“I am on a mission to help connect California veterans with services they may not know are available to them, as such as medical screenings, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment, and educational and job opportunities,” said Jeff, chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and a 16-year United States Air Force Veteran.

The State Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held two hearings in 2009 on the challenges facing returning veterans. What was found is that California and the federal government inadequately tracks veterans after they leave the military. The result is returning veterans can’t be properly informed about services available to them.

Operation: Vet Connect has a goal to add at least 30,000 of the over two million California veterans to the California Department of Veterans Affairs’ (CDVA) statewide database by spring 2010.

Veterans can be added to the database by simply filling out a Veteran Reintegration Form. There are a number of ways to get this form:

Online: CDVA has an online Veteran Reintegration Form available at www.cdva.ca.gov.

DMV / EDD Offices: CDVA is partnering with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Employment Development Department (EDD) to make forms available at local offices.

County Veteran Service Office: Call your county Veteran Service Office for a form. The phone number should be in the local government pages of your phone book.

“This is a huge undertaking and we need everyone’s help,” said Jeff. “If you're a veteran, I encourage you to get registered with the database. If you know anyone who's worn the uniform, please make sure they fill out the form. Our California veterans should be connected to all the services they are entitled to and deserve.”