief Program for Eaton Fire, Wildfire Survivors
Due to the ongoing demonstrations in the Downtown Los Angeles area, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector office will close in-person services at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 and at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 13, to keep staff and the public safe.
Through June 13: LA County Tax Collector Office Temporary Hours
SCVNews.com